What we’re about
NEW YORK ADVENTURE CLUB
UNLOCK YOUR CITY
We give you insider access to the city’s best-kept secrets. But we’re so much more than a tour company.
WHO WE ARE
We are a community-driven club that curates the most unique experiences in town, with a focus on history and storytelling. We show you a city you never knew existed, and offer a community you can’t live without.
You won’t find our special-access tours and exclusive events anywhere else. Think after-hours tours of New York City’s most celebrated spaces, themed parties in unexpected locations, and weekend excursions to incredible destinations. All of our events end with social hangouts so you can meet people who love exploring as much as you do.
THE ‘CLUB’ IN NEW YORK ADVENTURE CLUB
Our current community is more than 50,000 members strong and includes everyone from recent NYC transplants to lifelong residents. Whatever borough you’re from (or city or country, for that matter), we’ll make it easy for you to take full advantage of the unique places and great people this city has to offer.
WHERE WE GO
To ensure a one-of-a-kind experience each and every time, we hand pick events and outings specifically for the New York Adventure Club community. Recent events include:
* An after-hours tour of New York City Hall
* Special access into some of New York's most coveted private social clubs, including the Explorers Club and National Arts Club
* Petting baby kangaroos, holding sloths, and feeding leopards at Staten Island Zoo
* A behind-the-scenes exploration of the Woolworth Building with the building manager
* An NYPD Precinct tour, including a meet-and-greet with detectives and Emergency Service Unit crew members
* A tour of the Polish Consulate led by the Consul General and Vice Consul General of Poland
* An after-hours flashlight tour of Green-Wood Cemetery and catacombs
* A special-access tour of Brookhaven National Laboratory and its Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC)
* A Halloween party in a historic gothic crypt, complete with a five-piece brass band
Visit our site for a look at our upcoming adventures.
For now, our experiences are based in and around NYC, but we plan to expand to other cities soon.
QUESTIONS?
Drop us a line at support@nyadventureclub.com and we’ll happily answer.
Unlock Your City with New York Adventure Club.
P.S. - Sign up with our weekly newsletter to stay up to date with interesting events around town!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 'Battle of Brooklyn: The Dramatic Start to the American Revolution' WebinarLink visible for attendees$12.00
Tickets: $12 (includes access to the full replay for one week)
Click the link below to officially register for this experience:
On August 27, 1776, roughly 30,000 British soldiers and Hessian mercenaries under the command of General William Howe landed on the shores of Brooklyn to undertake a swift defeat of General Washington's ragtag Continental Army of only 10,000 troops. But thanks to stealthy tactics, a courageous militia, and a little bit of luck, the American forces were able to fight another battle and eventually win the war. From Denyse Point under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Brooklyn Ferry at the foot of Fulton Street, it's time to uncover the untold stories and hidden secrets of Brooklyn's battlegrounds, where the fate of a nation hung in the balance.
Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the vital role played by the geography of Brooklyn during the Battle of Brooklyn (also known as the Battle of Long Island), the first major battle of the American Revolutionary War following the Declaration of Independence.
Led by native Brooklynite Ann McDermott, our virtual experience surrounding the dramatic conflict will include:
- The site of the first skirmish in a watermelon patch located at the intersection of Martense Road and the Gowanus Road
- A discussion surrounding Battle Hill, Brooklyn's highest point and witness the bloodiest part of the conflict where American and British forces clashed in a struggle for dominance
- A look at the site in Prospect Park where General John Sullivan's American troops faced encirclement by English and Hessian forces, marking a pivotal moment in the battle's outcome
- The historic Gowanus Creek waterway, now a canal, where American soldiers made a perilous crossing (with some meeting tragic fates)
- A survey of the remnants of Fort Defiance in Red Hook, where American artillery turned the tide against the British navy, altering the course of the battle
- Paying homage to fallen soldiers from both sides at a hidden and unmarked burial site in Red Hook, a solemn reminder of the human cost of war
- A reflection on the bravery of Marylanders led by Major Mordecai Gist, who made their stand in the face of British aggression at the historic Old Stone House landmark
- Honoring the memory of Revolutionary War patriots interred at Fort Greene Park, where over 11,500 souls rest in eternal peace
- The miraculous escape of Washington's troops from Brooklyn Ferry to Manhattan in the dead of night into a foggy morning
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A session with Ann — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
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 Ann
Ann McDermott, a native Brooklynite, was born down the block from where the battle happened and spent her early years playing in Prospect Park without really understanding the significance of what happened there, but now can help you understand how important this battle was to the birth of America.Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Moments in History - 'Sinatra! Examining the Man and His Music' WebinarNeeds location$12.00
Tickets: $12 (includes access to the full replay for one week)
Click the link below to officially register for this experience:
What made Frank Sinatra — aka Ol' Blue Eyes, The Chairman of the Board, The Voice — tick? This is the story of how one seemingly ordinary Italian kid from Hoboken, New Jersey learned to craft his raw musical talent and demeanor to become one of the world's greatest musical icons of his generation, and century.
