What we’re about
Escape the Ordinary, Explore New Places and Experience the Extraordinary 🤗
Welcome to NYC Wanna Do. This group is for those New Yorkers who are looking to connect with like-minded new friends who share similar interests and passions for trying new activities, discovering hidden gems and create special memories in the city that never sleeps ... and beyond. Whether you enjoy exploring different neighborhoods, trying out new restaurants, attending Broadway shows, or participating in outdoor activities and cultural events, this is the place for you.
Let's come together, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories while exploring all that NYC has to offer. Join us for fun and exciting events that will inspire you to say I Wanna Do that!
Group founded: August 4, 2025
Let's take a day trip to upstate to visit the pretty village of HUDSON, NY reachable on AMTRAK out of Moynihan Train Hall.
AGENDA FOR TODAY: Once we get there we'll take a hike on the grounds of OLANA State Historic Park as well as take a walk over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and the Hudson River Skywalk. We'll also allot time to explore the town of Hudson. Bring an appetite! There are also many fine restaurants in town!
*******IMPORTANT**********
Buy your train ticket EARLY as tickets do go up closer to the date
SINCE THIS MEETUP REQUIRES PURCHASING TRAIN TICKET IN ADVANCE, TO MAINTAIN RSVP INTEGRITY FOR THIS MEETUP, ALL INTERESTED RSVPS ARE WAITLISTED. Once you have purchased your ticket, post a comment that you have done so and I'll then move you off the waitlist.
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ABOUT HUDSON, NY: Bursting with restaurants and boutique hotels, Hudson is the ultimate car-free destination for the New Yorker who wants to dine like royalty without the hassle of the city. With hundreds of historic buildings, countless antique shops, a scenic waterfront, and cutting-edge clothing boutiques, it's a relaxing yet active weekend getaway. Hop on Amtrak at Moynihan Train Hall for two hours to Hudson Station, then walk just a few minutes into town. Read more about it ----------> HERE
GETTING THERE: Amtrak out of NY's Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall) to Hudson, NY.
- We're taking the 7:15AM train out of Penn and arriving in HUDSON by 9:20AM. The train will drop us off right in the center of Hudson, NY.
ONE-WAY train fare from Penn Station to Hudson is $33 for coach seats. - Return train: take your pick - there's a 5:15pm and 8:15pm return train from Hudson back to NYC. Coach ticket from Hudson back to Penn Station is $33
- PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR OWN TICKET AT https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
- Be sure to purchase your ticket early as prices do get HIGHER closer to the date.
- TO MAINTAIN RSVP INTEGRITY FOR THIS MEETUP, ALL INTERESTED RSVPS ARE WAITLISTED. Once you have purchased your ticket, post a comment that you have done so and I'll then move you off the waitlist.
AGENDA: Once we arrive in Hudson, the train will drop us off right in the center of town. We'll share a 10-min Uber ride to Olana.
- OLANA's landscape is free and open to all, every day of the year from 8:00AM to sunset! We'll explore the grounds of Olana. Then we'll pick up the Hudson River Skywalk and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.
NOTE: Day's agenda remains subject to changes. Come with an open mind for flexibility for whatever the day might bring.
WEATHER: This Meetup is RAIN OR SHINE!
LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable, etc. etc.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Wanna Do Fire Island Day TripSayville LIRR Station, Sayville, NY
As the summer of '25 is starting to wind down ... let's escape to FIRE ISLAND for a day of fun and frolic in the sun, reachable on Long Island Railroad (LIRR)
ABOUT FIRE ISLAND: Nestled in between the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, FIRE ISLAND is the ultimate vacation getaway, offering pristine beaches without a hint of pretention and has been a haven for generations of beach-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and water sport lovers. Free of cars and chaos, Fire Island uniquely seems like a world away from its neighboring New York metropolitan way of life.
FOR THIS MEETUP, we will visit the SAILORS HAVEN/SUNKEN FOREST and CHERRY GROVE parts of Fire Island.
GETTING THERE: The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Sayville then pick up Colonial Taxi to Sayville Ferry Terminal to take Sayville Ferry to Sailors Haven/Sunken Forest
TRAIN SCHEDULE:
- If you are leaving from PENN STATION in Manhattan: Take the LIRR train leaving at 10:03AM, transfer at Jamaica Station at 10:29AM, and arrive in Sayville at 11:22AM.
- If you are leaving from JAMAICA STATION in Queens: Take the LIRR train leaving at 10:29AM, arriving in Sayville at 11:22AM.
