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- 'Stardust Melodies: Legacy of The Great American Songbook' 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:
While there are many American Songbooks out there ranging from blues to country music, the Great American Songbook is undeniably the most prolific of them all — after all, it contains songs by some of the great composers of the 20th century like George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, and Cole Porter. Where did this music come from? Why does this music endure? And what makes these songs some of the most timeless tunes 70+ years later? It's time to explore the Great American Songbook and the world-class writers and artists who made it so legendary.
Join New York Adventure Club as we uncover the origins and legacy of the Great American Songbook — written mostly between the World Wars and primarily for Broadway shows and Hollywood musicals, this songbook of incredible songs and performing artists dominated the 20th century music scene, and continues to be relevant all these decades later.
Led by award-winning author Will Friedwald, who is widely considered one of the nation's most prolific music writers, our journey through some of the greatest jazz standards of all time will include:
- A deep dive into the Great American Songbook's collection of legendary songwriters, including Rodgers & Hart, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, and many more
- A discussion of the shows and movies that the songs were written for, which went on to become some of the best of Broadway and Hollywood
- A look at the legendary singers and stars who introduced these songs, including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole — and even latter day giants like rock star Janis Joplin
- An overview of the jazz icons who possibly did more than anyone else to transform hits into standards and keep the songs alive such as Billie Holiday and Count Basie
- Why rock artists, from Linda Ronstadt and Rod Stewart to Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan, sing their own takes on this definitive songbook — and sometimes even record entire albums of vintage popular standards
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Will — any and all questions about the Great American Songbook 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
"Once again Will gave so much insight on the great american song book." -Laura
"Will is terrific! He is hilarious and so armed knowledgeable. I will watch anything by him!" -Ellie
"Everything!! Well paced, great examples of the music, and obviously knowledgeable presenter." -Jyll
"Obviously, some of the greatest music ever recorded! Very much enjoyed the well-paced, thoughtful, insightful presentation. Couldn’t ask for a better presenter!" -Bee
"Will!!!!! He's terrific!" -Maria
"Another great event presented by Will" -Cynthia
"This was a great presentation. I learned so much. Thanks Will." -Andasia
" Amazing array of video clips of the various versions of the songs which fit the definition of American standards as Will Friewald presented. Thank you for the musical perspective on the three I have recently seen." -Janet
" It's great for this octogenarian to take a delightful trip down memory lane. Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee are pure pleasure at any time." -Nina
" Enthusiasm, expertise, and style of the presenter, plus it was a smooth virtual experience. I could not watch it all in real time, so I also appreciate its temporary availability for later." Phillip
" The chatting and the comparison the different versions of each song was really neat. Will is so fantastic and very knowledgeable." -Pam
" He's one of your best presenters, and the subject matter is always interesting. I like the different versions of song by different artists." -Aleisa
"Very clear explanation of what makes up the " Great American Songbook " and a fascinating look at how singers interpret these songs and change their delivery. Everyone and anyone should learn about America's wonderful musical heritage." -Charles
"The songs, the content. It was just really really good" -Gunhild
"The varied selections were wonderful....and some of the choices as examples of the GAS were most unexpected!" -Joanne
"Another interesting and entertaining webinar presented by Will. He really knows how to put together these webinars in the best way." -Cynthia
"A very unique way of comparing song styles" -GeraldDisclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment - 'The Architecture of Canada, Part 3: Vancouver' 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:
From 17th-century colonial settlements to sleek glass skyscrapers, Canada's urban landscape tells a story as diverse and dynamic as the country itself. What architectural secrets lie in the heart of its most storied cities? It's time to journey north and discover how centuries of cultural convergence shaped Canada’s built environment.
Join New York Adventure Club for a three-part series exploring the architectural evolution and identity of Canada through a trio of its most influential and representative cities. In Part Two: Toronto, we'll explore the country's largest metropolis — a dynamic urban center where Victorian charm, modernist ambition, and global influences commingle in a uniquely Canadian cityscape.
Led by architectural historian David V. Griffin of Landmark Branding, this digital showcase featuring a selection of unique structures will include:
- The early development of Toronto under British colonial rule
- An exploration of the Victorian boom era, spurred by increased port and railway access
- A look at Toronto’s streetcar suburbs, from upscale residential enclaves to working-class neighborhoods
- A discussion around the rise of modernism, and how the city negotiated questions of architectural and cultural identity
- An overview of Toronto’s contemporary skyline, defined by innovative forms, evolving public spaces, and urban transformation
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!The Architecture of Canada Series
Part 1: Montreal (Wednesday, May 14)
Part 1: Toronto (Wednesday, May 21)
Part 1: Vancouver (Wednesday, May 28)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 Switzerland, Part 6: Bern' 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:
Switzerland is a cultural powerhouse disguised as an alpine wonderland — where every region bursts with iconic flavors, legendary music, timeless art, and jaw-dropping scenery. From glittering lakes to mountaintop festivals, this is a country that knows how to celebrate its roots in style. Get ready for an unforgettable deep dive into the heart of Swiss tradition, one spectacular stop at a time.
Join New York Adventure Club for a captivating nine-part series exploring the rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and artistic spirit of Switzerland. In Part Six: Bern, we’ll uncover the historic and cultural essence of Switzerland’s capital city, where medieval architecture, political power, and artistic legacy all converge.
Led by tour guide Kelsey Betzelberger, this experience — featuring plenty of firsthand photo and video walkthroughs, intriguing anecdotes, and expert insights — will include:
- Zytglogge Clock Tower & Federal Palace — A walk through Bern’s Old Town to explore its iconic clock tower and the seat of Swiss democracy, reflecting the city’s blend of tradition and national identity
- Gottfried Keller & Ernest Bloch — A spotlight on the poetic works of Gottfried Keller and the powerful compositions of Ernest Bloch, capturing the cultural heartbeat of Bern
- Berner Platte & Nidelkuchen — A sampling of Bern’s culinary comfort food, from its signature meat-and-sauerkraut dish to rich cream pie and world-famous Emmentaler cheese
- Onion Market & Schwyzerörgeli Music — A look at Bern’s lively Onion Market, filled with decorative produce and festive accordion music that animates the streets
- Bernese Folk Dance & Cow Traditions — A celebration of Bern’s rural roots through traditional dances performed in city parks and the region’s deep connection to Swiss cow culture
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 Switzerland Series
Part 1: Zurich (Thursday, April 24)
Part 2: Lucerne (Thursday, May 1)
Part 3: Interlaken (Thursday, May 8)
Part 4: Lauterbrunnen (Thursday, May 15)
Part 5: Brienz (Thursday, May 22)
Part 6: Bern (Thursday, May 29)
Part 7: Fribourg (Thursday, June 5)
Part 8: Ticino (Thursday, June 12)
Part 9: Basel (Thursday, June 19)Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Landmarks - 'Examining HBO’s The Gilded Age, Part 2: Season 2 Recap' 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:
While producer Julian Fellowes conducted an incredible amount of research in anticipation for HBO's The Gilded Age series, how accurately does this drama depict 1880s New York City and its wealthiest residents? It's time to separate fact from fiction within this coveted series like never before.
Join New York Adventure Clubas we discover, through historical perspective and vintage photographs, how HBO's The Gilded Age creator Julian Fellowes crafted his story from real life characters and drama surrounding the first American millionaires who competed for business domination — and their wives who jockeyed for social supremacy. In Part 2: Season 2 Recap, we'll take a deep dive into the series' follow-up season, which introduced new story lines, plot twists, characters, and more.
Led by NYC Tour Guide Ginny Poleman, our digital recap and analysis of HBO’s second season of The Gilded Age will include:
- An overview of the historical context of 1880s New York City at the height of its rapid economic growth, including why Mark Twain gave this era the “Gilded Age” moniker; the importance of the railroad industry to the nation’s wealth; and the massive population growth of new immigrants coming through New York’s harbor
- A look at the real people who inspired the fictional families, from personal rivalries between old and new money family (Van Rhijns versus Russells) to scandals of New York’s elite featured in the show — like Mrs. Astor, Stanford White, and Ward McAllister
- The who’s who of Black Americans who inspired the show’s real and fictional black characters
- Behind-the-scenes images of how the HBO production recreated 1882 New York City with vintage and current photographs of homes that stood in for the sets
- A side-by-side comparison of the 19th century opulent costumes featured in the show versus the real garments that inspired them from museum collections, along with a study of the fashion trends of the period
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Ginny — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for 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 Ginny
Ginny Poleman is a graduate of Cornell University, a licensed NYC tour guide, docent for the Municipal Art Society, as well as an educational and costume collection guide for New York’s largest art museum. Additionally, she offers private tours for her own company, NYC Encounters, covering New York City Art, Architecture, and History. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @Art_Encounters and @NYC.Encounters.Examining HBO's The Gilded Age Series
Part 1: Season 1 Recap (Monday, January 13)
Part 2: Season 2 Recap (Monday, January 20)Testimonials
"I love this TV Series and it was great to hear about the real life people that some of the characters are based upon. The likeness of Lady Astor and the character is uncanny!" -Aliki
I love the subject matter. The material was mostly relevant and insightful" -Jared
"Presenter was engaging and knowledgeable. Slides were excellent. Presenter did a very good job answering questions as she went along and at the end." -Barbara
"Ginny was very good about addressing questions and comments as we went along, rather than all at the end." -Neal
"That the presenter answered the questions as they came up in real time as much as she could and kept her eye on the comments and wove those into the conversation where possible. Her talk makes me look forward to the next season of The Gilded Age! I really appreciated Ginny as a presentor and look forward to attending another virtual event or possibly an in-person tour. Thanks so much for offering these insights into the city I love so much, New York Adventure Club!" -Deedle
"Especially liked the notes on costumes. Fascinating that they still exist in some cases." -Virginia
"I loved all the photos showing the actors from the series next to a photo of the actual person. It was so interesting to see clothing from the series alongside a photo of the outfit it was meant to depict. Fascinating content." -Cheryl
"Ginny's presentation was so informative & entertaining, great research, & I'll definitely enjoy the second series of Gilded Age all the more, having watched this webinar, thank you!" -Mary
"I did learn some things about the real people the series is based on." -Margaret
"Ginny is alway engagin and thorough in her preseentatons." -Patricia
"The historical value was superb" -Virginia
"Interesting discussion about the accuracy of the series, costumes and the upcoming 2nd season" -Barbara H.
"The presenter was knowledgeable, friendly and very interactive during her presentation with the audience" -Anna
"Great topic and knowledgeable presenter" -Allegra
"Love the photos, both the old-time ones and the ones from the TV series. The history is fascinating and I think the presenter did a good job of making the connections between not just the program but what was happening in the US at that time and why. Easy to understand in her speaking style and explanations. I appreciated it all very much." -Sharon
"The presenter knew her topic well and there was so much history." -Karen
"I have not watched the program (The Gilded Age), yet really enjoyed the presentation. It was accessible even to people who aren't fans of the show. I really enjoy all Adventure Club programs. Thanks so much!" -Melinda
"Excellent review of the series. How they got the ideas for the fashions." -Joel
"I enjoyed hearing about the real people on which the fictional people are based. I also enjoyed learning about the historical events at that time, and the fashions." -Paula
"A nice way to learn the history of the Gilded Age, as compared to a televisions series we really enjoyed." -Karen
"The historic photos of the homes, streets, buildings, bridges and public parks of NYC during the 1880’s" -Lynn
"It was successful in dual mission of analyzing the show, but also presenting real history events for comparison." -David
"Everything. The event was fantastic as was the host. Thank you and I’m looking forward to more events." -Martin
"The presenter was wonderful. She knew her topic, was very engaging, and supplemented her slides with great historical photos, etc." -Donna
"Makes me want to go back and re-see the whole season again! Can't wait for season 3." -Karen
"I loved the photos and the knowledge of the presenter Ginny. I loved learning what was true/what was "Hollywood". Thanks" -Kathy
"I like the show The Gilded Age, so it's fun to learn about the real people behind the characters and storylines." -Paula
"It was very engaging. Great presenter and content. Kept my attention!’" -T
"I learned a lot of historical context attached to the TV series" -Virginia
"I really liked the historical photos and maps. I enjoy seeing what was contrasting with what is." -Trase
"Very fascinating discussion tied to the current show. Enjoyed the pictures as background materials" -Maureen
"Photos and illustrations were great, presenter was knowledgeable and was able to answer chat room questions easily" -Rochelle
"Well organized with interesting photos and comments" -April
"Fun presenter, very knowledgeable!" Sos
"Really like her presentation style and information about the real gilded age events that get intermixed into the show. Also the real world pictures too." -Noelle
"Very knowledgeable. Interesting. Photos of then and now was informative. Really enjoyed it." -Suzanne
"The presenter was very knowledgeable and covered all the important aspects of Season 2" -Gayle
"Covered the important events of the series and provided historical information about the time period." -Marianne
"Very knowledgeable presenter and excellent images. Extremely informative. Loved the opportunity to comment and ask questions" -Fiona
"Presenter’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and personality made it most enjoyable." -Terry
"It was nice to see a timely webinar like this offered for content that was recently out, using the show to give us information about the past is a really neat way to learn!" -Adrienne
"The presenter was knowledgeable and covered more aspects than I had anticipated. Well done!" -Rikke
"This was my first event! And I loved it! I will definitely register for more events. The instructor provided excellent information that was presented in a manner that clearly articulated the stories of both the TV show and fictional characters as well as the history of the actual individuals who the characters are based on. It was thorough and well thought out." -Janis
"I absolutely loved it! I found it very fascinating and the webinar answered a lot of questions I had. Ginny was absolutely fantastic and I’m hoping once the weather gets warmer in NYC I will be able to join her on one of her tours." -Janine
"The speaker was very knowledgeable and presented slides that were clear and interesting" -CatherineDisclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Photo Credit: Main Photo, Right Center - HBO
Categories: Virtual, Gilded Age
