Here are three creative ways for groups to relax, take in the sights, or learn something new.
1. For out-of-towners: The Ride offers an interactive spin on the traditional tour bus experience. In addition to commentary and history on landmarks such as the Chrysler Building, Radio City Music Hall, and Central Park, performers interact with passengers and deliver surprise performances throughout Midtown Manhattan. For example, an actor dressed as a delivery man break-dances on the sidewalk, or two actors stationed in Times Square recreate the V-J Day kiss between a nurse and a soldier from Alfred Eisenstaedt's famous photo. The 49-seat vehicle has stadium-style seating, floor-to-rooftop windows, and a high-tech lighting and sound system. The tour, which covers four and a half miles and lasts about 75 minutes, costs $55 a person for groups of 10 or more.
2. For food lovers: Hell's Kitchen-based La Boîte à Epice is a new shop specializing in exotic herbs and spices sourced from around the world. Run by former Daniel chef Lior Lev Sercarz, the store also offers private classes and can be booked for cocktail parties or other events. Sercarz's demo-style classes can provide a basic introduction to cooking with spices, or delve into more specialized topics such as "innovative cookie baking," where he shares the secrets behind La Boîte à Biscuits, his line of art-inspired cookies. The shop can hold as many as 30 people for classes or 60 for cocktail parties. Pricing varies.
3. For movie fans: Based in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn, reRun Gastropub Theater is a 70-seat movie house that screens independent films. The venue, which has colorful walls and reclaimed car seats arranged in rows, is also available for private events where groups can watch a movie of their choice. Or, if you're combining work and play, the Wi-Fi theater can serve as a meeting space and has an additional private room for breakout sessions. Full-service catering or movie-friendly snacks (steak-sausage hot dogs, bacon-fat popcorn, cheese-filled pretzels) are available courtesy of reBar, the affiliated restaurant down the hall from the theater. Pricing for private bookings starts at $150 per hour for two hours minimum. Catering is additional.
