The Red Hook Experience + Optional Visit to Pioneer Works Before the Tour

Note space on this tour is set aside for those who attended the Gowanus-Red Hook tour on Sunday, August 17th which was shortened due to heavy rain. They will be given first priority until RSVPs open up to our entire membership on Wednesday, September 3rd at 8:00pm. Space also set aside for new group members and first timers.

Space is set aside for new members and first timers who land on the waiting list, along with my real estate clients. Email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com to request a spot should this apply to you - once you have RSVPd on the waiting list.

If arriving early, make sure to get your free ticket to Pioneer Works ASAP! Donation is optional. Restrooms are available.
https://pioneerworks.org/programs/second-sundays-september-2025

If you are just coming for the tour we meet OUTSIDE Pioneer Works at 4:00pm. if traveling by ferry there are restrooms on board.

Estimated walking distance is 3 miles at an easy pace.

Ferry schedule to Red Hook: From Pier 11 Wall Street it is an 18-minute trip. Sunday schedule indicates departures at 2:27pm, 2:59pm, 3:31pm, and 4:03pm. For departures from other ferry stops consult the schedule.
https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/south-brooklyn/
There are city buses that get you to Red Hook - B57 and B61.

Tour Overview
Join us for a visit for one of NYC's most unique neighborhoods, Red Hook, where urban waterfront decay meets creativity and reuse of commercial and industrial space. Simultaneous grungy and beautiful, Red Hook is where one can discover artisan shops, along with waterfront parks, restaurants, bars, even a local winery, a brewery, whiskey distillery and of course Steve's Key Lime Pie.

Schedule:
Before the Tour: Visit the unique arts community at Pioneer Works for an hour or so to see the working artists in this unique space that was built as an ironworks factory. Enjoy some live music and/or grab a bite, use the restrooms. More info below.

4:30 pm - 6:30pm: Starting from outside Pioneer Works, we'll enjoy a guided walk around the neighborhood.

Tour ends convenient to restaurants, ferry and buses to downtown Brooklyn for your subway connection - we may have an afterparty/optional gathering for a drink or a meal and with any luck a nice sunset.

About Red Hook
The Dutch settlers who arrived in 1636 called the area Roode Hoek, which means “red point” due to the red clay soil. These 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). Red Hook has several waterfront parks with expansive views of NY Harbor and we'll be sure to spend some time there.

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).

ABOUT PIONEER WORKS:
Since 2013, Pioneer Works has hosted Second Sundays, a free monthly open house. Highlighting our programs, artists-in-residence, and Red Hook community members, Second Sundays features open studios, exhibitions, workshops, live music, and food—with programming across all three floors and in their garden.

Food and drink by La Newyorkina and Pioneer Works Bar.
Pioneer Works is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Cheers!

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