New York Adventure Club

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1979308306426

What's so special about New York City's neighborhood of Belmont, you ask? From over 30 mom & pop shops along Arthur Avenue serving everything from tantalizing cheeses and sausages to warm bread and freshly-filled cannoli — to being home to a world-premiere zoo, botanical garden, and university — this Italian community is steeped in history, not to mention some of the best food in the Big Apple. But how did this Bronx neighborhood go from a rural enclave to a lively hub for food, arts, and culture? It's time to hit the streets of the "old neighborhood" and understand why it has a special place in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of Italian-Americans in the metropolitan area.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore and taste our way through the Bronx neighborhood of Belmont, a close-knit neighborhood dating back centuries that's home to dozens of eateries showcasing the authentic tastes of Italy, earning it the reputation of the "Real" Little Italy of New York City.

Led by Susan Mills Birnbaum — licensed NYC tour guide, food lover, and history buff — our cultural and culinary experience around Belmont and its eateries along Arthur Avenue will include:

• A custom-made NY Adventure Club route of Belmont's diverse neighborhood and cultural landmarks
• Tastings and treats from several delightful eateries along Arthur Avenue, including homemade pasta, sausage, pastries, and more
• A cheesemaking demo inside the historic Arthur Avenue Market
• The contributions of the Lorillard family to the neighborhood, along with those of immigrants who built some of the neighborhood's most iconic institutions and local establishments
• A peek inside Italian establishments on Arthur Avenue, ranging from butchers and delis, to cheese shops and fishmongers, to bakeries and bread shops
• Stories of the “survivors” — the 3rd, 4th, or even 5th generation family-owned shops
• A discussion of the recent arrivals on the culinary scene including Albanian and Mexican fare

See you there!

*Your ticket includes tastings at every eatery on the tour

**Please bring water and a pair of comfortable shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the duration of the tour

***This experience ends at 189th St and Arthur Avenue

****Eateries are subject to change

Transportation

*Please double check train departure times the day before as schedules can shift due to track work.

By Public Transit: Take a Metro-North train on the Harlem or New Haven Line to Fordham Station — the meeting location is steps away from the exit. Since this experience takes place on a weekend, be sure to purchase a Metro-North CityTicket for $5, which allows for inter-NYC travel for $5 flat.

About Susan

Susan Mills Birnbaum, owner and operator of SusanSez NYC Walkabouts, is a native New Yorker obsessed with its history and food. Since 2002, Susan has been a licensed NYC Sightseeing Guide. She is also a member of the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC).

She’s had a lifelong interest in history (earning her Bachelors in History from Hunter College), is a member of many NYC historical societies, and volunteers as a docent at the Museum of the City of New York.

Along with history, Susan has a true passion for people (earning her Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University) and loves nothing more than to share with tourists and natives alike the best food, shopping, art, and architecture of her “hometown.”

Susan’s love for New York is infectious and her tours surprise even native New Yorkers who find themselves discovering its untold history. Taking a tour with this quirky and witty New Yorker is a sure way to explore the little-known treasures that make her “backyard” the most vibrant city in the world.

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

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

Categories: In-Person, Food & Drink

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1979308301411

It's right there under your feet, you probably ride it every day, but how much do you really know about New York City's subway system? It's time to explore one of the oldest and largest public transit systems in the world.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the history of the New York City subway system — opened in 1904 with a single line serving 28 stations, the City of New York's subway system has since grown to encompass 472 stations and over 245 miles of tracks, serving nearly 6 million riders per day.

Led by transit expert and licensed tour guide Gary Dennis, our subterranean exploration from Brooklyn Bridge — City Hall station to Grand Central Terminal will include:

-An overview of New York public transportation back in the 1800s , and why The Great Blizzard of 1888 was the catalyst for a subway system

-The history and inside story of the creation of the original 1904 subway line , and how it grew into the most extensive transportation system in the world

-A closer look at the art, architecture, and secrets hiding in plain sight of stations including Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall, Astor Place, and Times Square

-A glimpse of Old City Hall Station from the 6 train, the crown jewel of the subway system, which closed in 1945

Our experience will conclude in the Grand Central Terminal food concourse, which has food and drinks available for purchase!

Check out pictures from one of our last Underground Manhattan tours!

See you there!

*Since our tour starts outside, a MetroCard swipe will be needed to enter the subway system

**Please bring water, snacks, and comfortable shoes as we’ll be on our feet for most of the tour

***The MTA requires a facial mask at all times once you enter the system

***This tour does not access the Old City Hall Station platform or any restricted areas

****This tour concludes at Grand Central Terminal

*****The exact meeting location is shared in the 'additional information' section of the confirmation email, which is sent immediately upon registration

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

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1979308308432

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

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1980200230194

While the original 1910 Penn Station and most of its architectural glory was razed in 1963, remnants of its awe-inspiring past still remain...if you know where to look. What's the significance of these artifacts hiding in plain sight, and what plans are in the works to transform the station and immediate area back to its former role as an iconic gateway to New York? With the help of a former transit planner, it's time to explore the past, present, and future of North America’s busiest railroad station like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we uncover the secret history of New York Penn Station and the surrounding area, from remnants dating back to the original 1910 station to the new Moynihan Train Hall inside the former flagship building of the United States Postal Service.

Led by licensed guide and urban planner Rayn Riel, our unique transit experience will include:

• An overview of the history of Penn Station with opportunities to compare current vantage points with those from inside the famously demolished original structure
• A visit to 1910 Penn Station artifacts hiding in plain sight underneath the world’s largest business district, from historic staircases to glass-block flooring
• A discussion of how the station accommodates the country's three busiest commuter railroads
• A walk through the new Moynihan Train Hall across the street and its ongoing plans to help ease commuter congestion
• Future development plans for the area, which will include an extension of the High Line as well as the planned development of two new train tunnels between New York and New Jersey

Our experience will conclude at Herald Square, which used to be connected to Penn Station by an underground passageway (and may be again soon!).

See you there!

*Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking and stair-climbing

**This tour visits areas open to the public and does not access restricted areas

***This tour concludes at Herald Square

About Rayn Riel

Rayn is a big believer in big cities and fascinated by the urban transportation infrastructure that supports such levels of density and dynamism. He is from NYC and has worked for MTA NYC Transit as well as the NYC water utility (DEP) & Sanitation Department. He is an AICP certified urban planner and is a licensed NYC tour guide, as well as a member of the Guides Association of NYC (GANYC) and Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT-NYC).

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