See New York City Through Eyes of a Local with Context Travel

Twenty-one elephants proved a point in 1884. American showman P.T. Barnum paraded the pachyderms across the Brooklyn Bridge to demonstrate the suspension bridge's strength and safety. I learned this and other fun Brooklyn historical facts during a walking tour offered by the company Context Travel. As an attendee of the Travel Blog Exchange conference (TBEX '10) in New York City, I was invited to experience the walking tour called "Brooklyn, Portrait of a City."

Enjoy a Slice of New York City During a Context Walking Tour
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge into the streets of Brooklyn was like enjoying a casual stroll with a friend. Context does not have guides leading walking tours but call them docents. They are scholars and specialists well-versed in their topic which adds a personal perspective. My docent is a native New Yorker with multiple degrees qualifying her as an expert on the topic. Her passion, appreciation and love of Brooklyn inspired me to learn more about the borough. As we walked across the bridge, she rattled off facts with dates which seemed overwhelming. Looking back, the historical time line she outlined helped me understand modern-day Brooklyn.

And don't call it a tour. These are walking seminars limited in size of up to six people which engages all participants and allows free-flowing conversation.

Experiencing Brooklyn Like Locals
During the three-hour walking seminar, we periodically stopped to enjoy the Manhattan skyline and learn about Ellis and Governors Islands. The docent also pointed out the not so obvious such as the cobblestoned streets in Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood. The stones were used as ballast for European ships during the early 1800s. While walking through Brooklyn Heights, she instructed us to listen. I heard birds calling to each other, rustling leaves blowing in the wind and the occasional car. Missing were honking car horns, blaring music, and screaming sirens, all familiar sounds of Manhattan.

Once we reached Brooklyn, two of us stopped for homemade chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches at Jacques Torres's summer ice cream shop (66 Water St., Brooklyn; Tel: 718-875-9772). Two others in the group opted for ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory at Fulton Ferry Pier (Tel: 718-246-3963). Here, we sat and enjoyed the famous Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.

Walking Tours for "Intellectually Curious Travelers"
Context strives to offer seminars for "intellectually curious travelers" because these walks encourage guests to think, become involved and ask questions. Tours concentrate on a specific aspect of New York rather than a general topic. The tour's format makes it ideal for girlfriend getaways, couples, families with older children, and solo travelers. Participants should be prepared to walk for three hours and should bring a bottle of water.

In addition to the Brooklyn, Portrait of a City walking tour, about 20 other tours of New York City are offered including "Jewish Cuisine and Culture," "Archaeology of Manhattan" and "History of Finance." Additional tours focus on art, architecture and history. Most New York walking tours are three hours long and 2010 prices are $65 per person but seminar duration and cost are dependent on tour type. Gratuity is additional. Visit www.contexttravel.com/city/New_York for a complete list and to book a tour. Or contact Context Travel at 1-800-691-6036.

Context walking tours are also offered in Athens, Boston, Florence, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Naples, Paris, Philadelphia, Rome and Venice. (www.contexttravel.com)

Sources:
June 27, 2010 Brooklyn, Portrait of a City Walking Tour
Context Travel www.contexttravel.com