New York Adventure Club

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1993537690898

*While New York Adventure Club does not charge for events hosted by the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, advance registration and a deposit are required, which will be fully refunded 1-2 days after attending. This deposit is taken to discourage no-shows on free events with limited spots.*

While you've probably only experienced the New Jersey Meadowlands from a car on the highway or window of a commuter train, it's time to get up close and personal with the thriving ecosystem that awaits at the water's surface.

Join New York Adventure Club for a pontoon trip through the Hackensack River and its marshes with the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (NJSEA), whose mission includes protecting the delicate balance of nature in 14 towns throughout Bergen and Hudson counties.

Led by an expert NJSEA staff member, our unique maritime experience will include:

• A two-hour boat trip on the Hackensack River to see acres of preserved wetlands and a thriving ecosystem, all framed by a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline
• An overview of the Meadowlands District (home to 21 parks, including eight miles of walking trails and 3,400 acres of preserved wetlands) and Hackensack River estuary's storied history
• Wildlife and bird sighting opportunities, including nearly three dozen on the State Endangered, Threatened and Species of Special Concern lists

See you there!

*Please bring bottled water, and a hat since the boats are uncovered
**Spray sunscreen and bug spray are not allowed on the boat or dock
***Food and drinks (other than bottled water) are not allowed on the boat
****Restrooms can be accessed at the marina before boarding the boat
*****Signed waivers are required to participate in this experience (see confirmation email)
******This experience will be postponed or cancelled in case of inclement weather

Transportation:
*Please double check bus departure times the day before as schedules can shift.

By Bus: Take NJ Transit Bus 161 departing from Port Authority Gate 309 to the "Washington Avenue at Avenue A" stop (Zone 3), which arrives approx 20 minutes later. Walk down Paterson Plank Road for 15-20 minutes to reach the marina at River Barge Park.
NJ Transit tickets can now be purchased via your smartphone — click here for more details.
Bus 161 returns to NYC every 20-30 minutes.

By Car: Detailed directions can be found through this link. Parking is available at the marina on Outwater Ln.

Testimonials
"Learned a lot about the history and ecology of the Meadowlands. Guides (both Brian's) were knowledgeable, friendly, and courteous. Very relaxing and beautiful ride." -Lisa
"Brought me to a new, interesting place" - Jonathan
"Informative and the weather was deightful" -Margaret
"It was a beautiful boat ride - amazing scenery - and a great tour guide who talked about the history of the place and the wildlife." -Krista
"Enjoyable afternoon on a boat. Tour guides provided good information" -Ben
"Educational. Very scenic. (Most of my pictures turned out beautifully.) Who knew all of that was there! I've already recommended this tour on my Facebook feed." -Marisa
"Unexpectedly pretty setting, informative guides." -Kerry
"Unique boat ride, knowledgeable and friendly guides, free!" -Suzanne
"A wonderful learning experience" -R
"Brian W. was a fantastic knowledgable guide on history (esp. the bridges) and the environment. he kept the trip interesting the entire time." -Ellen
"An interesting mix of nature and industrial with a well informed guide" -Tad

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Wildlife

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1993537699925

Perched on a hill overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, NY is a majestic estate that is a definitive American icon of architecture and landscape. Who are the families that once called this incredible property home, and how have the grounds and mansion changed over the past 150 years? It's time to explore one of the most lavish estates of the Hudson River Valley in a way few others have before.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at Lyndhurst Mansion, which is considered one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions and an outstanding example of 19th-century landscape design.

Led by one of Lyndhurst's most veteran docents, our intimate three-hour exploration of the former Jay Gould estate in Tarrytown, NY — which is an exclusive combination of the Mansion, Backstairs, and Landscape tours — will include:

• The history of Lyndhurst Mansion and its former occupants including New York City mayor William Paulding, merchant George Merritt, and railroad tycoon Jay Gould
• A walkthrough of notable first floor rooms inside the mansion including Jay Gould’s private office and the sumptuous Victorian Dining Room
• A visit to the second floor to see decorative bedrooms, Tiffany and La Farge stained glass windows, and magnificent Grand Picture Gallery featuring its original collection of European paintings
• A look at 'back-of-the-house' areas including the servants’ quarters, root cellar, kitchen, and 1911 laundry building
• A walk up the 5th floor observatory tower for spectacular views of the lower Hudson Valley
• A discussion of Lyndhurst in pop culture including its appearance in HBO's "The Gilded Age" series
• An exploration of the grounds to see landscape features installed during the Helen Gould period (1892-1938) such as the pool, kennel, and gardens

As a rare treat, we'll finish the experience inside the restored bowling alley, which is typically only opened by private appointment only.

Click here to see photos from one of our last visits to Lyndhurst!
See you there!