- For departures from any other LIRR station, check train time here ------> https://new.mta.info/schedules
Once in Sayville:
- We will arrive in Sayville by 11:22AM.
- We'll then hop on the Colonial taxi to take us to Sayville ferry terminal. Taxi cost is about $6.00 payable in cash.
- We will aim to take the 11:45AM ferry ride to SAILORS HAVEN. https://www.sayvilleferry.com/sailors-haven
AGENDA:
- Once we arrive in Sailors Haven, we will do a nature walk through Sunken Forest, as well as partake in some more beach fun and frolic time.
- We'll then make our way on foot to CHERRY GROVE, a high-spirited and primarily gay community that was named for a grove of wild cherry trees destroyed in the hurricane of 1938. In Cherry Grove we will explore the community. Lots of restaurant to dine at. We'll also allot some beach time in Cherry Grove.
- At the end of the day, for return trip, we will pick up the ferry leaving from Cherry Grove. Cherry Grove ferry schedule: https://www.sayvilleferry.com/cherry-grove
- Day's agenda remains subject to last minute changes. Come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for whatever the day might bring.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Dress for the weather
- Beach gear and paraphernalia - towels; swim suits if you want to swim; change of clothes (there are shower facilities at Sailor's Haven)
- sunscreen, head cover
- bug spray (for the Sunken Forest nature walk);
- Sense of adventure and positive attitude
- whatever else you may need to get you through a day at the beach
DURATION: This is an all-day event but you can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much.
WEATHER: Heavy rain cancels!
LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.
- Wanna Do Gertrude's Nose HikeThe Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York, NY
Come join us as we head north to take a hike to GERTRUDE'S NOSE at Minnewaska State Park Preserve … Trails range from EASY TO MODERATE 😊
About Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Located in Ulster County, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain. The park features numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, incising sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy. And, all this within an hour and a half drive from New York City.
GETTING THERE: ideally Minnewaska is best reached by car - 90 minute from NYC.
For those without cars we can still get there by taking the Trailways bus out of NY's Port Authority Bus Terminal that goes to New Paltz.
- The 8:30AM NYC bus arrives in New Paltz at 10:05AM. One-way bus ticket is $24.00 (depends on how early you buy the ticket). Ticket can be purchased in advance at this link: https://trailways.com/
- Bus arrives at New Paltz at 10:05AM. The bus terminal is located at 139 Main Street, New Paltz.
- Once New Paltz we’ll then Uber over to the park. Or if we have some kindhearted drivers willing to pick us up from bus terminal to the park that works too. It’s about a 20-min ride from bus station to Lake Minnewaska Visitors Center and of course we’ll chip in for the short carpool to the park
- Drivers: You can meet us at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor's Center Upper Parking Lot at around 10:45AM. Please note there is a $10.00 parking fee.
AGENDA: Once we arrive at Minnewaska State Park, we'll hike the Gertrude's Nose trail.
- Overview: The hike to Gertrude’s Nose is hands down one of the best hikes in the region, with beautiful footpaths and dramatic views along gleaming white cliffs.
- Gertrude’s Nose? “An odd name for a unique place, the Nose is a great wedge-like mass of conglomerate left between Palmaghatt Ravine and the main cliff scarp south of Millbrook Mountain.” – Scenes and Walks in the Northern Shawangunk
- Hike Length: 7.0 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,500 feet
- TRAIL MAP:
https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/MinnewaskaMinnewaskaStateParkPreserveTrailMap.pdf
HIKE INTENSITY: This will be an EASY BREEZY to Moderate intensity hike.
PACE: Hiking pace will be LEISURELY, with lunch, water and snack breaks as needed; as well as taking time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, take photos, hug some trees, and most importantly, socialize with your fellow hikers, AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. WE COME TOGETHER, WE HIKE TOGETHER AND WE FINISH HIKE TOGETHER. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP if you feel the need to channel your inner Speed Demon!
THE IMPORTANT STUFF:
- Dress in non-cotton layers.
- Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking.
- Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover, and whatever else you need
- Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
- Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.
WHO SHOULD COME: Happy hikers with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home. In addition, SPEED DEMONS PLEASE STAY AWAY. There are plenty of other groups that cater to your need for speed.
DURATION: This is an all-day hike.
APRES HIKE: there are many fine dining options in New Paltz. We'll find a place to sit and eat and drink and get social.
RETURN BUS: There is a 6PM bus back to NYC by 7:40PM (depending on traffic).
WEATHER: Rain cancels!
LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.
