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 you’ve 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 you’re 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 “wanna do” spirit, maintain a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things ... we want to meet you ...
So whether you’re 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 you’ll 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
4
- $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 you’re 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 town’s 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 and a bridge crossing at Atlantic Beach bridge which connects Long Island to Queens
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.
5 attendees 
Step Back in Time to the 1960s
Twa HOTEL, 1 Idlewild Drive, Near Terminal 5 JFK, Jamaica, NY, USCalling all aviation geeks, history buffs and travel lovers, let's spend a lazy Sunday afternoon stepping back in time to the 1960's and explore the golden age of aviation and travel with Vodka as your co-pilot
About the TWA Hotel: There are airport hotels, and then there’s the TWA Hotel.
HISTORY LESSON: Not long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, better known as the 1960's, the TWA Hotel was part of a functioning terminal at JFK Airport for Trans World Airlines – better known as simply TWA, of course – starting in the 1960s. By the 1990s, TWA was struggling and in 2001, the airline was acquired and folded into American Airlines. The iconic head house building sat mostly empty for years until 2019, when it was restored as an airport hotel.
Today, housed in Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA Flight Center, the modern TWA Hotel pays homage to the glamorous 1960s, also known as the golden age of aviation and travel. the TWA Hotel is a playground, a dream come true for aviation geeks and travel lovers alike. The former landmark turned hotel instantly became a must-visit for travelers near and far, turning the notion of a stuffy and basic airport hotel on its head.
Read more about it ----> HERE and at the Hotel website -------> HERE
AGENDA: Lots of things to see and do at the hotel:
- There's a HEATED Infinity Pool where you can enjoy a unique rooftop experience with cocktails in hand and seeing planes take off from JFK's airport runways. Pool reservation must be made in advance ----> HERE
- From the Hotel's Observation Deck: you can take panoramic pictures of planes landing at and taking off from JFK.
- Throughout the Hotel, as you groove to music from the golden '60s playing in the background, you can immerse yourself in the hotel's aviation-themed decor, including TWA memorabilia and retro furnishings that pay homage to the airline's history.
THEN at 4PM, we'll step onto the TWA Hotel’s tarmac - and back into 1958 ... aboard the 1958 Constellation airplane turned cocktail lounge, where the martinis and the atmosphere are first-class.
Read more about Connie's history here -------> https://www.twahotel.com/connie-airplane/connies-history
Today as a cocktail lounge, Connie serves cocktails and light snacks. Try the Vodka is My Co-Pilot, Connie's take on a martini.
PLEASE NOTE THE LOUNGE IS OPEN 4PM TO 10PM. THERE IS NO RESERVATION FOR THE CONNIE. ADMISSION TO THE LOUNGE IS FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED.
Thereafter, we can have optional dinner at the Paris Cafe by famed chef Jean-Georges.
- About the Paris Cafe: Located in the heart of the 1962 Eero Saarinen-designed TWA terminal, the Paris Café by Jean-Georges encompasses the entire footprint of the terminal’s original Paris Café and Lisbon Lounge. The spaces were once outfitted by famed Parisian industrial designer Raymond Loewy — the mind behind the 1955 Coca-Cola contour bottle, the 1959 TWA twin globes logo, the 1963 Studebaker Avanti and the 1962 Air Force One livery.
- Click HERE to peruse brunch menu. Everyone will order individually.
GETTING THERE: https://www.twahotel.com/hotel-information/directions
- The AirTrain is the fastest and easiest way to get to the TWA Hotel. It is a 5-minute ride from all terminals to the TWA Hotel at the Terminal 5 stop.
- Take E train to Jamaica Station then follow signs to the Airtrain. Take Airtrain to Terminal 5 and follow signs to the TWA Hotel front door.
WEATHER: This Meetup is RAIN OR SHINE!
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 captain’s homes dot the scenic roads along the Mystic River just outside of Downtown’s 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 Mystic’s 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. Clyde’s 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
Museum Hopping and Chasing Cheesesteaks in Philly
Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, 350 W 33rd Street, New York, NY, USSpring has sprung! With nice weather and longer daylight hours, let's take a DAY TRIP to explore the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection ... the day will be exploring some of the museums in Philly. We'll also go in search of the best cheesesteaks in town!!!!
ABOUT PHILLY: There's more to Philly than just a cracked bell. Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and blessed with the glamour and culture of a big city, 'Philly' delights visitors with its rich history and small-town charm, as well as fascinating museums, vibrant parks, national historic sites and famous (and delicious) food.
Do you know? On the first Sunday of every month, Philadelphia offers numerous free or pay-as-you-wish museum days
Participating museums:- Barnes Foundation (first Sunday)
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (first Sunday).
Then there are those museums that are always free like:
- United States Mint and Liberty Bell Center
- Wagner Free Institute of Science (always free)
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (always free),
- Fabric Workshop and Museum
GETTING THERE: Amtrak out of Penn Station - Moynihan Train Hall.
NOTE: As of March 1, 2026, Amtrak is currently selling $10 one-way ticket sale on the 7am train out of Penn Station!!! Jump on it!! This price will not last!!!
BE SURE TO BUY YOUR TICKET EARLY AS PRICES DO GO UP CLOSER TO THE DATE.
book your ticket at www.amtrak.com
TO MAINTAIN RSVP INTEGRITY FOR THIS MEETUP, ALL INTERESTED RSVPS ARE WAITLISTED UNTIL YOU CONFIRM YOU HAVE ACTUALLY BOUGHT TRAIN TICKET OR INDICATE HOW YOU'RE GETTING TO PHILLY.
AGENDA: lots to see and do. We'll figure it out closer to the date. Right now just buy your tickets EARLY!
Getting around town: We will get around on foot so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Depending on where we need to go, we may share an Uber to get there.
PLEASE NOTE day’s agenda is not written in stones and remains subject to changes. Come with an open mind for ADVENTURES and FLEXIBILITY for whatever the day might bring.
DURATION: This is an all day event. But you can leave on your own at any time.
At the end of the day, you can pick any return train of your choice. I'll be on the 7:09pm Amtrak train back to NYC. Ticket is currently $15.
LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable. Etc. Etc.
3 attendees
Past events
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