Last weekend Goat and I went on a walking tour with Patriot Walking Tours in New York City. We were in a small group of about 13 which was the smallest walking tour I’ve ever been on. It was wonderful to be in such close quarters with a guide- and this particular guide. Karen is not doing this for the paycheck. I get the feeling that she would do this for free.
You know when someone is passionate about what she does. And Karen is passionate about history and New York City. What a pleasure this tour was- combining my love for walking about in Manhattan, and learning. I love to hear history told as a good story, with rich plotlines, interesting characters and far-reaching consequences. Karen delivered as a master storyteller, and had my ear (and eye as she keenly pointed out various sights) the entire time.
The tour started promptly at 1 pm, and 2 1/2 hours later, near its end, she offered to extend it by another 15 minutes to take us to another site. The cost was unbelievably affordable- with online purchasing fees, it came to $50 for the both of us. A phenomenal deal, if you ask me. We plan to go back for her other tours: Civil War Era, Lower Manhattan Architecture, and Historic Graveyards. I want to go on them all! I highly recommend this to visitors and sightseers, history buffs or if you’re just the curious type and love to learn.
We ended the day walking around Battery Park and window shopping in Lower Manhattan, then heading home across the George Washington Bridge. We trekked north to Tappan, NY to The Old ’76 House to complete our day in colonial style.
As I type the date, I am still astounded. The tavern was founded in 1688. Let that sink in. 1688.
Our waiter David was gracious and attentive, as was the rest of the staff. The menu was full of attractive game- ostrich, lamb, duckling, wild boar and trout were among the many dishes that had us fretting over our choices and changing our minds. The amazing food, coupled with the historic interior, live piano music and the day’s events, made a day into memory I will not forget.
We are fortunate to live in an area that is steeped in our country’s history, and fortunate too, that we can share this with one another. It is always more fun doing this sort of thing with someone who digs it as much as you do, right?
Do you like to get out there and learn about your community? There is so much to do/find/enjoy. What kind of historical locales are near you? We love to travel, so give us ideas. You never know, we might just decide to visit you!
Blessings,
Aileen
What a great outing! What a great day!