Off the beaten track: Flatiron/Gramercy History Tour

Let me tell you – this was an unforgettable evening. I love New York City and love walking the streets of the city thinking about this fantastic place - so unique in the world. Experience with Iren brought many events and places into a new and a very interesting angle. Great idea to start with a drink in a club-like whiskey bar built on prohibition era views and experiences – with the list of cocktails from the 20th of 20th century to the modern days and walls covered with a full collection of whiskey bottles. Nice music, and Iren - a wonderful story teller showing us how America was built and how Manhattan became what it is, and what was it that made the early settlers drink, and what was it that brought the prohibition into law. And, of course, – how it affected our great city. After the drink we walked the same streets I often walked myself towards Madison Square Park and further to Gramercy Park seeing everything in a different light and understanding events that took place in 19th and 20th century that shaped our city. Incredible night views – Flatiron; MetLife Tower, New York Life – and stories, stories, and stories about them, making the city so alive. Gramercy Park – so mysterious and so full of the spirit of the city, with historical characters brought to life by Iren by the Mayor Lamps lights. Last stop – oldest (at least fighting for this title) bar in New York City – Pete’s tavern - where time stood still and where everything is at it was in 1864. And more stories about the bar crowd such a long time ago…

I bought this tour for my husband (a history enthusiast) last year. We really enjoyed our tour with Iren. She shared many interesting facts and had a depth of knowledge on all of the subjects. Although I’m a native New Yorker, I uncovered new places that day...jazz bars I’ve walked by many times, but never knew were there. I also learned the history behind some monuments I also passed many times, but knew nothing about. The tour was intimate and personal, and included a visit to the iconic Pete’s Tavern. It felt like we were walking around the city with a longtime friend. I’d love to take another tour and see Iren again.

It was not just a tour, it was an experience. I was fascinated with Iren's deep knowledge of the history of the city, literature, art, music. It never got dull, as the information was combined with interesting relevant stories and anecdotes. You could tell Iren loved the subject mater and was an expert in it. The place that she took us after the walk was a total surprise; I would have never known about it if it wasn't for Iren. And she can also dance (you'll see)! Will do it again and recommend to all!