Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Red Hook Boaters
Native red clay (
RoodeHoek
in Dutch) is the origin of the name of this Brooklyn outlier,
which is rapidly gentrifying thanks to the IKEA and a host of restaurants and bars. One great way to explore the
area is with the Red Hook Boaters, a group dedicated to maintaining local waterfront access and raising aquatic
awareness. Their free programs offer canoes and kayaks for 15- to 20-minute runs into the protected area near
Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier. In return, they ask that you pitch in with beach cleanup before or after (gloves,
trash bags, and life jackets are provided, in addition to boats). When you've logged some time as a volunteer, you
can join in on an open-water tour of Governors Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park, or the Buttermilk Channel. Walk-up
kayaking runs Sunday afternoons from late May to early October, and Thursday evenings from mid-June until
mid-August.
The beach at Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier, Red Hook, Brooklyn, near Coffey and Ferris sts.
917/676-6458.
www.redhookboaters.org
.
Sun
1-5pm; Thurs 6-8pm. Subway: F/G to Smith/9th St.
Village Community Boathouse
The rowboats known as Whitehall gigs used to flourish on New York
Harbor, but human-powered boat travel has mostly gone the way of the U.S. shipping industry. To get a glimpse
of what waterfront life was like (and to take advantage of fresh air and nice views), join up with the free rides this
community organization hosts. You'll be captained by an experienced coxswain as you ply the waters near Pier
40, which is not so far from Whitehall Street, where the boats were once manufactured. The season runs April to
November, with free boatbuilding sessions in the winter.
Pier 40, at Houston St. and the Hudson.
212/229-2059.
www.villagecommunityboathouse.org
. Tues and Thurs 5:30pm-dusk; Sun noon-3pm.
Subway: 1 to Houston St.; A/C/E to Canal St.
Ommm
My Goodness: Meditation
In a town so loud it can be hard to hear one's own thoughts, the contrast of a quiet meditation space can be start-
ling. Though just about any house of worship in the city will suffice, sometimes it's nice to get a little guidance
for inner journeying.
Kagyu Dzamling Kunchab
This Tibetan organization brings the East to the West (side), with a traditional
Dharma practice led by an ordained lama. Wednesday nights are open to the public for meditation, followed by
a Buddhist teaching and Chenrezi practice. The evenings run from 6:30 to 8:30pm, but you can stay for as much
of it as you'd like. The suggested donation is $10, which is tax deductible.
410 Columbus Ave., btw. 79th and 80th sts.
212/989-5989.
www.kdk-nyc.org
.
Subway: B/C to 81st St.; 1 to 79th St.
Shambhala
Two lovely meditation rooms host the open meditations offered by this Tibetan Buddhist
group. Beginners can learn more at weekly lessons, Wednesdays at 6pm and Sundays at noon. When you've got
some seasoning, come back for public sittings and evening chants on weeknights at 5:30pm and Sundays from
9am to noon. Every Tuesday night at 7pm is the weekly dharma gathering, which is a half-hour of group med-
itation followed by a talk, a discussion, and a reception. Suggested donation for Tuesday evenings is $5, $10 for
meditation lessons. Public sittings are free.
118 W. 22nd St., 6th floor, btw. Sixth and Seventh aves.
212/675-6544.
www.ny.shambhala.org
. Subway: 1 or F/M to 23rd St.
The Three Jewels Community Center
To further the teachings of the Buddha, this organization offers a
lot of free programs. In conjunction with the Asian Classics Institute, you can find a wide range of classes, many
of which are suited to beginners. There are also meditation sessions, with on-hand instructors. The main loft
near Astor Place houses a combination dharma, yoga, meditation, and outreach center. Check the calendar for
the latest schedule (some offerings do come with a charge, like the $12 suggested donation for yoga).
61 Fourth Ave., 3rd floor, btw. 9th and 10th sts.
212/475-6650.
www.threejewels.org
.
Subway: 6 to Astor Place; N/R to 8th St.
Zen Center of New York City
Discover what one hand clapping sounds like at this Zen center in Brooklyn. Con-
tributions are requested to participate in the meditation sessions (generally $3-$5), held Wednesdays through
Sundays. If you're new to
zazen
, you can attend an introductory session on a Sunday morning. Sessions start at
9:15am and last around 3 hours. Admission is by a suggested contribution of $5.