Join New York Adventure Club as we examine the life and music of legendary singer and performer Frank Sinatra, and how his musicianship, unerring instinct, and New York chutzpah made him into one of the greatest musical figures of the 20th century.
Led by award-winning author Will Friedwald — who penned Sinatra! The Song Is You, considered the most essential book ever published on Sinatra — our virtual exploration of Frank Sinatra filled with copious visuals and iconic performances on video will include:
- Commentary on the origin story of Frank Sinatra, from his upbringing as an only child of Italian immigrants in Hoboken, to how a nobody from New Jersey made himself into the most celebrated entertainer in show business, and the most famous man in the world — more than once
- The evolution of the Sinatra sound, from the big band of the war years to the lushly-romantic of later generations
- A discussion around Sinatra’s great colleagues and collaborators, including the legendary Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Gordon Jenkins, and others
- Behind-the-scenes stories of Sinatra in the recording studio, gleaned from the musicians themselves
- Rare classic video clips of Sinatra singing his essential signature songs, pivotal to telling his unique story
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Will — any and all questions about Frank Sinatra 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 Will
Will Friedwald is a featured arts writer for The Wall Street Journal and Vanity Fair, and the award-winning author of ten books on music and popular culture, including the new Straighten Up and Fly Right: The Life and Music of Nat King Cole, as well as A Biographical Guide To The Great Jazz And Pop Singers, Sinatra: The Song Is You, Stardust Melodies, Tony Bennett: The Good Life, Looney Tunes & Merrie Melodies, and Jazz Singing. He has written over 600 liner notes for compact discs, received ten Grammy nominations, and appears frequently on television and other documentaries. He is also a consultant and curator for Apple Music.Testimonials
"Will is an encyclopedia of knowledge on the subject, and a wonderful storyteller. Nice, interested chat as he spoke." -Mary Lois
"I liked the combination of great clips and Will’s amazing background info!" -Norman
"I learned a great deal about the development of American music and about Mr. Sinatra's character that corrected several incorrect impressions that I had about him." -Carol
"I feel more confident about my knowledge of Sinatra and why he really was so talented. The secrets that made him great. Enjoyed the event!" -Josie
"Will was a great storyteller with well organized information. Loved all the musical clips!" -Susan
"Speaker was very knowledgeable and his enthusiasm for the topic made this a fun event to watch." -Paula
"Excellent presentation by Will, and tremendous dialog in the chat session." -Kenneth
"I love Sinatra and finding out about him. The event was informative and had interesting film clips and details." -Deborah
"I loved all the details - but the best of all were the performance clips! I really needed to just make the world go away for a bit and this was completely delightful. What a great night!" -Jean
"I liked Will's passion for Sinatra and knowledge. Made him come alive! Excellent presentation." -Linda
"Great tidbits about the people Sinatra collaborated with and the nuances of his music" -Virginia
"Detailed inside info from a true knowledgeable expert" -Elmer
"Will's extensive knowledge of Sinatra" -Ross
"Loved the music - and the presenter was terrific, so knowledgeable and passionate about his subject matter. Nothing more to add - except it was a delightful evening. It was so worthwhile - informative and just great music." -Maureen
"Personal stories, the songs. Well done, thank you!" -Steven
"Presenting a comprehensive overview of the life of Frank Sinatra. A good blend of discussion, photographs, and video clips." -Ken
"Enthusiastic, well-informed speaker. Felt like I was having a chat with a friend who knew what he was talking about" -Laurie
"The host was warm and knowledgeable and chose interesting and unique visual clips and great songs" -Marlene
"The insights Will gave about the background of the events and the evaluation on how Frank Sinatra delivered the song and how the arrangers made the old songs fresh and different. This presentation shows depth that I appreciated about a song stylist who was a personage during his lifetime." -Maryann
"I learned a lot. Especially about his parents and the circumstances surrounding the day of his birth. Will was very informed and obviously a true fan. He did an excellent job." -BarryDisclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
This event is an educational presentation organized by New York Adventure Club and is not affiliated with the Estate of Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, or any other affiliated rights holders. Our event is a fan-inspired experience celebrating the life, music, and legacy of Frank Sinatra. Any references to Frank Sinatra, his recordings, or likeness are made solely for educational and entertainment purposes, and no official endorsement or sponsorship is implied. Frank Sinatra and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Categories: Virtual, Arts & Entertainment - 'Architecture of Global Marketplaces, Part 3: Malls of Modernity' WebinarNeeds location$12.00
Tickets: $12 (includes access to the full replay for one week)
Click the link below to officially register for this experience:
The urge to shop is as old as civilization itself — but how did we go from makeshift markets in dusty town squares to grand indoor spaces brimming with color, chatter, and commerce? What secrets lie behind the arches of ancient bazaars and the glass-roofed arcades of European capitals? Get ready to journey through centuries of architectural innovation that transformed the simple act of buying into an immersive, global experience.
