• Hygge NYC

    low-key gatherings for the socially curious

     

    Hygge ("hue-guh"): a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being

     

  • What are Hygge Gatherings?

    Hygge is modeled after renaissance-style salon gatherings.

     

    Each gathering is an open invitation to the creatives, changemakers, technologists, nomads, entrepreneurs, and other kindhearted, delightful, and curious people you think we should all meet.

     

    We'll share meals, talk passions and projects, and meet those who can help. To make conversations with strangers easier and more fruitful, keep an eye out for our hand-written 'questions to spark authenticity' sprinkled on sticky notes.

     

    The force behind this event is passion, not business.

    We're here to make friends, not contacts.

    We believe everyone can teach us something.

    We are gathering to help one another do the most possible

    good with our projects, adventures, and connections.

    This is not a startup or networking meetup.

    It's an informal get-together of people seeking meaningful conversation and purpose-filled action in their lives.

     

    We hope to help you find it here.

     

    PS - We have a Facebook group

  • Event Details

     

    Hyggehiking Van Courtland Park

    Saturday, May xx, 2024

    10am-10pm 

     

     

    Please chip in $0-$100 based on how blessed you are by the gods of capitalism. 

    Venmo: @stevenmdean

    Paypal: @stevedean

    Cashapp: $stevenmdean

     

    👉 RSVP LINK COMING SOON 👈 

  • Event Details

     

    Hyggehiking NYC's Bays, Beaches, & Boardwalks

    Saturday, April 13, 2024

    10am-10pm 

     

     

    Please chip in $0-$100 based on how blessed you are by the gods of capitalism. 

    Venmo: @stevenmdean

    Paypal: @stevedean

    Cashapp: $stevenmdean

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈 

    broken image

    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend where we engage in conversational conviviality while trekking through green spaces throughout our city.

     

    I host Hygge gatherings so we can come together to make new friends, discuss fun projects we're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. We bring our friends, family, coworkers, anyone we think would enjoy spending the day alongside a variety of curious souls.

     

    On Saturday April 13th, in the spirit of migratory bird season, we'll be traversing the parks, piers, marshes, and beaches connecting the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with the Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk!

     

    Here's my Google Maps list of the specific places we'll endeavor to traverse: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vRBzxd3SwXzBAEc4A 

    We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them whenever you please.

     

    FYI this is a 12-hour stroll, and you are free to join us at *any* point in the day 🙌 All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on google maps and call me directly if you need help 🤗 

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️ 

     

    10am-1pm — Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

    Kick off the morning with bird watching, marsh meandering, and planespotting (we'll be right next to JFK).

     

    1pm-3pm — DiVino Pizzeria, Spring Creek Park, Shirley Chisholm State Park

    Lunch at a local pizzeria followed by flaneuring amongst local fauna.

     

    3pm-6pm — Canarsie Park, Paerdegat Beach, Aviator Sports & Events Center, Historic Air Restoration Project, Floyd Bennett Field

    Tour through any accessible aeronautical exhibitions and activities. Floyd Bennett Field was recently used as an emergency tent shelter for NYC's migrants, so I'm not sure what it will look like now. I guess we'll find out...

     

    6pm-8pm — Brighton Beach, White Castle, Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk

    Fun fact: White Castle serves Impossible patties. We'll enjoy sunset by the water, walk along the boards, explore large scale art installs, and play any games we encounter along the way.

     

    8pm-10pm — All-You-Can-Eat Sushi?

    I'm told there are a few all-you-can-eat sushi places nearby. Pending group willingness/hunger, we may pick one and venture there!

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒 

    • comfy shoes
    • seeds, nuts, bird calls
    • sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
    • jacket
    • light blanket
    • cash
    • friends 🥰

     

    Our Likely Route

    broken image
  • Event Details

    Hyggehiking Queens' Colleges, Coves, & Cantinas

     

     

    Please chip in $0-$100 based on how blessed you are by the gods of capitalism. 

