Ok, I must admit to trying out Suicide Hill with some friends years back after a snowfall. I'm old…read moreenough to know better but young enough to still make stupidly bad decisions. Some cardboard or plastic is all you need to go flying down this steep hill and into a chain link fence. A few bumps and bruises later and I was done. Good thing we all had a few drinks in us at the time! Felt no pain! Until the next day, ouch!

Suicide Hill 04/10/22…read more Suicide Hill is any hill the someone goes down (sledding, skating, etc.) that could possibly end in disaster, such as getting run over by a car in the street. New York City has several "Suicide Hills" in several boroughs. At Manhattan Fort Tryon Park, there's a "suicide hill" where someone sledded into the street and died. At Manhattan's Riverside Drive and 91st Street, there's another "suicide hill." That's this location. At Manhattan's Central Park on West Park Drive between 104th Street and 110th Street, there's a "suicide hill" where bicyclists became tired, and gangs of kids would swarm out of bushes and steal the bikes. I'm familiar with climbing this hill too. As I said I'm familiar with this location on Riverside Drive. I go for the hike and views. I would never go sledding down the hill. I already had one sledding experience with my cousin. It was when I was little holding on his back with my arms around his waist when he headed down the hill. We hit the fence and he lost his front tooth. I'm sure he got a beating from his father too. Oh memories......sled at your own risk.

Everything went well the is very good for hiking and bike riding it's amazing just grab your…read more friends and a picnic basket and go for it

We Out (Philipa) guided a 10 person group to Hudson Highlands State Park and summited Bull Hill…read morewith an elevation of 1,421 feet in Cold Spring NY. I don't know what kind of hiker I would consider myself as I regularly hike a few of the Delaware Gap Appalachian trails and recently completed Lemon Squeeze in NY. I know a good tour guide when I see one though. Philipa built a full experience for the group, from getting to the mountain (public transportation, GPS if driving), what to pack, how to dress, fitness level suggestions, snack/lunch suggestions and weather updates. Even though the weather for our trip would not qualify for a regular summer day in July I felt prepared and mentally I had a great attitude (which I contributed to the preparedness). At the mountain Philipa went through basic necessities (bathroom uses), pacing and safety precautions. She also gave us information about the mountain which is the only reason I know exactly where I hiked and how high I climbed. We stopped the amount of times the group needed to and she built connections to the mountain giving us some historical information. After the hike we stopped in town for some ice cream and snacks. Overall I feel as each activity would be different as each mountain/trail provides different experiences. But for review purposes what I want to leave you with is that Philipa will not lead the 1st timer astray, an expert will learn at least 1 new fact and she caters each experience to the area. You will not regret it!!! You will love your experience!

Stumblin' in The Apple of NYC Nice garden around it…read moreView of Hudson River Close to Pier 45

Apple Garden at Stephan Weiss Park is absolutely beautiful. I've been here several times and…read morerecently I found my photos of the Apple. This whole area of the Hudson River is a excellent place to walk. I try to visit at least once a year. It's a long hike from the Upper East Side. I make a day of it. I'm definitely going to take more photos of the Apple when I return. It's very weird yet interesting! I recommend you check out this sculpture and garden when you're in the neighborhood.

This is one of those spots you either randomly stumble on while walking around the city or you've…read moreseen all over TikTok and decided to go out of your way to check it out. Either way, it's such a unique little escape right in the middle of the chaos of New York. The east side of Manhattan can feel kind of sterile with not much to do, so this is a really nice change of pace. The waterfall alone makes it worth it--the sound is super calming, and it honestly doesn't even feel like you're in the city for a second. You'll see people posted up working on laptops, just hanging out, or catching up with friends. There's also plenty of seating, which is a huge plus--tables, long benches, all of that. I grabbed a mango smoothie from the small café inside the park and it was actually really good. Definitely a solid spot to just chill for a bit.

Delightful little oasis of a park on 51st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. There's a pretty big…read morewaterfall here with chairs and some tables too. Get a pic right in front of the rushing water . I was here in mid May and it was open . I'm assuming in winter that the waterfall is not on . Many people having their lunch here or just hanging out in a quiet and relaxing spot. I noticed a lot of bird song too . Nice little park.

