Great way to get out of the city with no thought or planning on your part. Found this group through zozi. One 8 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail later, I'm very grateful. Yes, you're paying someone to pick you up, drive you to the trail head and lead the hike, but be honest.... you weren't gonna get in that hike you've been meaning to do between you and your measly zipcar subscription. I loved using this service and I would do it again. That they pick up three blocks from my house certainly didn't hurt... Our hike to Sunfish Pond in NE Pennsylvania was gorgeous, especially on the way back as it crossed a winter stream several times and my knees and hips started to ache, in the good way. But the best part was that I made some great friends. Really interesting New Yorkers tend to click on "Buy" under "8 mile winter hike". Who knew?? As much as I knew I'd like the hike, I ended up liking the company as well which was worth even more. We stopped for food at a great restaurant called (not kidding) "Beer from Here, Food from Near." Recommend the Session Stout though all four of my brand new friends got the Blonde Ale and loved it. There was traffic on the way back... and I wasn't driving! Yay. read more

I love Living Adventure Tours! The first trip I went on was back in May--a friend had found an offer through a deal site and sent on the link. And--miracle of miracles, since I feel talking about things is one thing, but actually getting people to commit can sometimes feel impossible--three of us actually signed up. I'd been on a few trips through Discover Outdoors, so I imagined it'd be similar ... but it wasn't. It was way, way funner. The leader, Vaughn, is low-key and funny and makes it clear that he really WANTS to be out there, leading hikes. I always felt that the Discover Outdoor guides were kind of hiking snobs who were only leading a group of New Yorkers because they had to. And while Vaughn definitely knows his stuff, you can tell he really digs introducing newbies to hiking. The hike was fun, and the winery was RIDICULOUS. We had an awesome tasting, then everyone in the group bought bottles of wine, and pretty much got tanked. People were talking to each other, sharing snacks, and it was a really, really fun afternoon. And then Vaughn brought us to a cute farmstand AND dealt with everyone being loud and ridiculous in the van ride home. I went on another hike this fall, and it was just as good. Vaughn is flexible to the needs/wants of the group (we ended up doing two hikes, since the original itinerary was to a place affected by Sandy) then stopped at a cute NJ brewery for dinner. I've gone with friends both times, but it's not necessary. Vaughn is so friendly and good at facilitating conversation that you'd have a good time solo. But if you'd prefer to chill with your friends, as long as you're friendly to the rest of the group, that's fine, too. It's not like, mandatory hand holding and Kumbahya singing--just good people, good times, and a great way to get out of the city for the day. I will absolutely be going on more adventures! read more

I went on the Musconetcong Dam tour yesterday with a friend, and we had a great time! I was surprised that we were actually out on the water for several hours (some previous tours I've been on - you only actually paddled for maybe an hour!). Vaughn was a great leader, and I enjoyed that he gave you space to explore a little on your own, and I didn't feel pressured to be right next to the group at all times. He took us to this awesome spot for lunch with a waterfall - too bad I didn't bring a towel or else I would have definitely jumped in. It was cool to hear Vaughn's passion for his business - he is the owner so I felt like I was in good hands. I definitely echo the sentiment of other reviewers that you can just TELL he loves what he does, and he's not 'just' out there to make money. Overall, great day at the dam, Vaughn was great to learn from, and the price is absolutely reasonable for what you get. I'll definitely be going on more tours! read more

I went on the Monksville kayak trip this past weekend. It was a wonderful afternoon away from the city. We enjoyed the gorgeous location and even saw a beautiful blue heron. I'd say that the best parts of this trip include: -- Pace and level of difficulty of the trip (which was variable, but not too hard). This is an excellent trip for those who are new to kayaking or for those, like me, who haven't been kayaking in a while. You could stay really close to the group or take a little distance, which meant that paddlers could go at their own speed and comfort level. -- Vaughn's instructions and guidance. They were clear, helpful, interesting, and to-the-point. After we were oriented, Vaughn didn't breathe down our necks. At the same time, he was completely accessible if we had questions. -- Small group size. Perfect! Kept things familiar. Didn't feel like were were on a corporate trip, but rather enjoying a tour with a friendly host. Vaughn did a great job. I'm excited to go on other biking/horse trips! read more

Had an awesome time Kayaking with Vaughn! Great adventure, awesome tour guide and wonderful chats with a great group of people at the bar! I didn't even realize Vaughn took photos! He sent it to us through an e-mail so now I get to keep pictures for memories as well! Awesome! read more

I went on the Monksville kayak trip yesterday and it was WONDERFUL!!!! The weather, although a bit windy, was fabulous!! Vaughn is an excellent, excellent instructor, very laid back and very easy to get along with. We had a great group, a lot of fun, and a delicious dinner to end the day!!! (Thank you Chris) I am absolutely going to be a return customer. read more

