Exploring Red Hook, From Aging Industrial Architecture to Artist Magnet

Repurposed warehouses, head-on views of Lady Liberty, and frozen chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick — Red Hook is a neighborhood you might have never personally visited, but when you do, it will quickly become one of your favorites. How has this area of Brooklyn changed over the centuries and what does the future hold? It's time to hit the streets and uncover one of New York's most unique neighborhoods like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore Brooklyn’s waterfront neighborhood of Red Hook; seemingly ignored and neglected due to its isolation (surrounded by water, and far from the nearest subway), this working-class bastion — with low-rise architecture in the main shopping district, not far from a large public housing complex — has seen a resurgence as a site for opportunity and inspiration.

Led by licensed tour guide Norman Oder, our unique neighborhood experience will include:

• A walk past both repurposed warehouses and industrial buildings reflecting Red Hook’s once booming maritime industry and evolving commercial and residential role
• Stops at some of the neighborhood's notable eateries for the opportunity to grab some yummy treats, including Steve's Key Lime Pie
• Signs of the impacts of Superstorm Sandy and the pandemic — and the efforts to rebound from both
• The controversial emergence of three large sites for "last-mile" warehouse distribution facilities to serve e-commerce
• A visit to three parks — one with sweeping views of New York Harbor, another that was created with salvaged artifacts from a former shipyard, and even a hidden waterfront garden

At the end of the tour, Norman will point you to other places worth visiting in Red Hook, including opportunities for food, drink, and art.

Click here to see pictures from one of our last visits to Red Hook!

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**Food along the tour route is not included in the ticket price

***This tour ends behind the Ikea at 1 Beard St

****Please note that Norman maintains a moderately fast walking pace throughout the tour

Transportation

Ferry: The NYC Ferry stops in Red Hook! Click here to see the schedule. Exit Atlantic Basin at Pioneer Street and continue two short blocks to Van Brunt Street. Then turn left and walk five blocks up Van Brunt.

Bus: B61 north to Seabring Street, or B61 south to Commerce Street. 

Subway: Walk from Carroll Street Subway Station (F,G) or take B61 bus from Fourth Avenue (F/G/R) or Smith/9th (F/G) (exit Seabring) or Downtown Brooklyn (exit Commerce).

By Car: For those driving, it would be wise to park near Van Brunt and Wolcott streets, which is about halfway between the starting place and ending place. 

About Norman

Norman Oder, urbanist, journalist, and tour guide, spent a decade exploring Brooklyn before launching his tour guide business, New York Like A Native, in 2000. Each year, he tries to add a new tour to his repertoire. He's a member of the Guides Association of NYC and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Testimonials

"That the tour guide talked about local history and controversies at every area where the group stopped." -Laura

"Good overview of Red Hook." -John

"Knowledge." -steven

"Tour leader kept a brisk pace and covered a lot of Red Hook. TL was open to feedback and questions." -Bernadette

"Lots of info!" -Michelle

"Norman, our guide, covered a lot of ground -- both literally and figuratively. He shared both the history of the area and the changes that are reshaping it." -Catherine

"Getting acquainted to the area and hearing about the recent history." -Roslyn

"I like Norman's promptness and knowledge. It's always fun to explore a different neighborhood." -Jessica

"Range of event and experiences." -Matthew

"Good info -- history, good to see the art, fun to stop at the food places." -Debra

"I was shown some things about Red Hook that I didn't know before." -Cynthia

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club