Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hey, I'm Walkin' Here!
These walks are for serious trekkers: Most cover more than 20 miles. The terrain
is diverse, surveying scenic highlights of all five boroughs. Recent trips have targeted lesser-known destinations
like the south shore of Staten Island, Morrisania, Prohibition Park, and Todt Hill.
Prospect Park Discover Nature Tours
Tours here lead into the wilds of Brooklyn, where you can see a
newly rehabbed ravine, waterfalls, and Brooklyn's last forest. It's just like the Adirondacks—only with less driv-
ing, and better proximity to ethnic food when it's over. Discover tours run on Sundays at 3pm, with a break for
winter. Meet at the Audubon Center (at the Boathouse), just inside the Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance.
Check the website for other tour destinations, like the Lefferts Historic House.
718/287-3400.
www.prospectpark.org
. Subway: B/Q/S to Prospect Park.
Shorewalkers
Shorewalkers sure know how to hoof it. This environmental walking group makes some huge
treks around the city, usually keeping close to water.
Walks are free for members ($20 annual fee);
donations are requested from visitors. Dates, times, and locations vary; call or check the website for specifics.
212/330-7686.
www.shorewalkers.org
.
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (Humanities and Social Sciences Library)
This 1911 Beaux Arts
classic is compelling enough from the outside, with its iconic stairs, and twin lion sentries (Fortitude and Pa-
tience). The interior is even more impressive. In addition to free exhibits (p. 116), the library offers daily guided
tours. Tours meet Monday through Saturday at 11am and again at 2pm beside the information desk in Astor
Hall; the Sunday tour is at 2pm only. When there's an exhibit at Gottesman Hall, you can get a separate tour. Meet
Monday through Saturday at 12:30 and 2:30pm, and on Sunday at 3:30pm, at the entrance to the hall.
The library is closed Sundays in summer.
Fifth Ave., at 42nd St.
917/275-6975.
www.nypl.org
. Subway: B/D/F/M to 42nd St.; 7 to Fifth Ave.; 4/5/6/7/S to 42nd St./Grand Central.
Tweed Courthouse
Boss Tweed used this eponymous structure to fleece the city for millions (Tammany
cohort Andrew Garvey, the “prince of plasterers,” made a cool $133,187—in 1870 dollars—for just 2 days' work).
Recently renovated, the building is a fascinating blend of architectural styles, with elaborate arches and brick-
work. An octagonal skylight lets the sun pour in on the endless conferences conducted by the current tenant, the
Board of Ed.
52 Chambers St., btw. Centre St. and Broadway.
212/788-2656.
www.nyc.gov/html/artcom/html/tours/tours.shtml
.
Reserve in advance for tours
Fri noon (group tours Tues at 10am). Subway: R to City Hall; 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall; J/Z to Chambers St.; 2/3 to Park Place.
Urban Park Rangers
New Yorkers can have a tenuous connection to nature, which is a shame given all
the green that's out there (we have more than twice the open space per capita of Tokyo, and three times that of
Mumbai). Our local rangers stand by to get us out there, with free tours running in all five boroughs. A series of
walks follow cultural and historical themes, from the Battle of Brooklyn to the Little Red Lighthouse. There's also
a great set of hikes, from fitness to nature exploration, with night hikes and other opportunities to access places
that are often off-limits. Schedules are available on the website.
Sites vary.
311.
www.nycgovparks.org
.
Urban Trail Conference
A diverse selection of sites, from downtown Manhattan to the PepsiCo sculpture
gardens in Purchase, New York, are toured by these intrepid trekkers. They ask for a $3 donation from nonmem-
bers (a few events cost a little more), although first-timers get to walk for free. Big spenders can get a year's worth
of activity by springing for the club's $10 annual dues (just $7 for your rookie season).
Phone numbers vary by tour guide.
www.urbantrail.org
.
5 Green Peace: Gardens
