About us
Escape the Ordinary, Be Extraordinary and Do G.R.E.A.T
We are a social group for those year-round intrepid active, energetic weekend warriors, adrenaline junkies, social butterflies and fun seekers extraordinaire in the New York City area who are looking to escape from the vicissitudes of daily life and seeking to connect, socialize and participate in a variety of new and unique activities with like-minded new friends and to live a glow up life with sass, spice and flare through connection, joy, and movement through Group Recreation, Exploration, Adventures and Travel (G.R.E.A.T, get it?)!
Our events:  In this group, we aim to accomplish GREAT things! Climb that mountain! Book that ticket! Blaze that hiking trail. Take that weekend journey to explore a town youâve never been to before. Try that new cuisine! Learn a new skill! Volunteer for a worthy cause! Hiking, walks in park, dining out, Broadway shows, museums, happy hours, movie nights, wine tasting, brewery tours, day trips, weekend getaway ... and for the adrenaline junkies, tell your fear to hold your beer because youâre about to jump off that perfectly good airplane ⌠fly baby fly! We will do it all!
Our philosophy is simple ⌠BE POSITIVE, HAVE FUN and ENJOY THE MOMENTS and memories we will be building together. You only have one life to live, so make the best of it!
Our events will be all over the map: throughout the five boroughs of New York City and beyond... north to Hudson Valley and Connecticut ... over the river to New Jersey ... east to Long Island ... south to Philadelphia ... all reachable by public transportation! In due course we will even head overseas for international trips!
All are welcome regardless of age, race or creed. As long as you are open to adventures, possess a âwanna doâ spirit, maintain a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things ... we want to meet you ...
So whether youâre a seasoned adventurer or a total beginner, don't be shy in putting on that adventure hat, take that first step and come and play with us and expand your social circle, step out of your comfort zone, embrace all that life has to offer, show off on your Fb and IG feeds with all the amazing photos of all the exciting and thrilling adventures and amazing fun youâll be having with all your new friends.
Together ... we'll explore the world ... cross off items on your bucket list ... make 2026 the best year of our lives ... one Meetup at a time!
Let's DO this!
Upcoming events
5
Spring is a-Comin' Nature Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge visitor center, 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Broad Channel, NY 11693, New York, NY, USWinter cabin fever getting your down? Let's get up, get outside and head to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Jamaica, Queens, for a nature walk for some fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends. Post-walk the Q53 bus that picks up outside will drop us in Woodside for an optional STEAK dinner đ
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: We will meet at 11AM OUTSIDE the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor's Center located at 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Queens, NY 11693
- 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. It starts behind the Visitor's Center. When the Visitor Center is open you must walk through the building and out the back door to get onto the trails. When the building is closed, and while the grounds are still open, a side gate will be unlocked to allow access to the pond.
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 4PM. You can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much.
LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Hold no one liable. Participate at your own risks. etc. etc.
5 attendees
A Steak it Easy Dinner đ
Location not specified yetletâs do steak dinner in Woodside, Queens
(This dinner is a tie-in to our earlier Meetup to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. You can attend either or both events just be responsible with your rsvps)About restaurant:
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 âFâ 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. Itâs also where youâd get the best high-quality steak bang for the buck in the city.
You can read about Frank ââââ> 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. Thereâll 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 113773 attendees- $2.00
Spring Has Sprung Pizza Brunch then Walk from Long Island to Queens
LIRR Long Beach, Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY, USAfter a brutal winter we've made it through to SPRING! Huzzah!
On the first day of the Vernal Equinox, with spring temps and longer daylight hours, let's get outside and walk the walk from Long Beach, Long Island, the City by the Sea ... and make our way ... all the way ... to Rockaway Beach in Queens, breathing in some fresh air, get fitness, and partake in camaraderie with new friends
Before we start walk, we'll have lunch at Gino's Long Beach Pizzeria right outside the Long Beach LIRR station.
Total mileage will be about 10-12 miles, ALL FLAT ! We can do this!
ABOUT LONG BEACH: If youâre looking for saltwater vibes, Long Beach offers the ambiance of a seaside resort, just minutes away from the LIRR train station. Visit its vibrant 2-mile long boardwalk and pristine Atlantic Ocean beach, ideal for swimming, walking, biking, or watching surfers catch waves. Grab a bite to eat or a drink along the way or visit one of the townâs unique shops.
ABOUT ROCKAWAY BEACH: From surfers to swimmers to the Ramones, everyone wants to "hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach." Rockaway Beach is a year-round resource for residents all along the Rockaway peninsula, and it comes alive each summer with millions of visitors. Beach goers can enjoy the sand and water, the variety of concessions, and the city's only legal surfing beaches. Rockaway Beach is also home to a variety of playgrounds and other outdoor activities. Rockaway Beach was hard hit by Superstorm Sandy, which struck in October 2012. Since then Rockaway Beach has also become a testament to New York's resilience, and a model for sustainable rebuilding.