Everything is great about central park no complaints at all you can visit anytime walk in the park…read moreenjoy the atmosphere meet people listen to music and just have fun

I absolutely love the fall foliage here. Central Park has always been my favorite spot whenever I…read morevisit the city, but autumn truly makes it magical. The colors, the crisp air, and the quiet moments just sitting on a bench under the branches it's pure tranquility. There's really nothing more to say; the beauty speaks for itself. You can see exactly what I mean through my photos.

This review is way overdue since I have gone on quite a few day trips with Hines by now but better…read morelate than never! I've used a couple of different tour companies in the past but what set Hines apart from them is that the guides are very knowledgable and professional (not some kids out of high school) and they truly seem to love what they do. Also, food and snacks are included in the price which wasn't the case with the other companies. So far I've been to numerous gorgeous waterfalls, gone hiking in the mountains, went to visit caves, been on a dolphin watch trip, and I have visited Amish country (and rode in a buggy - so much fun!). Since I can't always go on a long vacation during the summer and fall, I feel like I can still get some mini-vacation-time in with these day trips. These guys are truly the best, five stars all the way!

Two single day trips visiting gems on both sides of the Delaware River…read more This past season, I did two separate day trips with Hines tours. Both trips began in Northwest NJ & ended in PA; one of the trips then made a stop in NJ afterwards. The first trip was to Abraham Staats House South Bound Brook, NJ which dates back to the Revolutionary War.  Even as a NJ native, I never knew this place existed. The place was fascinating with period rooms, artifacts, and a performer on an instrument called a Hammered Dulcimer. We were then treated to a battle re-enactment done by actual descendants of the Revolutionary War.  We then went to Ringing Rocks Park in Upper Black Eddy, PA. We first walked on a trail leading us to a beautiful waterfall. What makes the park unique is the park's boulder rocks that do actually ring when you tap them with a hammer (hammers not included but some guests brought their own). On the second trip, the first stop was in Sussex county NJ at Sterling Mine Mineral Museum. This had been a working zinc mine until 1986 and opened as a Museum in 1989. We first toured the museum which housed their extensive gem collection. The museum space had been repurposed from the miners' locker room and had preserved the original lockers and the shower sprouts used by the miners. Our phenomenal tour guide then took us through the underground mine explaining the minerals and equipment used in the mines. We were immersed in the life of a daily miner including the demographics of the miners, different job specialties in the mine, and how miners were matched with their jobs in the mines. Our guide also explained the importance of zinc in our everyday lives and I now have added zinc to my daily regimen & feel better for that piece of advice. Our guide described how brilliant fluorescent minerals were accidentally discovered & we were treated to a brilliant light show both in the mines & at the Florescent Mineral Museum. After lunch, we drove over the Delaware River to Bushkill Falls in Poconos PA.These Falls, dubbed the Niagara Falls of PA, is a popular destination boasting 8 Waterfalls. Nik led a tour for those who wanted to join and hit all the waterfalls. Otherwise people could visit the falls at their own pace. Each waterfall was more spectacular than the last. There was plenty of viewing areas with places to sit and be mesmerized by the falls. Bonus that we saw the falls on a perfect sunny fall day.  During the first trip, on our way back to NYC, we then made a bonus stop at Red Hill Museum in Clinton NJ. This museum is highly photographed and had been on my bucket list but hadn't had the opportunity to visit as it's not too accessible by public transportation. We toured the mill and learned about the family who owned the mill, the industrial process, and life in the 1800s at the mill. For example, we saw a model school house which had listed on the wall not only the rules for students but also the rules to which rules teachers had to adhere during those times. The town itself was quaint and picturesque. I cannot recommend Hines Tours enough for a dosage of adventure, history, education, and fun.

The Social Paws allows you to kayak or paddleboard on the Hudson River with your dogs for about 45…read moreminutes! You don't even have to own a dog to participate; simply be a dog lover. Paddleboarding is recommended if you have a dog. I wish you could kayak/paddleboard more, but you are allowed to explore the area around the Intrepid. If you are not interested in the Social Paws, there are other tours available, such as the Night Kayaking Tour, the Private Hudson Tour, the Spuyten Duyvil Tour, the Tribeca Tour, and so on. Five stars - it's a fun time!

Margo and Paul took excellent care of us on our sunset kayak trip. With an emphasis on safety, they…read moretaught the basics on land, made sure we were comfortable on the water, and then led us on a tour, stopping often to share historical information (and to let the stragglers catch up.) Our trip wasn't a high level athletic event, but Manhattan Kayak does offer training and equipment to get you there if you desire. PS, my wife forgot her wallet in a changing room, the staff called and texted immediately but we were already home when we checked our messages. Stacy came in early the next day so we could collect the valuables. Operation, equipment, and staff all highly recommended at Manhattan Kayak.