We really had a wonderful time on the Pennsylvania bike/winery tour. Very knowledgeable, professional yet FUN tour guides. Vaughn is a great guy. Very funny too. He kept an eye on us "out of shape stragglers", which I appreciated very much. Very organized trip, yet it still felt very relaxed. Not rushed at all. We loved the bike path with all the leaves falling around us and the beautiful covered bridges.. very pretty! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something cool to do out of this urban jungle, and you don't have to be a kid or in the best shape (which I was a bit worried about) to get through the ride, and if you are anything like me, you might even feel a sense of accomplishment when you're done. Looking forward to the Bonfire/Horseback riding tour next! read more

We did the Stairway to Heaven and Warwick Winery tour this weekend. It was a great day trip. I thought the tour guide had a good mix of being involved but not being overbearing. The views from the top of the trail were really beautiful. We had our packed lunch and some time to relax and enjoy the scenary. The winery wasn't great wine but it was a fun place to spend the afternoon and listen to live music. Overall, I would recommend this adventure to anyone looking for a fun, outdoor trip outside of the city. read more

A friend and I booked through Time Out NY and went kayaking on the Musconetcong. We were picked up at a convenient location on CPW and driven out to NJ. The scenery was gorgeous, and the kayaking was super fun. When we got back to the city, I couldn't stop raving about the trip! Vaughn was a great guide who was friendly, knowledgable, and had everything planned out perfectly. All in all it was a lovely, relaxing, and stellar day. I'll definitely be signing up for more trips with Living Adventure Tours in the future and would totally recommend them! read more

I took the Bike, Brew & Alpacas too tour in on Sept 14. I went for the Alpacas, but truth is I was ASTOUNDED by the beauty of the trail and scenery. I felt like I was in Vermont or France! Gorgeous farms, woods and countryside. The air was extraordinary. We rode through a tiny village and had lunch by a river. We didn't see the alpacas, they were in a different pasture or resting, but we interacted with tons of friendly goats and Clydedale horses too! Vaughn is an excellent guide, the bikes were perfect, lightweight and easy to ride. The trail was dirt but hard packed and easy to peddle on. The other riders were very nice and our visit to brewery was fun. So glad I took the leap and signed up for this excursion! I'll definitely sign up for more Living Adventure Tours. read more

I had such a super fun day bike riding along the Delaware River yesterday. Vaughn is a very laidback and knowledgeable guide/organizer and you can definitely tell that this is something he loves to do. Getting us 'cityfolk' out of our urban jungle for a day is just what we need to recharge and remember that life exists outside of NYC. The people I traveled with were super nice and I hope to do such a trip again soon. Thanks, Vaughn! :D read more

I hate to give any business a one star. However this company is very unprofessional. I bought the sip and ride tour since July and the two times i manage to get on a tour it was cancelled for various reasons less than 24 hrs before the tour. I emailed, text and called them to ask for an alternative tour etc. with no reply ! I eventually asked for a refund and again no reply! what gives? Im sure when the tour actually happens it is great and the tour guide is amazing... but good luck to you getting on an actually tour, a refund or any question you may have answered. read more

Got this via Google Offers and its one of those businesses that I will actually keep using past the deal. Went on the Monksville Reservoir tour and it was a lovely, relaxing experience. Our guide Vaughn was super friendly and helpful and very engaged with the activity. I'd recommend this to anyone! read more

I've been on a bunch of different hiking/outdoor adventure trips through deal websites, and Living Adventure Tours is by far the best experience. Vaughn, the trip leader/owner of the company, is organized, laid back and creates great itineraries for day trips of all types - from the crunchy outdoorsy person to the boozehound. My boyfriend and I have been on a hike and a snowshoeing trek in the last year and both were great - transportation to and from, snacks along the way, educational bits about whatever activity we're doing, and a nice group of like-minded people. He also offers discounts for returning trip-goers, which makes for an easy, affordable day outside of the city. I'm hoping to try some of his other trips in the near future. Book and go! read more

I booked using google offers and went to Monksville Resorvior for kayaking, it was great fun and very well organized. We didn't need to do anything just get up and go out to have a lot of fun. I would totally recommend them !! read more

Vaughn is a really friendly, knowledgable guy who genuinely enjoys giving people an opportunity to get out of New York to enjoy the beautiful countryside. Aside from offering people with an adventure outside the City, the man is just plain interesting to talk to! I highly recommend Living Adventure Tours. read more