Join New York Adventure Club for a three-part series exploring the evolution of shopping spaces around the world, and how architecture, culture, and commerce came together to shape modern retail as we know it. In Part Three: Malls of Modernity, we'll trace how technological innovation and suburban expansion led to a bold new era of retail — one defined by convenience, car culture, and colossal shopping centers.
Led by architectural historian David V. Griffin of Landmark Branding, this digital showcase featuring a selection of unique structures will include:
- Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, the first automotive-oriented shopping center
- The development of the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles, a prototype for suburban commercial strips
- The Expressionist department stores of Germany, and their influence on postwar mall architecture
- The rise of the suburban branch store, reshaping retail access and consumer behavior
- The decline of urban department stores, and the modern resurgence of local boutiques and farmers’ markets
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with David — any and all questions about these unique buildings 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!Architecture of Global Marketplaces Series
Part 1: Temples of Trade (Wednesday, June 4)
Part 2: Palaces of Plenty (Wednesday, June 11)
Part 3: Malls of Modernity (Wednesday, June 18)About David Griffin
A seasoned public speaker and tireless professional strategist, Griffin’s nearly 25 years’ experience in publicity, programming, writing and research is matched by his encyclopedic knowledge of real estate, architecture and design. His clients include developers, brokers and marketing companies as well as architects and design firms.
Griffin is Special Consultant to and a regularly appearing featured guest on the soon-to-be relaunched podcast Rediscovering New York, hosted by Jeff Goodman of Brown Stevens Harris; Griffin’s writing has appeared in Real Estate Weekly, Metropolis, Dwell and the National Trust’s Preservation Magazine and he is a featured contributor to Brownstoner. He is currently at work on several fiction and non-fiction projects.
Griffin graduated from Vassar College with a double major in English & Art History and has recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as the President Emeritus of the Vassar College Croquet Club. He has also served on the Events Committees for the Vassar Club of New York, the historic Montauk Club in Park Slope and the Young Patrons of The American Friends of the Louvre.Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment - 'A Walk Through Enchanted Alsace, Part 2: Riquewihr' WebinarLink visible for attendees$12.00
Tickets: $12 (includes access to the full replay for one week)
Click the link below to officially register for this experience:
Tucked between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, Alsace is a cultural crossroads where French flair meets German tradition — and every village looks like it leapt from the pages of a fairy tale. How did this northeastern French region become so steeped in charm, with timber-framed houses, flower-filled balconies, and legendary wines at every turn? From spiral medieval streets to Renaissance libraries, it's time to uncover the unforgettable towns that bring Alsace’s story to life.
Join New York Adventure Club for a captivating six-part series through the enchanting towns of Alsace, packed with medieval marvels, cultural treasures, hidden wine route gems, and storybook charm around every corner. In Part Two: Riquewihr, we’ll journey into a fortified winemaking village where painted façades, turreted towers, and vineyard views preserve the elegance of a bygone age.
Led by tour guide Kelsey Betzelberger, this experience — featuring plenty of firsthand photo and video walkthroughs, intriguing anecdotes, and expert insights — will include:
- Riquewihr’s Medieval Streets & Painted Façades — A look at the narrow cobbled lanes and elaborately decorated 16th-century houses that earned the village its reputation as one of Alsace’s most photogenic gems
- The Dolder Tower & Town Fortifications — An exploration of Riquewihr’s medieval defensive structures and the panoramic vineyard views from its hilltop watchtower
- The Riesling Legacy & Wine Culture — A discussion around the village’s crown jewel grape, its mineral-rich terroir, and the generations of winemakers it continues to inspire
- Baeckeoffe: Alsace’s Hearty Casserole — An overview of this slow-cooked blend of meats, potatoes, and wine, and the communal baking traditions behind it
- Vineyard Views & Folklore in the Hills — A glimpse into the seasonal beauty and local legends that surround Riquewihr’s rolling vineyards
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!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.A Walk Through Enchanged Alsace Series
Part 1: Eguisheim & Sélestat (Thursday, June 26)
Part 2: Riquewihr (Thursday, July 3)
Part 3: Molsheim & Kaysersberg (Thursday, July 10)
Part 4: Ribeauvillé & Obernai (Thursday, July 17)
Part 5: Colmar (Thursday, July 24)
Part 6: Strasbourg (Thursday, July 31)Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Landmarks
