New York Adventure Club

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1969416822732

Across Europe, the holiday season is more than lights and gifts — it's a cherished time when centuries-old traditions come to life through music, markets, and unforgettable flavors. What makes each region's celebration so distinct? From sipping warm vin chaud in a medieval square to listening to carols drift through candlelit cathedrals, it’s time to uncover the stories, rituals, and sensory magic that define a truly European Christmas.

Join New York Adventure Club for a festive four-part series exploring the sights, sounds, and spirit of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets and holiday traditions. In Part Four: Kraków, we’ll journey to Poland’s cultural capital to experience the rich folklore, festive warmth, and timeless beauty of one of Europe’s most atmospheric holiday destinations.

Led by tour guide Kelsey Betzelberger, this experience — featuring plenty of firsthand photo and video walkthroughs, intriguing anecdotes, and expert insights — will include:

• Main Market Square — A walk through Rynek Główny, Kraków’s historic heart, aglow with lights, towering trees, and stalls brimming with handmade treasures
• Polish Flavors — A taste of comforting seasonal fare like pierogi with mushrooms and cabbage, smoky oscypek cheese with cranberry, and warm grzaniec galicyjski mulled wine
• Szopki Krakowskie — A look at the city’s dazzling, UNESCO-recognized nativity cribs — miniature palaces crafted from foil, glass, and color, unique to Kraków
• Carols & Folk Music — An introduction to Poland’s Christmas soundtrack, blending church bells, folk instruments, and traditional kolędy sung in festive harmony
• Artisan Markets — A glimpse at the craftsmanship behind handmade wooden toys, ornaments, and decorations that reflect Poland’s deep creative traditions

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Kelsey — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay through one week after the entire series concludes.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

A Walk Through Christmas Markets of Europe Series
Part 1: Munich (Friday, December 5 @ 1:00pm ET)
Part 2: Strasbourg (Friday, December 12 @ 1:00pm ET)
Part 3: Brussels (Friday, December 19 @ 1:00pm ET)
Part 4: Kraków (Friday, December 26 @ 1:00pm ET)

About Kelsey
I'm Kelsey, from Explore with Kelsey, a passionate tour guide and expatriate opera singer originally from Chicago. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Northwestern University, I've traveled to 50 countries, and lived in Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, France, England, The Netherlands, and now Valencia, Spain, where I'm happily settled with my husband and our two cats. My mission is to share my love for exploration and cultural discovery with my fellow travelers, igniting curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the world's wonders.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Photo Credit: Main - Yevhenii Dubrovskyi, Top Right & Bottom Right - Rudolph Musngi
Categories: Virtual, Landmarks

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1978895464605

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. This is the complete history of the most perfect train terminal in the world.

Join New York Adventure Club as we embark on a virtual exploration of Grand Central Terminal — one of the most beautiful and famous train terminals on Planet Earth — and the two stations in the same location that preceded it.

Led by NYC Tour Guide Gary Dennis, our digital behind-the-scenes experience of 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
• A virtual trip to the M42 Substation, the terminal's power station located 13 stories below ground, and details surrounding the failed mission by German spies during WWII to infiltrate the site
• A discussion around Track 61, a secret train track connecting Grand Central Terminal and the Waldorf-Astoria
• 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
• Rare photos and videos from secret areas throughout the terminal, including the Tiffany Clock room, catwalks, and Operation Control Room

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Gary — any and all questions about Grand Central Terminal are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Gary

"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."

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1978895480653

While Newport, Rhode Island still contains a collection of mega mansions from over a century ago, a great many — from French inspired chateaux and Italian Palazzos to English Manors and even some castles — are gone and long forgotten. That's because by the 1930s, many were already neglected and boarded up by their descendants, who weren't interested in assuming the costly expenses of then out-of-fashion residences. What are the stories behind these magnificent properties destroyed by fire, demolition, and abandonment? And who were the original owners who once called them home? It's time to uncover the compelling history of some of Newport's most spectacular private properties that are no longer standing.

Join New York Adventure Club as we uncover the history and legacy of a collection of lost Gilded Age mansions and estates from Newport, Rhode Island — America’s most famous summer resort city during the Gilded Age.