I could not think of a more perfect day. Vaughn was the most thoughtful, personable, and informative guide. From beginning to end, the cycle and winery day was like a day in Disneyworld, but better. The scenery was magnificent, the ride was so much fun, and topped off by the winery visit. Even the adorable country café we stopped at for lunch. Thank you, Vaughn. Can't wait for our next adventure! read more

I went on the Stairway to Heaven and Winery Tour on Saturday and had a fantastic time. We were only an hour and a half drive outside of the city but I felt like we were in a different world! The hike up was mildly challenging, I definitely worked up a sweat, but it ended too soon for me - what can I say, I like to hike! The view was amazing though and we all spread out at the top and ate our lunch, took pictures and relaxed. After the hike down we all piled back in the van and headed to the winery. It was a gorgeous day and while we were wine tasting Vaughn set up a tent and blankets and we all took our purchased bottles of wines and snacks out there and just relaxed in the sunshine. We made what was supposed to be a quick bathroom stop at a greenhouse/convenient store/cafe/bar/barn on the way home and ended hanging out for about an hour drinking beer and cider and chatting outside before finally heading back to the city. We got back around 8:30/9ish. It really was overall a great day, met some great people and was a much needed mini escape from the city. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of Vaughn's tours. read more

Living Adventures Tours with Vaughn Tiedeman at the helm did a great job with our snowshoeing outing. Vaughn made the experience wonderful by making sure everyone was being accommodated. We exercised, got in touch with nature, had many laughs -- and Vaughn gave us the opportunity to get to know each other when we were done trekking and ready to relax. Thumbs up!!! Julie DiMauro Brooklyn read more

I just came from hiking up the Appalachian trail and wine tasting. I took my mom for mothers day and it was one of the best experiences we've ever had. Vaughn, our guide, is an amazing human being with magnetic energy. I loved that they scheduled a driving service to take us to and from. The hike up was extremely intense, but once you make it up and gaze at the overview, you'll feel so accomplished! Also, you may run into a big black bear or a few garden snakes. Nothing worth sacrificing the experience for. The bear was pleasant. lol The wine tasting was also really fun! Vaughn brought tents and blankets for us to lay out in the sun. The winery had a broad collection of tasty sweet wines and great food (recommend the portabello sandwich, truffle fries and caesar salad). If you get to experience the perfect weather like we did, you get to relax outside and socialize with your group, which provides the icing to an already great evening. The winery also has a live band and feel free to toss around a frisbee. Really really cool. I would recommend this to any and everyone. You will walk away refreshed as if you just came back from a mini vacation, PLUS, our tour guide Vaughn, is one of the most amazing people you will ever meet. read more

I went on a snow shoeing trip to a Harriman state park yesterday. I got to the meeting point and our guide, Vaughn was on time getting people into the van. He drove us out of the city and his dog Tucker came along as well. That dog was so friendly and well behaved, even a person not used to being around a dog like me felt comfortable. The actual snow shoeing was well organized and fun. Vaughn gave us instructions on how to put it on, and then we were off. We hiked about 4 miles round trip on crunchy snow on a moderate trail. You need to be in a relatively good shape to do this, otherwise you'd need to take breaks in between. I am not an athletic person, but I exercise regularly and I was able to keep up with the group. It was a fantastic way to spend a day away from the city getting some fresh air and being in quiet nature. I would definitely go on another day trip with this agency again. I had a great time doing something active in a beautiful nature guided by a very interesting and laid back person. Definitely recommend. read more

I went on the Harriman Hike tour with Vaughn and a small group of people on 3/18/12. Vaughn was great - he knew exactly where to take us and the surroundings were beautiful. Vaughn is knowledgeable, friendly, and punctual. He picked us up in a van on the upper west side and the drive was pretty quick (45 minutes or so). The hike was a couple of hours, a great workout in a sense, and the group dynamic was good too. We stopped off at a restaurant on the way back which was a nice touch, since we were all pretty hungry. I highly recommend Living Adventure Tours and Vaughn as a tour guide...he's very passionate in what he does and tries to give you a fun, exciting experience. read more

My friend and I did the snowshoeing tour with Vaughn and it was fantastic. The location was beautiful and snowshoeing itself was a lot of fun and not too challenging. We stopped at a great pub in New Paltz on the way back and the food and atmosphere were fantastic. Vaughn is a great guide, friendly, knowledgeable, entertains you with fun riddles on the van ride and has led a very interesting life so make it a point to chat with him. read more

Great experience! Just came back from kayaking trip in Jersey. Two thumbs up for the owner and guide Vaughn. Already planning to go on another trip :) read more

I had a great time on the Sip and Cycle trip. I had not biked in years and so was a bit concerned going in but the trail was nice and smooth and we went at just the right pace. Vaughn was a great guide and everything was run super smoothly. I would definitely recommend his trips. read more