Northeastern & mid-Atlantic US - my 200th review and the honor goes to an organization that's close…read moreto my heart, the Appalachian Mountain Club! I can't believe there aren't more reviews for the AMC, and I don't mean the movie theater. This is the BEST organization if you love the outdoors and live in the northeast! I belong to the NY-NJ chapter (https://amc-ny.org) but AMC has 11 local chapters also in CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, RI, and the Potomac region (DC, MA, VA). AMC is the oldest outdoor club in the United States, and works to support and promote outdoor recreation & education, and environmental stewardship. The organization is filled with wonderful and dedicated people. Its trained leaders and volunteers organize SO many hiking, camping, backpacking, paddling, biking, rock climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, sailing. etc. trips; as well as offer instructional & skills courses, wilderness first aid certification, and fun outdoor events accessible to everyone and at all levels of aptitude - and mostly for free or at low cost! They also offer incredible guided adventure travel and trekking all around the world to places like Patagonia, the Himalayas, Scotland, Switzerland, Canada, US national parks, Italy, Greece, southeast Asia, the Balkans, Africa, New Zealand, Fiji, etc. etc. You don't have to be a member to join most of the activities, events and trainings, but membership gets you a significant discount to paid events and trips, as well as 20% off lodging at their huts, cabins, and campsites, and on AMC books/maps & merch. We have a family membership and it's totally worth it. I've stayed in several of their lodgings but am particularly fond of the Harriman Outdoors Center here in Rockland County, NY - you can rough it or glamp, as it has excellent facilities, and FABULOUS food at their dining hall if you don't wish to give up your creature comforts while taking in some nature. Events can be searched on their website: https://www.outdoors.org/adventures/ (There's also a way to set up an activities digest email to get notified of new postings, but I leave that for the devoted to find. ;)) The NY-NJ leaders also post many of their hikes and other events on Meetup.com so you can look there for activities to join as well. There is also a young members group for under 40s. The groups are very active and often organize multiple events per week. All are welcome! By the way I don't work for AMC - I'm just a very passionate member and advocate and outdoor enthusiast, and think more people should know about them! (Even as I want to keep this best kept secret to myself lol.)

AMC is a great way to get active outdoors. Beyond the low membership fee, there are ways to…read morecontribute to the organizations conservation mission. www.outdoors.org

The Blockhouse was a one of a kind experience! I'm so glad I took the time to see this historic…read moresite. You really should visit. This place is quite a hike up some tough terrain for this old lady. It was worth it when I got to the top. I was the only one there for a short time. It was kinda spooky because it looks like an old jail. Constructed in 1814, decades before the Park was even an idea, the Blockhouse is the oldest surviving building in Central Park. Located on a prominent rock outcrop in the North Woods, the stone structure was part of a fortification system built to defend New York from the British during the War of 1812. It's very cool to see and I highly recommend you visit this historic location in the park. The view from up there is great too. I'm a little afraid of heights and it was steep so I took one quick look down! I doubt I'll return to visit this location unless a family or friend visiting me insists. I know how to get there now.

So cool that we have old forts in Central Park and The Blockhouse is considered the oldest standing…read morestructure built here. Built during the War of 1812 it was meant to fortify the northern part of the city from attack. It up there pretty high so I can understand the strategic vantage point. It never saw any action but it stands as a monument to wartime efforts in NYC. The American flag and POW/MIA flag still flies above it in honor. It's not east to get to as there are a lot of narrow stairs to climb, and uneven slippery ground. There is a padlocked entrance but you can view inside. It's in the North Woods at 109th and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd.

When the park is in full bloom The Ramble is an idyllic walk on a nice day. Paths and trails to…read moreexplore this woodland oasis. Its a peaceful meander to decompress and rest your thoughts. Plenty of flora along with bridges, lakes, waterfalls, etc. You can definitely get lost in here but not too hard to find your way. It seems a less traveled and busy part of Central Park as sometimes you'll just see a few other folks also trying to get away from civilization and walking its paths.

The Ramble is known for the woodland landscape in Central Park, and I think it's like the luxury…read moreforest experience of the woods in the center of New York City. I found it's quiet and less visited as further deep in the park, very peaceful walk.