Urban Adventure
According to David, owner of NYC Urban Adventures,“Urban Adventures was launched in 2009, as a joint venture between Intrepid Travel and WHL Group, with the idea of creating a new style of day tours that got travelers off the beaten path to really connect with a destination on a local level. In each destination UA operates in, local teams ensure this – whether it is a home-based cooking class in Delhi, a beer and history tour of Toronto, or even a cycling tour through Soweto. Today UA is a truly global company with teams in over 100 cities around the world and are now fully owned by Intrepid Travel. New York City Urban Adventures operates as part of this network and takes particular pride in showing guests what is truly unique to NYC. NYCUA offers tours that focus on connecting both locals and visitors to the small, locally owned businesses that make New York special. We visit immigrant bakeries, craft breweries, hidden cocktail bars, and more to give people a taste of New York.”
Urban Adventure tour group
On a beautiful late spring day I met the other 11 adventurers from Holland & Scotland at the fountains in City Hall Park. I was the only local participating. Our guide was Joe and we were lucky to have him as our leader. There was a lot of walking on this tour & he made sure to wait for me to catch up with the group (I use a cane). The title of this 3-hour plus tour was Tenements, Tales & Tastes ($65). To quote their description, “Tacos, dumplings, knishes, bagels; America would be a food wasteland without immigration. Join this New York tour to sample the side effects of mass immigration while learning about those that dared to live the American Dream.”
Joe, our Urban Adventures’ fearless leader
Joe talked about the history of City Hall, the Municipal Building, the Federal Courthouse, and the African Burial Grounds, etc. as we moved toward Chinatown & Little Italy. There were 4 food stops, all excellent choices. When one has jury duty it is always fun to have lunch in Chinatown. Our first stop was a tiny place named Fried Dumpling on Mosco Street. Not much ambiance but 5 freshly made and tasty dumplings for $1? WOW!
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- Fried Dumplings in NYC’s Chinatown
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- Alleva Cheese, oldest cheese shop in America (1892)
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- Yonah Schimmel Knishery (1910)
Alleva Dairy is the oldest cheese shop in America (1892) & is opposite the very well known Ferraro Bakery & Café on Grand Street where we sampled mozzarella & prosciutto. I had not been to Yonah Schimmel Knishery (1910) in 40 years. It is located on East Houston Street with handmade & baked (never fried) Knishes. I don’t think any of the other members of our group had ever tasted one before. Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten was our last stop. Located on Rivington Street I had passed it many times when visiting the now departed Shapiro Winery & Streit Matzo facilities. I had another appointment so I had to say farewell to the group after enjoying a freshly baked pretzel. The beer will come another time.
About the Author:
Ron Kapon has over 50 years experience in the wine & spirit field, starting with his first drink (mixed with water) at age three. His family’s business – Acker, Merrall & Condit – was established in 1820 and is the oldest wine merchant in the United States as well as the largest wine auction company in the world.
Click www.ronkapon.com to check out Ron’s website or connect with him on Facebook: Facebook: www.facebook.com/vinoron
Just wanted to mention that Urban Adventures operates world-wide, not just NYC and the US. Wherever your destination takes you, check out the Urban Adventure website and book a tour while you’re in-country. Learn more about your destination that’s off that beaten path.
My second paragraph covered the fact that Urban Adventures operates in over 100 countries world wide.