The Gowanus to Red Hook Tour + Honoring the Battle of Brooklyn, August 1776

RSVPs open on Thursday, August 7th at 9:00pm.

Space is set aside for new members, first and 2nd timers who land on the waiting list. Email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com to request a spot once you see that you are on the waiting list.

This tour is free with a welcome contribution to your guide at the end via cash, Venmo or zelle.

Arrive early for a bite to eat and use the restrooms upstairs at Whole Foods at The Roof which serves pub food. You can also purchase food at the other eateries at this Whole Foods.
https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/thirdand3rd#store-eateries-and-bars

4:30 pm - 7:30pm: we'll enjoy a guided walk through the Gowanus and Red Hook neighborhood neighborhoods. Tour ends convenient to restaurants, ferry and buses to downtown Brooklyn for your subway connection - we can also have an afterparty/optional gathering for a drink or a meal and with any luck a nice sunset.

With annual Battle of Brooklyn commemoration the following weekend on, we'll pay respects to a pivotal early moment of the American Revolution with a brief visit to a 17th century farmhouse called The Old Stone House. This where the brave Maryland 400 regiment gave the ultimately sacrifice that helped thousands of Americans troops evade being killed or captured.

About Gowanus: Known for its industrial history, artistic scene, and the Gowanus Canal—one of the most infamous polluted waterways in the U.S., now undergoing a major environmental cleanup. There's a also a restaurant scene, and a unique vibe that emerges from the mix of old, modern, the industrial buildings.

About Red Hook (the majority of our tour).
As this is a long tour, we can have an optional restroom stop at Ikea

The Dutch settlers who arrived in 1636 called the area Roode Hoek, which means “red point” due to the red clay soil. Red hooks can be found on the neighborhood’s historic structures, including warehouse-style buildings, row houses that were the homes of longshoremen and shipyard workers, and federal-style buildings.

Among our tour stops will be Erie Basin Park, which is owned by Ikea and features remnants of a Civil War era shipyard. We'll also learn about the role of Fort Defiance, built quickly by the Americans to protect New York harbor from the British during the early days of the American Revolution in 1776. We'll also see some unique locations including the Red Hook Community Farm and Sunny's, one of the last remaining authentic longshoreman's bar (although the patrons have changed). There's also a lively restaurant scene, arts community, a winery and whiskey distillery along with Steve's Key Lime Pie. Red Hook has several waterfront parks with expansive views of New York Harbor and we'll be sure to spend some time there, and with any luck a beautiful sunset.

The residential housing scene is quite varied - ranging from quaint 19th century homes to luxury new waterfront development along with public housing (where author James Mcbride and basketball star Carmelo Anthony were raised).

Transportation at the end of the tour: Take a ferry or a city bus to Downtown Brooklyn making connections to many subways.

Cheers!

Your organizer,
Hank
hankorenstein@gmail.com
646-596-3005