New York Adventure Club

Tickets: $39.98 ( incl. $4.98 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1978161463187

Wedged between a tiny linen store and discount clothing outlet in the heart of Jamaica, Queens, is a former theater that — at first look — appears equally unassuming. Though just beyond the front doors is one of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in all of New York. It's time to explore one of New York's greatest hidden gems like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive look inside the historic landmarked Loew’s Valencia Theatre in Queens, one of the five Loew’s “wonder theatre” movie palaces built in the New York City area between 1929-1930.

Led by a member of the Tabernacle of Prayer for All People, the church that has maintained the building since the 1970s, our unique experience at this opulent theatre will include:

• A discussion around the history and story of the Valencia Theatre, from once being the most successful movie theatre in Queens to its acquisition by the Tabernacle of Prayer for All People in 1979
• A walkthrough of the original lobby, parlors, and hallways
• A closer look inside the main 3,554-seat auditorium, which is decorated in a mix of Spanish Colonial and pre-Columbian styles
• An incredibly rare opportunity to see the theatre's atmospheric ceiling in action, with its hundreds of flickering lights representing a starry night

Click here to see pictures from one of our previous visits to Valencia Theatre.
See you there!

*Please

Transportation
By Subway: Take the F train to the 169th street station — theatre is an 8-minute walk away. OR, take the E, J, or Z train to Jamaica Center - Parsons/Archer Station — theatre is a 10-minutes walk away.
B y Train: Take the Long Island Rail Road to Jamaica Center - Parsons/Archer Station. Theatre is a 10-minute walk away.
By Car: Limited parking is available around the neighborhood — allow extra time to find a spot.

Testimonials
"The host was amazing." -Peter
"A very detailed look and talk about this histroic interior" -Leonard
"Just getting access to the venue and being able to see the design, construction and ornamentation." -Charles
"We had a great guide and I appreciated the extent of access we were given." -Michelle
"Beautiful theatre in an unexpected place. Fantastic guide who’s passion about the place really showed. And a great group of people on the tour." -Lindsay
"It was great to be able to visit this wonderful place in a informative and relaxed atmosphere." -Thomas
"The woman who led the tour really knew the history of the theater and obviously cared about it. Plus it's a fabulous building." -Beth
"I just loved it. Very personal. Lots of good detail. Gave us plenty of time." -Jeanne
"Beautiful facility, lovely staff." -Myrna
"It was one of the best tours of this type that I ever attended." -Erwin
"Our guide was amazing. Her love of the theatre building was contagious" -Richard
"The sincerity and enthusiasm of the tour guide, the charm of her young cohorts assisting on the tour, and the theater itself." -Robin
"Organization of the tour and the ability to explore the theater without being hurried through" -Matthew
"Very unique and not too long" -Chris
"The Valencia is in pristine condition, lovingly cared for by the church that owns and operates it. Our church-employee guide was knowledgeable and charming. All New Yorkers who appreciate the history of our amazing city should take this tour!" -Marcy
"The host and info were excellent." -Matthew T.
"I liked that we got to take a tour of a beautiful landmark in NYC" -Kimberly
"The opportunity to see this architectural gem , normally not accesible to the public, being a church and also located far off thhe beaten track." -Gabriela
"It’s history and incredible preservation of the place. Truly a “wonder” theater!" -Mary
"Fascinating building and history. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guides" -Katherine

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Theatre Tours

Tickets: $39.98 ( incl. $4.98 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to register for this event:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1976739687618

Beyond the Manhattan skyline lies a neighborhood where Brooklyn’s grandest homes quietly rival the Gilded Age mansions of Fifth Avenue. How did Park Slope’s tree-lined enclave become one of New York’s crown jewels of historic architecture and civic pride? It’s time to hit the streets and uncover the timeless beauty of this iconic neighborhood.

Join New York Adventure Club for a stroll through Park Slope, Brooklyn, a neighborhood shaped by industrial magnates, master architects, and the sweeping beauty of Prospect Park.

Led by licensed New York City Tour Guide Ann McDermott, this unique experience will include:

• A walk past the historic Montauk Club, featuring Venetian-inspired architecture and friezes of George Washington and Native Americans
• A look at the famous "Chicklet House," once home to the creator of Chicklets gum and said to be haunted by lingering spirits
• An overview of C.P.H. Gilbert’s early residential works, showcasing the designs of the architect behind some of Manhattan’s most iconic buildings
• A glimpse at the corner where Charles Feltman, inventor of the Coney Island Hot Dog, lived, along with historic photos of his grand estate
• Stories of Park Slope’s incredible homes along Prospect Park West, and the rich history behind them, including presidential visits and notable developers

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the duration of the experience
**This tour concludes at Park Place and 7th Avenue, around the corner from the 7th Avenue station (Q / B Train) next to Antionio’s wonderful Brooklyn pizza place

About Ann
Ann McDermott, was born and raised in Park Slope. She spent her childhood exploring Prospect Park and going to the Grand Army Plaza library, the Brooklyn Museum, the Botanic Gardens and of course Zoo. She'll give you a unique insight into a bit of the history of the neighborhood as well as how lovely it was to have friends who lived in some of those mansions.

Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Tickets: $55.80 ( incl. $5.80 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to register for this event:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1977300168030

For over 10 years inside his Upper East Side apartment, one celebrated entertainer and author has been hosting one of New York's best kept secrets: an under-the-radar jazz experience complete with a rare blend of soul-stirring performances, rich conversations, and home-cooked hospitality. This is more than a concert — it’s an invitation into the heart of a New York jazz tradition where elegance meets soulful tunes. Get ready for an "only in New York" music experience like no other.

Join New York Adventure Club for a sophisticated and intimate jazz experience in the heart of the Upper East Side that celebrates authentic old school Black American Jazz and Blues, blending world-class live music with the warmth of a home-cooked BBQ dinner that will make you feel right at home.

Hosted by JaRon Eames — acclaimed jazz and blues vocalist, archivist, and author of Historical Jazz Conversations — this unforgettable afternoon in his East 80s home will include:

• Rare access inside JaRon's cozy and eclectic private Upper East Side parlor
• A live jazz performance featuring JaRon Eames alongside suprise special guests such as pianist Les Kurtz
• A home-cooked BBQ dinner (brought right to your lap!) including Creole Shrimp & Rice, Salad, Cornbread, BBQ Chicken, and dessert
• Complimentary wine throughout the event
• An exclusive book signing of JaRon Eames’ acclaimed 600-page jazz history tome, Historical Jazz Conversations (book sold separately)
• Fascinating conversations with about jazz history, culture, and stories

Whether you're a longtime jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, this special Sunday event will transport you to the golden age of jazz, all while creating new memories with like-minded music lovers.
Don’t miss this unique celebration of community, music, and culture — see you there!

*This experience is located inside a private residence in the East 80s — the exact address will be revealed in the confirmation email.
**Please be respectful of the property and do not share the location with others.
***Please note that the residence is located up one flight of stairs.
****Doors open at 2:00pm, jazz begins around 3:00pm.

Click here for a preview of the experience 📽️

About JaRon Eames
JaRon Eames is a celebrated jazz and blues vocalist, archivist, and author, renowned for his dedication to preserving the legacy of Black American music. With a career spanning around four decades, JaRon has performed alongside legendary musicians such as Doc Cheatham, Harold Mabern, and Dorothy Donegan, gracing iconic stages from the Apollo Theater to Berlin’s vibrant jazz scene. As the host of The JaRon Eames Show, a jazz and blues talk show, he has archived the stories of some of the greatest names in the genre, including Nancy Wilson and Joe Williams.
A Louisiana native, JaRon’s passion for jazz has taken him around the globe, but his mission remains rooted in celebrating the timeless art of "swinging saloon singing." Now based in New York City, he continues to inspire audiences with his unforgettable performances, rich storytelling, and deep love for the jazz tradition.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. ID will be checked at door.
Ticket price is for a book signing with complimentary jazz performances, food, and beverages.
Categories: In-Person, Activities

Tickets: $39.98 ( incl. $4.98 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1977300381669

Over the past century, Grand Central Terminal has captivated people from around the world with its architectural beauty, unique brick and mortar eateries, and endless transit possibilities. It’s also full of secrets — from being the target of a failed Nazi sabotage mission during WWII to containing hidden areas that keep it and its train traffic running each day. It's time to explore one of the most perfect train terminals in the world like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we venture through Grand Central Terminal — one of the most beautiful and famous train terminals on Planet Earth — along with the new Grand Central Madison LIRR station located 150 feet underground.

Led by NYC Tour Guide Gary Dennis, our unique ground-level and subterranean experience through this urban wonder of the world will include:

• The history of New York Central, the company that built Grand Central Terminal as well as the two preceding incarnations of the terminal built at the same location (third time's a charm!)
• The incredible story of how Grand Central Terminal escaped the wrecking ball, and what the Landmarks Preservation Commission, Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and the United States Supreme Court had to do with it
• Mysteries of the terminal revealed including why there's a hole in the ceiling, how artists messed-up one of its most defining artworks, and how to find its hidden cocktail lounge
• A trip 15 stories down to the 700,000 square foot Grand Central Madison to visit incredible new works of art — opened in 2023, this LIRR station was the final piece of East Side Access, a decades-long infrastructure project that finally brought Long Island Rail Road trains to Grand Central Terminal
• Rare photos from secret areas throughout the terminal, including the Tiffany Clock room, catwalks, and more

See you there!

**Please wear comfortable shoes as we’ll be on our feet for most of the tour

***This tour does not access any restricted areas

About Gary Dennis

"I am a native New Yorker, NY subway aficionado, and product of an insanely competitive family of "know it alls". My parents, younger brothers, and I all love New York City history, and to get some parental attention I had to be historically correct and entertaining at the same time.

"I love this city and all its peculiarities, and I love sharing it with newcomers, returning visitors or native New Yorkers— I'll tell you these and other fascinating things you never knew about this amazing place I call home because 'there are 8 million stories in the naked city' and I will share with you as many as possible."

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours