The Next Adventure NYC and Beyond

Nature Therapy @ Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Sat, May 16 · 10:00 AM EDT

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel, NY, US

Let's get up, get outside and head to the Jamaica Wildlife Refuge in Jamaica, Queens, for a nature walk for some fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends) as we explore the flora, fauna and history of Jamaica Bay

ABOUT THE JAMAICA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE:
https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.htm
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge includes over 12,600 acres of water, saltmarshes, freshwater and brackish water ponds, upland fields and woods, and open bay and islands. It is one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States and is a great place to observe the seasonal bird migration as well as resident species. The Wildlife Refuge was created in the 1950s by NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Robert Moses. This site became part of the National Park Service in 1972 when Gateway was established.

GETTING THERE: Make your own way to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor's Center located at 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Queens, NY 11693, by 10AM. WE WILL MEET HERE AT 1OAM

• Getting there by Subway: Take the Rockaway-bound A train to Broad Channel Station. Walk along Noel Road to Cross Bay Boulevard. Turn right and walk three quarters of a mile to the Refuge Visitor Center.
• Getting there by MTA Bus: Take the Q21 from the Queens Center Mall (Elmhurst) or 116th Street (Rockaway) to the Refuge. OR Take the Q53 from 61st and Roosevelt Avenue (Woodside) to the Refuge. Please note that the Q53 is a +select bus service.

Driving Directions: https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.htm

OUR AGENDA: From the Visitor's Center, we will explore the West Pond trail which is a wide, gravel nature trail that circles the 45-acre West Pond at the Refuge. The main reason to hike it is to see birds, but even if birds are not your thing, the trail is perfect for families and friends who want to walk side-by-side while engaging in conversation and viewing nature.

AGENDA: We will explore the Refuge at LEISURELY PACE and NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.

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 WEAR AND BRING: Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring lunch/snacks/beverage for yourself; and whatever else you may need to get you through the day

WEATHER: Rain cancels!

DURATION: I cannot guarantee finishing time but I hope to finish by no later than 3PM. You can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much.

MEETUP FEE: a $2.00 Meetup fee will be collected when we meet to help defray the cost of keeping this group going.

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Hold no one liable. Participate at your own risks. etc. etc.

Meet and Greet Over Steak and Wine

Sat, May 16 · 5:00 PM EDT

Location not specified yet

Welcome to our new group! let’s do a meet and greet steak and wine dinner in Woodside, Queens. Come say HI and tell us about yourself :)

F. Ottomanelli Burgers and Belgian Fries, in Woodside is a storied butcher shop, steakhouse, and burger joint with a family legacy dating back to 1900 when the first Ottomanelli came to New York Harbor from Bari, Italy.

Today the “F” stands for Frank Ottomanelli who took over his family business. The small restaurant offers cuts of steak made to-order in a casual, unpretentious setting that is the Queens way. It’s also where you’d get the best high-quality steak bang for the buck in the city.

You can read about Frank ————> HERE

We will dine family-style. We will select several different steaks and they will be grilled to order by Frank. In addition we will order some sides to go with the steak. There’ll also be wines available to go with the steaks.

Approximate dinner cost: about $80 to $90 per person

Address:
60-15 Woodside Ave,
Woodside, NY 11377

A Leisurely Hike at West Point Foundry Preserve

Sun, May 17 · 8:45 AM EDT

Grand Central Terminal, 42nd Street, New York, NY, US

Let's get outside and head up north to spend a day in Cold Spring, New York. We'll start the day with an easy breezy leisurely walk through time at West Point Foundry Preserve, which is an archeological site and outdoor museum. Afterwards, we'll explore the village of Cold Spring on foot. Lots of things to see and do.

ABOUT WEST POINT FOUNDRY: Once an epicenter of artillery and ironwork production during the Civil War, West Point Foundry has transformed into an archaeological site and outdoor museum. Hiking trails that follow old rail beds will guide you to the preserved ruins and artifacts that are woven into the tranquil Hudson woodlands. Situated by the Foundry Brook, this is a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and a leisurely stroll through time.

Read more about WPFP ------> HERE and HERE

GETTING THERE: In the morning, we will meet at Grand Central Terminal to take the 8:56AM Metro-North to COLD SPRING station

We will arrive at Cold Spring station at 10:16AM. Trails leading to the Foundry starts right at the end of the Cold Spring Station platform.

AGENDA: we will hike the Foundry at leisurely pace. Hike will not take the entire day. If we finish early enough we can explore COLD SPRING.

COLD SPRING IN A NUTSHELL: Tucked along the Hudson River, where nature meets art, you’ll find Cold Spring, NY. Once a vital artillery center during the American Civil War, this river town has blossomed into an idyllic village where local restaurants and Main Street boutiques greet Hudson Highlands hikers as well as culture lovers from nearby New York City.

Some notable sights in Cold Spring:

• DOCKSIDE PARK: Modest in size but not in beauty, Dockside Park is a perfect place to sit, relax, and soak in the splendor of the Hudson River. Its location gives you a direct view of Storm King Mountain and the surrounding valley. Gaze out onto the water and you’ll quickly understand why people are drawn to this place.
• Note: there is a "secret" spot by the park where you can have an amazing photo with the 3 mountains that surround Cold Spring - Mount Taurus, Breakneck Ridge and Storm King - looming in the background. Really cool stuff :)
• MAIN STREET: On Main Street, Cold Spring’s art galleries and boutique shops are buzzing with new life from the weekend. Pick up books, snacks, and creative knicknacks at Cold Spring General Store, go antiquing at Once Upon a Time, or stroll through art exhibits at Gallery 66 and Magazzino Italian Art. Wherever you go, you’re bound to see the true character and charm of this place.
• You scream, I scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM ... at Moo Moo's Creamery. Best ice cream in town!!!!

PACE: Hiking pace will be LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. NO SPEED DEMONS PLEASE!

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress for the weather in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking.
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring lunch and snacks for yourself
• Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.

DURATION: I cannot guarantee finishing time but hope to finish the day by no later than 4PM. Then we can grab dinner and drinks in Cold Spring before heading home. You're welcome to LEAVE ON YOUR OWN at any time you wish. We won't judge. Much.

WEATHER: Rain, snow, polar vortex cancels

MEETUP FEE: A $2.00 Meetup fee will be collected when we meet to help defray the cost of keeping this group going.

LIABILITY WAIVER: Come prepared. Participate at your own risks, hold no one liable, etc, etc.