    Venmo: @stevenmdean

    Paypal: @stevedean

    Cashapp: $stevenmdean

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈 

    broken image

    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend where we engage in conversational conviviality while trekking through green spaces throughout our city.

     

    I host Hygge gatherings so we can come together to make new friends, discuss fun projects we're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. We bring our friends, family, coworkers, anyone we think would enjoy spending the day alongside a variety of curious souls.

     

    On Saturday March 23rd, we'll be trekking through the many campuses and coves of eastern Queens, beginning at Ft. Totten / Willets Point and walking through several parks, preserves, and colleges until we reach an underground cantina in Flushing! Migratory bird season is nearly upon us, so keep a pocket full of nuts and seeds and you might make some feathered friends!
     

    Here's my Google Maps list of the specific places we'll traverse: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kMuEdpyCASE3CxGt6

    We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them and catch back up with the group whenever you please. FYI this is a 12-hour stroll, and you are free to join us at *any* point in the day

     

    🙌 All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on google maps and call me directly if you need help 🤗

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️

     

    10am-12pm — Starting Point: Little Bay Park, Willets Point, Fort Totten Park, Crocheron Park, Udall's Cove Park Preserve, Waffle N Sip

    Kick off the morning with brisk hike along several Queens' waterfront parks and finally find out what's at Willets Point (you've probably heard of it if you've ever taken the 7 train / attended a Mets game!

     

    12pm-3pm — Queensborough Community College, Alley Pond Park & Environmental Center, Cunningham Park, Hot Peppers OG, Chapli & Chips, Halal Munchies

    It's nearly migratory bird season, so hopefully we'll see some birds enjoying the many ponds and marshes nearby. Then, we'll duck in for a quick lunch at an adjacent trio of low key eateries.

     

    3pm-5pm — St John's University, Queens College, City University of New York, Kissena Park

    Fun fact: the trees of Kissena Park began as part of a 19th century horticultural nursery and are apparently among the most exotic in the world. I'm excited to say hi to them, maybe sit under a few!

     

    5pm-7pm — Hindu Temple Canteen

    This place inspired the entire day's hike. I wanted to be able to work up a good appetite before venturing into this underground vegetarian South Indian cantina inside a Hindu temple.

     

    7pm-10pm — Subzi Bazar, Malay, Leaf Bar & Lounge, One Fulton Square

    My general rule of thumb is that if you're hungry and in Flushing, you're living life in easy mode. There are so many options here. But if you want a place to seat 20+ people, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ . I anticipate wandering until we find a space that feels cozy and/or inviting for whatever size crew we end up with by this time. The Leaf Bar & Lounge seems pretty excellent (rooftop bar with cozy nooks and cool configurations for groups), but it requires reservations, which doesn't really work for our roving band of flaneurs.

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒 

    • comfy shoes

    • seeds, nuts, bird calls

    • jacket

    • light blanket

    • cash

    • friends 🥰 

     

    Our Likely Route

    broken image
  • Event Details

    Hyggehiking NYC — Manhattan's Indoor Forests

    Saturday, December 16, 2023

    10am-10pm

     

    Please chip in $0-$100 based on how blessed you are by the gods of capitalism. 

    Venmo: @stevenmdean

    Paypal: @stevedean

    Cashapp: $stevenmdean

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈

    broken image

    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering, a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.

     

    On Saturday December 16th, we're exploring the indoor forests and hidden gardens of Manhattan.

     

    Here's my Google Maps list of the specific places we'll traverse: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sKNuuDfd6ShGTooW6?g_st=i 

    We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them and catch back up with the group whenever you please.

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️

     

    10am-10:30am — Starting Point: David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center

    ✨ We'll gather at the tables in the main atrium between huuuuge moss walls.

     

    10:30am-11:30AM — Hallett Nature Sanctuary in Central Park

    ✨ Possibly the best kept secret in Central Park. This spot only has 1 entrance, and features a waterfall and absolutely no cars or bikes, just delightful springy underfoot textures.  

     

    11:30am-1pm — 6th 1/2 Ave, Rockefeller Center, Public Atrium Olympic Tower, 550 Madison Public Atrium

    ✨ We'll wander through the secret north-south passageway between 6th and 7th avenues, check out the Rockefeller Christmas exhibitions, then say hi to the trees inside nearby atriums.

     

    1pm-2:30pm — The Atrium / The Hugh

    ✨ Lunch and conversation at a spacious indoor atrium food court and art exhibition space.

     

    2:30pm-5pm — Greenacre Park, Amster Yard, Turtle Bay Gardens, Peter Detmold Park, Ralph Bunche Park, Ford Foundation Building, Japan Society, Katharine Hepburn Garden, Bellevue Sobriety Garden

    ✨ Garden hopping with possible duck-ins inside museums with trees and plant walls.

     

    5pm-6pm — Peter Cooper Village, Five Stuy Cafe, Stuyvesant Square Park, Gramercy Park

    ✨ Park hopping with a dip inside a cozy cafe.

     

    6pm-10pm — Lightning talks, interactive games, and hangout at Location TBD.  

    ✨ Pending approval by my friend who lives nearby, we will gather at his place, get cozy, share stories, and play some experimental games that I've been hoping to test out for the first time!

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒

    • comfy shoes

    • light blanket

    • warm jacket

    • friends 🥰

     

    Our Likely Route

    broken image

     

  • Event Details

    Hyggehiking NYC — Cozy Chinatown Crawl

    Saturday, February 24, 2024

    10am-10pm

     

    Please chip in $0-$100 based on how blessed you are by the gods of capitalism. 

    Venmo: @stevenmdean

    Paypal: @stevedean

    Cashapp: $stevenmdean

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈

    broken image

    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend where we engage in conversational conviviality while trekking through green spaces throughout our city.

     

    I host Hygge gatherings so we can come together to make new friends, discuss fun projects we're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. We bring our friends, family, coworkers, anyone we think would enjoy spending the day alongside a variety of curious souls. On Saturday February 24th, in the spirit of the Chinese lunar new year festivities, we're taking a cozy crawl through Chinatown and Lower East Side in Manhattan. It's still cold outside, and after the last few months of holiday travel, it'll be nice to focus a Hygge gathering upon warmth, conversation, tea, and yummy goodness. Our haunts will include food halls, tea lounges, community gardens, and an optional underground library bar.

     

    Here's my Google Maps list of the specific places we'll traverse: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DkZGG9L5fxUxpB1D6 

    We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them and catch back up with the group whenever you please. FYI this is a 12-hour stroll, and you are free to join us at *any* point in the day

     

    🙌 All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on google maps and call me directly if you need help 🤗

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️

     

    10am-11am — Starting Point: Book Club, Kolkata Chai Co East Village

    ✨ Grab coffee, or chai next door, grab a book, and enjoy some quiet reading until our starting group assembles.

     

    11am-12:30pm — Tompkins Square Park, First Street Green Cultural Park, Public Hotel

    ✨We'll wander through an iconic park for live music, then an art park, then dip into the Lower East Side's not-so-secret casual hangout/coworking location on the 2nd floor of Public Hotel.

     

    12:30pm-2pm — Shu Jiao Fu Zhou, Essex Market

    ✨ Dumplings! Fried or boiled, delicious either way. Then, a whole mess of food options at Essex Market, including great coffee and hangout spots in the lower level. This is my top 3 favorite spots for meeting friends in Manhattan.

     

    2pm-3pm — Artbean Coffee Roasters, Columbus Park, Thomas Paine Park, City Hall Park

    ✨ After lunch, we'll check out the pandan lattes at Artbean and weave through a few of the iconic parks in Chinatown and alongside the NY County Supreme Court and City Hall.

     

    3pm-7pm — The Chai Spot

    ✨ This is the real deal, my favorite spot in all of NYC. It's as cozy and conversation-oriented as it gets, so we'll be planting here to really dig deep in discussion. I'll have plenty of questions at the ready that we can explore and savor.

     

    7pm-9pm — [Option 1] Caveat NYC

    ✨ For anyone who is itching for an improv musical, my favorite nightlife venue in NYC, Caveat, is hosting "Your Love, Our Musical" from 7-9pm (Doors at 6:30). This is a ticketed event, which frequently sells out, so I'm not going to walk us over there, but anyone interested is welcome to simply grab tickets ahead of time (https://caveat.nyc/events/your-love-our-musical-2-24-2024) and head over whenever they please. The rest of us will continue chatting at the Chai Spot until we're hungry for dinner.

     

    7pm-9pm — [Option 2] Black Cat LES

    ✨There's a $5-to-perform open mic comedy show happening nearby at a cozy cafe/lounge. Comedy there ranges from cringe to good, but maybe any aspiring comedians in our crew can turn the tide? Grab a performance slot here: https://thecomedybureau.com/show/comedians-on-the-loose-black-cat-les-in-nyc-54-2-2/2024-02-24/

     

    7pm-9pm — [Option 3] Mott Street Eatery

    ✨Rounding out our Chinatown dumpling crawl will be a stint in the Mott Street Eatery, with 8+ different vendors, fun drinks (teas, boba, etc.), and ample seating. 9pm onward — free wandering, weather permitting, through Manhattan; option to check out movies playing at Metrograph Theater (https://metrograph.com/nyc/)

     

    9pm onward —

    ✨Free wandering, weather permitting, through Manhattan; option to check out movies playing at Metrograph Theater (https://metrograph.com/nyc/) 

     

    Our Likely Route

    broken image
  • Event Details

    Hyggehiking NYC — Manhattan's Indoor Forests

    Saturday, December 16, 2023

    10am-10pm

     

    Please chip in $0-$100 based on how blessed you are by the gods of capitalism. 

    Venmo: @stevenmdean

    Paypal: @stevedean

    Cashapp: $stevenmdean

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈

    broken image

    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering, a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.

     

    On Saturday December 16th, we're exploring the indoor forests and hidden gardens of Manhattan. Here's my Google Maps list of the specific places we'll traverse: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sKNuuDfd6ShGTooW6?g_st=i We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them and catch back up with the group whenever you please.

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️

     

    10am-10:30am — Starting Point: David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center

    ✨ We'll gather at the tables in the main atrium between huuuuge moss walls.

     

    10:30am-11:30AM — Hallett Nature Sanctuary in Central Park

    ✨ Possibly the best kept secret in Central Park. This spot only has 1 entrance, and features a waterfall and absolutely no cars or bikes, just delightful springy underfoot textures.  

     

    11:30am-1pm — 6th 1/2 Ave, Rockefeller Center, Public Atrium Olympic Tower, 550 Madison Public Atrium

    ✨ We'll wander through the secret north-south passageway between 6th and 7th avenues, check out the Rockefeller Christmas exhibitions, then say hi to the trees inside nearby atriums.

     

    1pm-2:30pm — The Atrium / The Hugh

    ✨ Lunch and conversation at a spacious indoor atrium food court and art exhibition space.

     

    2:30pm-5pm — Greenacre Park, Amster Yard, Turtle Bay Gardens, Peter Detmold Park, Ralph Bunche Park, Ford Foundation Building, Japan Society, Katharine Hepburn Garden, Bellevue Sobriety Garden

    ✨ Garden hopping with possible duck-ins inside museums with trees and plant walls.

     

    5pm-6pm — Peter Cooper Village, Five Stuy Cafe, Stuyvesant Square Park, Gramercy Park

    ✨ Park hopping with a dip inside a cozy cafe.

     

    6pm-10pm — Lightning talks, interactive games, and hangout at Location TBD.  

