It’s the business capital of the world, and with eight million-plus residents, you probably know someone you can visit there. When you do, be sure to plan an escape to one of these adventure hotspots.
Half Day: Fish for Striped Bass
At sunrise, pick up the 31-foot Contender operated by Fin Chaser Charters (718-317-1481; www.finchaser.com) at Manhattan’s Chelsea Piers in front of the Chelsea Brewing Company. You’ll get stellar views of downtown as you cruise on the Hudson River past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Twenty minutes later you’ll be casting at a favorite spot of these hard-hitting silver and black-lined beauties—the long rocky jetty at Breezy Point in Jamaica Bay. There’s a misconception that you have to throw your line way out there to catch these suckers. Four-hour charters cost $350 (minimum of two people required) and include all gear.
Full Day:
Sea Kayak Long Island Sound
Ride the Metro North Train 59 minutes from Grand Central Terminal to South Norwalk, Connecticut. From there you can set out on a paddling tour of the wooded, mostly uninhabited Norwalk Islands of Long Island Sound. Watch for cormorants, egrets and oystercatchers at Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, and views of the Manhattan skyline peeking above the horizon. If you’re inexperienced or want a guide, try The Small Boat Shop (203-854-5223; www.acorn-online.com/100sboat.htm). Six-hour trips cost about $100. Rentals are also available sans guide for much less.
Overnight:
Rock Climb the Shawangunks
Located near the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, two hours from Manhattan, near New Paltz, the Gunks are the most popular crag in the East. On these bands of shiny white rock, pointing upward of 300 feet, you can practice your Spiderman moves above the steep abyss on numerous climbs, from easy to expert. Try Layback and Hawk, two of the more popular 5.5 routes in the region. The cliffs are located in the Mohonk Preserve (www.mohonkpreserve.org), radiant with colors comparable to Monet’s finest Impressionist works during fall foliage in mid-October. Backcountry camping is available in the Catskills, or try Hidden Valley Lake Campground in Kingston (845-338-4616; $22/night).
Don’t miss:
>>If you head to the Gunks, splurge for breakfast at the Mohonk Mountain House (www.mohonk.com) to gain access to their grounds and a great walk around Lake Mohonk.
>>Chelsea Piers (www.chelseapiers.com) features the largest indoor climbing wall in the Northeast, an outdoor driving range at the Golf Club and a 1/4-mile indoor track. Otherwise, go grab a pint at Chelsea Brewing.
