Ideal for a day out of the office or some after-work bonding, here are three new activities for corporate groups.
1. Ger-Nis Culinary and Herb Center offers a roster of culinary classes focused on seasonal, local fare and healthy living. The 2,000-square-foot center in Park Slope is divided between a loft space and an open kitchen, where as many as 24 people can gather to cook. Sessions include bread-making, herbal cocktails, and recipes based around a group trip to the green market. Private classes are available for groups of 10 and more, and pricing generally ranges from $40 to $50 per person, depending on the class. For an all-day retreat, the center can be booked for meetings or events.
2. Based in Williamsburg, Rose Red & Lavender is a floral and landscape design studio that also offers flower arranging classes for groups of as many as eight people. Each two-hour session is $75 per person. Participants take home an arrangement at the end and can bring their own refreshments. Most classes focus on the basics of floral design, but owner Kimberly Sevilla often brings in guest teachers who specialize in specific subjects like ikebana.
3. The Municipal Art Society of New York is offering several new guided walking tours for September and October, including "New to New York: Downtown," a look at new and ongoing construction in Lower Manhattan led by architectural historian Matt Postal. Included on the two-hour tour are stops at the World Trade Center site, Battery Park City, Goldman Sachs's headquarters, and the new 76-story Beekman Tower designed by Frank Gehry. The society charges a flat rate for as many as 35 participants, which usually works out to under $15 per person. At least four weeks' advance notice is required.