*Some areas of the tour will require climbing stairs
**Due to limited food options at Lyndhurst Mansion, attendees are highly encouraged to bring their own snacks
***Please bring water and wear a comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the duration of the tour
****Transportation to Lyndhurst Mansion is not included
*****Masks are required in all indoor spaces

Transportation
*Please double check train departure times the day before as schedules can shift due to track work.
**Please bring cash for taxi ride to/from Tarrytown Station to Lyndhurst Mansion

By Public Transit: Take the Hudson Line Metro-North Train from Grand Central Terminal, and disembark at the Tarrytown Station — cabs are available from in front of the station. If using Uber, reserve a ride several minutes before arriving at the station to reduce waiting time.
If you'd like to walk, disembark one stop earlier at Irvington Station and take the Old Croton Aqueduct trail right to the property — click here for a Google Maps view of the walking route (Approx. 30-40 minute walk)
Metro-North tickets can now be purchased via your smartphone — click here for more details.
Trains from Tarrytown depart for GCT roughly every 30 minutes.

By Car: Attendees may park at Lyndhurst Mansion for free — grounds fee is waived for tour ticket holders.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Mansions & Private Clubs

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1993537819282

While many cultures around the world practice some type of tea ceremony, none are as meticulous and detail-oriented as the Japanese tea ceremony of Urasenke. But where did this ancient tea ceremony come from, and why does it take a lifetime to master? It's time to step into an authentic Kyoto-inspired setting and experience one of Japan's oldest tea traditions without ever leaving New York City.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive summer Japanese Chakai, a special seasonal tea gathering rarely experienced outside of Japan.

Led by a Tea Master at the Urasenke Chanoyu Center — a private organization established in 1967 to promote the rich cultural tea tradition of Urasenke in New York City and teach its members how to master this ancient tradition over the course of 10-15 years — this unique experience will include:

• A brief overview of the Urasenke Chanoyu Center, from its days as an 1880s carriage house to the studio of famed artist Mark Rothko
• Access inside a traditional Kyoto-inspired tea room overlooking a serene private Japanese roji ("garden"), all handcrafted by master carpenters from Kyoto using imported Japanese materials
• A special summer Chakai celebrating the season with traditions centered around "beating the heat" and enjoying the spirit of summer
• A full traditional tea ceremony with special supplies imported from Japan
• An opportunity to enjoy premier matcha from a centuries-old Japanese tea purveyor alongside fresh homemade sweets specially designed to pair with the tea
• A look at the contemporary and vintage ceramic utensils from private collections, specially selected for this seasonal gathering

See you there!

*Cell phones and cameras are not permitted inside the teahouse — all personal belongings will be safely secured in the reception area
**Rules: Out of consideration for the fragile tea ceremony mats and teabowls, please refrain from wearing jeans; remove watches and rings; refrain from wearing cosmetics including strong perfume; shorts and skirts must cover knees. Bring a clean pair of socks.
***When inside the tea room, we will be sitting on the floor. If you require a tatami tea chair, please contact the Urasenke Chanoyu Center with at least 24 hours notice: info@urasenkenewyork.org.
****Matcha and sweets contain allergens such as caffeine and various sweeteners. Please refrain from consuming if you have allergies. Substitutions may not be available.

Schedule of Events
10:45am: Arrive and prepare for tea ceremony
11:00am-Noon: Tea ceremony