GETTING THERE: Pick up Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from any LIRR station to LONG BEACH STATION. At the end of the day we'll be in Rockaway Beach where you can pick up MTA Subway A train, Q53 Bus and ferry back to where you need to get back to.
LIRR TRAIN SCHEDULE:
- If you are leaving from PENN STATION in Manhattan: Take the LIRR train leaving at 10:06AM, arrriving at LONG BEACH STATION at 11:02AM.
- If you are leaving from JAMAICA STATION in QUEENS: Take the LIRR train leaving at 10:28AM, arriving at LONG BEACH STATION at 11:02am.
- For trains from other LIRR stations go ---------> HERE
AGENDA: Once all trains arrive at Long Beach station by 11:02AM, we'll have pizza brunch at Gino's Long Beach Pizzeria right across the street from the train station. After lunch, we'll pick up the boardwalk and proceed to make our way to Queens.
PACE: Walk will be at LEISURELY PACE AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. NO SPEED DEMONS PLEASE!
MILEAGE: about 10 miles on combination of boardwalk and city streets
THE IMPORTANT STUFF:
- Dress for the weather
- Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking/walking
- Bring water to stay hydrated
- Bring sunscreen and bugspray and head cover
- 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 you can leave ON YOUR OWN at any time. WE WON'T JUDGE. MUCH.
POST-WALK: we will end by Rockaway Beach 116th Street station where you can pick up the A train back to Manhattan and all points west. For those interested we will also do an optional celebratory sit-down dinner before heading home.
WEATHER: Heavy Rain cancels
MEETUP FEE: A $2.00 Meetup fee will be collected 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.
1 attendee 
A Mystic-al Spring Day in Connecticut (Amtrak Ticket Sale!)
Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, 350 W 33rd Street, New York, NY, USLet's take a day trip to visit Mystic, Connecticut, reachable by AMTRAK.
Pssst...Amtrak is currently (as of 2/7/2026) having ticket sale to Mystic out of Penn Station - $10.00 one-way (amazing price for a 3-hour train ride), and $23.00 return one-way. Jump on it! These prices will not last!!!
ABOUT MYSTIC: Settled in 1654, Mystic was once a shipbuilding seaport village and a safe harbor for tall ships to weather a storm. Today, the shoreline community with iconic Bascule Bridge is reminiscent of its rich maritime past, but clad with quintessential New England charm. Old sea captainâs homes dot the scenic roads along the Mystic River just outside of Downtownâs booming food and drink scene. Quaint and colorful mom and pop shops and eateries line Main street. An art museum and galleries give Mystic a bit of culture and sophistication. There are diverse attractions scattered all over Mysticâs nearly 4 square miles. Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, Denison Homestead, Mystic Museum of Art, Olde Mistick Village bring droves of visitors mainly during the milder months. B.F. Clydeâs Cider Mill, the only steam powered cider mill in the US is a favorite fall time tradition that keeps people lining up for cider and fresh donuts.
GETTING THERE: Amtrak out of NY's Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall). There's a 7AM train out of Penn and arriving in Mystic by 9:40AM.
AS OF 2/7/206, ONE-WAY train fare from Penn Station to Mystic is $10.00 for coach seats.
Return trip: one-way from Mystic back to Penn is $23.00 (as of 2/7/26).
PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR OWN TICKET AT https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Be sure to purchase your ticket early as prices do get HIGHER closer to the date.
SINCE THIS MEETUP REQUIRES PURCHASING TICKET IN ADVANCE, TO MAINTAIN RSVP INTEGRITY FOR THIS MEETUP, ALL INTERESTED RSVPS ARE WAITLISTED. Once you have purchased your ticket, post a comment that you have done so and I'll then move you off the waitlist.
AGENDA: Once we arrive in Mystic, we'll explore the town on foot. Day's schedule is not set in stones, so come with an open mind for adventures and whatever the day might bring.
SO MANY THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MYSTIC: https://thisismystic.com/things-to-do/
- this movie was filmed in this seaside Connecticut town. We'll definitely go in search for a slice :)
- Mystic River Bascule Bridge - Connecting the Groton side of Mystic with the Stonington side of Mystic is the famous drawbridge, built in 1922.
- Olde Mistick Village - This recreated 18th-century New England village offers a refreshing change from shopping malls as we know them. Browse or buy in the more than 60 small shops or dine in one of this charming setting's many eateries.
- Mystic Aquarium - General Admission $33.00
- Mystic Seaport Museum - General Admission $27.00
GETTING AROUND: Downtown Mystic is pedestrian friendly, and visitors can also walk up to Old Mistick Village {about 1.5 miles} for a pretty, scenic stroll. To go beyond downtown Mystic, Uber is fast and reliable with loads of friendly and resourceful drivers.
DURATION: This is an ALL-DAY EVENT. Our return train will be at 4:35PM arriving back to Penn Station by 7:30pm.
WEATHER: This Meetup is rain or shine!
LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared, participate at your own risks, hold no one liable, etc, etc.
10 attendees
Past events
2