Led by historian, architect, and author Gary Lawrance, our virtual exploration of Newport's lost mansions through rare vintage photos will include:

• A look at the magnificent Whiteholme Estate — built in 1902 for railroad heiress Mary Garrett Jacobs by architect John Russell Pope as an Italian style villa, this residence overlooked elaborate gardens with statuary, clipped yews and abundant flowers
• Numerous period photos of Castlewood — built in 1905 for banking heiress Josephine Bruguière by architect Edward Payson Whitman, this red brick Georgian mansion — which sat on a high hill in the northern section of the city — had sumptuous interiors expected of a Newport summer residence
• A discussion of Villa Rosa — built in 1901 for Wall Street Banker, E. Rollins Morse by architect Ogden Codman, the interiors were notable for their simple French design and a circular ballroom with the early use of lattice and mirrors
• A deep dive into Lippitt’s Castle — built in 1899 by architect R. H. Robertson for Charles W. Lippitt, the 44th Governor of Rhode Island, this castle by the sea was a Newport landmark for most the of the Gilded Age
• A then-and-now look at the former private properties and what eventually replaced them

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Gary — any and all questions about the lost mansions of Gilded Age Newport are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Gary
Architect, Author, and Historian Gary Lawrance is an architect from Stony Brook, New York. His firm, Lawrance Architectural Presentations, provides design presentations, architectural models, digital renderings, and design development services to architects, landscape architects and interior designers.
Mr. Lawrance has an extensive background in the history of Gilded Age architecture, landscapes, and society, and co-authored the bestselling book, “Houses of the Hamptons 1880-1930” with Anne Surchin (Acanthus Press 2007, Revised 3rd Printing 2013).
Mr. Lawrance’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, Newsday, New York Social Diary, Southampton Press, and more. Mr. Lawrance has written for Architectural Digest, Dan’s Papers, Quest magazine, and his two blogs, Mansions of the Gilded Age and Houses of the Hamptons in addition to founding and contributing to the two very successful Facebook groups, Mansions of the Gilded Age & The Gilded Age Society with over 160,000 members combined. Mr. Lawrance also manages two equally popular Instagram accounts, Mansions of the Gilded Age & The Gilded Age Society.

Testimonials
"I loved seeing all the old photos." -Andrea
"Pictures, since mansions no longer exist." -Catherine
"I was able to see the great estates on the North Shore of Long Island that are gone." -Laura
"Gary Lawrence's webinars are always so well researched and the images he shares are very compelling." -Carolyn
"I enjoyed being able to learn about estates that I did not knew existed as well as learning about the families who occupied the estates." -Teresa
"Being very familiar with the subject of this webinar, I was most impressed by the number of mansions presented never before featured or that I was personally aware of. It provides a platform for further study and research into this topic. Additionally, I enjoy how the presenter is able to expand upon previous webinars to focus on new mansions." -Matthew
"The speaker was great! He covered a lot of material and properties." -Lisa
"Historic facts and photos. I enjoyed his personal stories." -Natasha
"The content; knowledgeable presenter." -Lisa
"Wonderful photographs that accompanied the chat." -Susan
"I love the photos and stories, Gary knows so much!" -Ellen
"Loved the photos and personal details about the families and times." -Paul
"The presenter's enthusiasm." -Rick
"The pace and the breadth of material shown, including the narration." -Rick
"Historical information and pictures of mansions." -Susan
"I always enjoy Gary's knowledge and presentation." -Judy
"I found it fascinating." -Ellen
"You always take away new information from these programs." -Susan
"All the pictures." -Patty
"I love the photographs, information about the mansions." -Joel
"Presenter was very knowledgeable and interesting. Enjoyed this very much!" -Laurie
"All the photos of the mansions and the maps." -Isabelle
"I know present-day Newport pretty well, so it was very interesting to learn about the great houses that one were part of it." -Jan
"I loved the pictures and history behind them. The maps and postcards were very interesting." -Lisa
"The extensive work that Gary has done to acquire all those vintage photos." -Robert
"The extremely interesting content and how it was presented." -Gabrielle
"I really enjoy the subject matter and I liked the ease of use." -Rachel
"I like everything about it." -Anna
" I have been to Newport and visited the mansions 15-20 years ago. It was wonderful to learn about the homes that were no longer standing. Excellent presentation." -Lisette
" Interesting stories. Never seen buildings." -Ed
" I was interested in the topic. Since these were lost houses, I liked that the presenter included why the buildings were demolished, and what was there now." -Danny
" Loved all the research that went into the event!" -Marty
" The presenter was very knowledgeable and did a great job in the Q&A" -Anna
" The topic and thoroughness of the presentation." -Richard
"Extremely informative. Loved the backstories on the various people. Enjoyed everything about it. Look forward to the next one." -Roger
"Fascinating history...I had not known of the the houses that were presented -- it's fascinating to think they existed and then were torn down and disappeared -- all that history lost." -Ken
"I love Gary’s webinars, I love everything about them." -Cara
"Gary Lawrence has in depth knowledge of architecture and the gilded age topic and presents the lecture very clearly." -Fanny
"I love the speaker's historical knowledge of the area, the homes, and the families that lived there." -Vega
"I’ve never been to Newport so all the presented history was new to me. It was fascinating" -Wendy
"Presenter is very knowledgeable and I enjoy his webinars" -Lennie