Testimonials
"This event is perfect and gives you a very good idea about a Japanese tea ceremony" - Maryline
"[I liked] everything - the sensei, the space, the ceremony itself, the philosophy behind it. It was a wonderful experience." - Zhanna
"We enjoyed ourselves immensely at this event!" - Yvette
"I loved the venue--a genuine cultural experience, truly educational, unusual, off-the-beaten-path, small size, caring staff member" - Helen
"It was excellently executed. The host of the event explained everything cultural aspects of the traditional making of the tea in a clear and accurate manner. All aspects of the event went off without a single glitch. Would love to do it again." -Mardine
"Totally surprising authentic Japanese oasis in Manhattan. Very informative, half-lecture half theatrical performance. Once again, NY Adventure Club provided interesting educational unique experience. Cannot be more pleased with the time well spent." -Yevgeniya
"Detailed information provided by knowledgeable and friendly masters and their assistants, in a beautiful otherworldly setting. My first experience with the New York Adventure Club and the Urasenke Chanoyu Center, hopefully not my last with either!" -Christian
"I was so impressed teachers knowledge and environment at the venue ! Everything was awesome ! Thank you so much." -Yumi
"Enjoyed the historical aspect of the school building and learning about the tea and tea ceremony. The small group size was perfect." -Kerry
"Very informative AWESOME environment." -Miriam
"Everything. The venue, hosts and demonstrations were explained very well." -Felicia
"Got to know a lot about Japanese culture." -Megha
"Learning about a culture and tradition as very enriching." -Rachel
"I love the full tea demonstration." -Nicole
"The space, the teaching and the atmosphere." -David
"The presentation by the host." -Michael
"The atmosphere was nice, the group was nice and friendly and had a lot of interesting questions which helped everyone obtain more knowledge about the topic." -Yiheng
"Everything - interiors, a teacher, people attending." -Alexander
"Loved the gentleman who taught us about the ceremony. He was so knowledgeable and had a wonderful sense of humor." -Theresa LaSalle
"The information provided was thourough and entertaining." -Keith
"This event is perfect and gives you a very good idea about a Japanese tea ceremony." -Maryline
"Extremely informative. The host patiently answered all our questions about the tea ceremony. Lovely tea authentic house." -Ruth
"I loved the venue--a genuine cultural experience, truly educational, unusual, off-the-beaten-path, small size, caring staff member." -Helen
"The information was delivered in an entertaining and amusing manner and I learned quite a lot." -Cathryn
"The content, location and instruction." -Heather
"The location was very unique. The presentation was informative yet personable. Good length of time." -Ellen
"The hosts were gracious, the setting beautiful, and I learned a lot." -suzanne
"Learning about the ceremony. Visiting the garden." -Molly
"Learning about a different culture and its ceremonies and rituals." -Roger
"Interactive and pleasant." -Nicole
"The tea ceremony, and the explanations." -Elissa
" Very informative and fun to experience something so different!" -Linda
" Opportunity to learn about tea ceremony in a beautiful and authentic setting with a seasoned teacher" -Kathyrn
" We had a great time. Thank you very much." -Yumi
" Learned so much about the history and traditions surrounding the tea ceremony. Philip was knowledgeable and efficient in his presentation." -Jean
" Guide was knowledgeable and welcomed questions. Fascinating insight in to Japanese culture. Really, really special place, a lovely discovery." -C
" Glimpse into Japanese culture. Well done. Authentic. Caring hosts." -Nancy
" Everything, the history, the demonstration, the tea, the garden, the people" -Justyna
" Learned in detail about the tea ceremony." -Lorraine
" It was a great introduction to the tea ceremony. The guide was knowledgeable and answered all the questions ." -Svetlana
" I loved the content, the flow and transition of the presentation was flawless." -Diane
"Thorough, enjoyable host, fantastic ceremony. I'm going to bring more friends next time!" -Sean
"It was a informative cultural experience." -Roseanne
"Historical information was excellent. Host was very knowledgeable, interesting, and well versed in Japanese culture" -Dawn
"Interesting and different. The staff was amazing." -Ali
"The aesthetic was great very authentic. Very interesting unique experience." -Ae
"This was a wonderful, informative, thoughtful event that allowed the participant to really disengage from everything outside the doors of the center…!! The docent was wonderful (!!) and the guide very attentive (thank you!). We look forward to expanding our knowledge and experience of Japanese culture and traditions as a result. Three cheers to the NY Adventure Club for organizing this!! We look forward to attending future events. Many thanks!! The afternoon was such a gift to those in attendance." -Linda
"Informative and fun" -Beatrice
"The host was very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. The event was also very accessible for people unfamiliar with tea." -Daniel
"Philip is an excellent host and instructor. He was informative and his passion for the subject matter was shared with the audience. What a wonderful opportunity to learn about the way of tea from a great teacher." -Marilyn

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Instructional

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1993575025567

New York runs on systems most of us never stop to think about — the barges hauling our trash, the tunnels moving wastewater, and the plants keeping it all flowing. With many of these sites clustered along the East River, what kinds of structures are hiding in plain sight along its banks? Step aboard an NYC ferry and get ready to explore the essential infrastructure that keeps the city clean, running, and (mostly) rat-free.

Join New York Adventure Club as we embark on a one-of-a-kind ferry trip along the East River to explore the vital water and waste systems that keep New York City running.

Led by licensed guide and urban planner Rayn Riel — who has worked on real-world infrastructure projects across sanitation, wastewater, and beyond — our unique experience from Lower Manhattan to the Bronx and back will include:

• A look at the journey of your trash and recyclables, spotting the barges that ferry them toward landfills, incinerators, or recycling facilities
• A glimpse of NYC’s 14 wastewater treatment plants and the century‑old sewer and utility tunnels beneath the river — some predating the subway
• A view of the Hell Gate Bridge’s three‑in‑one structure, explained so you’ll see what most miss
• A ride past hidden sites like North Brother Island, once home to NYC’s deadliest disaster
• A float past the Bronx River mouth, NYC’s only true freshwater river
• Unexpected sights along the way, including a decommissioned prison barge, the evolving Fulton Fish Market, and Roosevelt Island’s forgotten elevator (along with the site of its once-infamous sewage fountain)
• An earpiece for each guest to hear the guide over the sounds of the ferry

This experience is limited to only six guests.

See you there!

*This ticket includes roundtrip NYC Ferry service between Wall Street / Pier 11 & Soundview.
**Guests are free to disembark earlier on the return voyage at the East 34th Street or Stuyvesant Cove ferry landing as the tour content will be finished by then.
***Each NYC Ferry has food and snacks available for purchase, as well as a restroom.
****This experience will take place indoors on the trip up to Soundview, and outdoors on the return trip to Manhattan (weather permitting).

Tour Schedule

• (0m) Gather at Meeting Location
• (30m) Depart Pier 11 on Soundview Ferry
• (1hr 30m) Turnaround at Throgs Neck / Ferry Point Park
• (2hr - 2hr 30m) Disembark at Preferred Ferry Landing - East 34th Street, Stuyvesant Cove, or Pier 11

About Rayn Riel
Rayn is an urban planner and tour guide based in New York City. He’s worked on infrastructure projects across the five boroughs and is passionate about exploring how cities function.

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