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Gilded Age

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1978895638124

This is a re-aired recording of this program’s most recent live webinar. Once the viewing period ends, this recording will not be offered again for at least one year.

Victorian America (1837–1901) saw significant changes in many aspects of life, but arguably one of the most profound shifts was the way people cooked and organized their kitchens. How did kitchens during this period become a hub of activity with an emphasis on traditional cooking methods and formal meal preparations? It's time to uncover the era's technological and social developments that forever changed cooking in America.

Join New York Adventure Club as we get a behind-the-scenes look inside the Victorian American kitchen, from 'radical' new layouts, designs, and décor; to innovative kitchen tools and cooking methods still used in some form today.

Led by author and food historian Becky Libourel Diamond, our unique experience will include:

• A n overview of American cooking before the Victorian Era and what kinds of foods people ate (and why)
• The footprint and organization of a Victorian kitchen, including the significance of aesthetics like decorative tiles, patterned wallpaper, and ornate light fixtures
• A discussion behind some of the era's most notable innovations, such as the cast-iron stove, baking powder, baking chocolate, the rotary eggbeater, and ice cream makers
• The functionality behind Victorian kitchen tools and gadgets, with an emphasis on the era’s labor-saving devices such as meat grinders, butter churns, and apple peelers
• New ways foods were preserved, from re-designed cold pantries to novel canning and preserving techniques
• The rise of formal dining at home with a look at the kitchen hierarchy and roles amongst staff
• Discovering how recipes began to evolve during this period from a single paragraph to the more detailed format of precise measurements and instructions seen today

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Becky
Becky Libourel diamond is a writer, librarian, and research historian. She has been writing about food since 2008, parlaying her passion for food and history into the publication of The Gilded Age Cookbook (August 2023), The Thousand Dollar Dinner and Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America’s First Cooking School. Her current project is Process: A History of Processed Food. She lives in Yardley, PA.

Testimonials
"Presentation was well paced, I loved the images and certainly learned a lot" - Julie
"I love the history, the recipes, which I had no knowledge of all of the different gadgets that were created during that time, the social history of why they did what they did, and who was involved, how ingredients got created, and used for the first time, and the photos made it all come alive. Becky did a great presentation. I don’t know how it could be any better. I learned so much in so many categories. I have been on many tours of Historic combs, but I didn’t know the purpose of much of what was in there only viewed it and knew that it existed, but there were so many new things in this presentation That I didn’t ever see before. I had no idea how people cooked then. I find it fascinating to see how historical events evolve into their next stage and keep evolving up to the present. I look forward to Becky‘s next presentation." -Guest
"As a cook and baker, I found this really interesting. The amount of information was just right, and encompassed many aspects of the subject." -Nicola
"Really fun and interesting topic and the presenter was great." -Kitt
"Liked the different aspect of Victorian life being presented" -Dot
"Becky’s presentations are always great. Excellent content and organized in an engaging manner. I am looking forward to the thousand-dollar dinner webinar." -Donna
"Her passion for her topic really came through in her talk, which my soul really responds too (which is why I signed up for the talk!). She was so knowledgable and prepared!" -Jennifer
"[I liked the] photographs, identifying the tools, evolution of kitchen equipment" -Joel
"Everything! I'm a history buff and a foodie, making this event especially enjoyable. I loved learning about the evolution of the kitchen and food-making processes, equipment, standardization of measurements, and more. This was my favorite NYAC event to date." -Jennifer

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Food & Drink