    ✨ Pending approval by my friend who lives nearby, we will gather at his place, get cozy, share stories, and play some experimental games that I've been hoping to test out for the first time!

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒

    • comfy shoes

    • light blanket

    • warm jacket

    • friends 🥰

     

    Our Likely Route

    broken image

     

  • Event Details

    Hyggehiking NYC — Red Hook Edition

    Saturday, November 18, 2023

    10am-10pm

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈

    broken image

    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering, a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.

     

    For Saturday November 18th, we'll be starting with a morning hike through the newly opened Fallkill Trail in Prospect Park, then walking westwardly to the sea, where we'll spend the remainder of the day exploring the parks, piers, farms, cafes, galleries, and game halls of South Slope, Industry City, Carroll Gardens, and Red Hook!

     

    Here's my Google Maps list of the specific places we'll traverse. We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them and catch back up with the group whenever you please.

     

    This gathering is open invite, and you can show up at any point throughout the day. I've posted our route to this page, and for every hike I text blast my realtime location for the whole day to all those who RSVP'd 🙌

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️

     

    10-11am — Fallkill Trail in Prospect Park

    ✨Kick off the morning with a hike on a trail that has just been remodeled after being closed to the public for nearly 30 years. Google maps tells of a place called Fallkill Falls. We'll attempt to meet there specifically. If its stated location in google maps turns out to be a lie, you'll be able to simply follow my live location to find us.

     

    11am-1pm — Green-Wood Cemetery, Black Friday Everyday, Ayat, Industry City

    ✨ We'll cut through South Slope (keep an eye out for the many free items left on steps) to indulge some late season leaf peeping at the beautiful Green-Wood Cemetery. For the sake of contrast, we'll also briefly peek into the strange discount outlet Black Friday Everyday, where all items get refreshed each week and are under $10. Then onward to Industry City, a local hub of microparks, startups, art, and community gatherings.

     

    1pm-2:30pm — Red Hook Park, Red Hook Farms, Coffrey Park, Sea & Soil Bakery Cafe

    ✨ We'll try to snag a free tour through Red Hook Farms and maybe even meet their adorable chickens! Then, we'll pass through Coffrey Park en route to the cozy worker-owned co-op Sea & Soil. They source my favorite coffee beans in NYC and constantly create custom sandwiches and pastries, like their scallion pancake croissants! Sliding scale pricing, too.

     

    2:30-4:00pm — Pier 12 Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier, Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie, Pier 44 Waterfront Garden

    ✨ Hopefully the roses will still be in bloom! Last time I was here I saw a bumblebee sleeping in one. We might catch sight of giant cruise ships, and will definitely witness fun Statue of Liberty views as well as some very old abandoned trollies. Expect discussions of trolley problems as we enjoy the sunset.

     

    4pm-6pm — BWAC Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition

    ✨ Triple exhibition of mixed media works, with a very cute shop featuring handcrafted items from local artists, and a hidden 2nd floor DIY arcade featuring multiple never-before-seen multiplayer video games designed by in-house artists! And live music, cozy vibes, and snacks! Preview some of the artists' work here: https://www.bwac.org

     

    6-8pm — Food Bazaar, Strong Rope Brewery

    ✨ Food Bazaar is a giant supermarket and I want to see if it has those elusive prepared meals that I raved about from Subzi Bazaar in Flushing during our September Hyggehike 😂. After a brief stop there, we'll go enjoy some drinks and waterfront views at Strong Rope Brewery.

     

    8-10pm — PioneerWorks

    ✨There's a daylong "Software For Artists Day" happening at PioneerWorks and if we're lucky, they'll have some evening programming too, where we can hopefully explore their galleries and backyard treehouse. This exhibition was specifically recommended to me. There will likely be several things going on in the area, so I'm mostly leaving our 8pm onward fairly open so we can vote with our feet! If you have suggestions of other Red Hook evening ideas, send them my way!

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒

    • comfy shoes

    • light blanket

    • warm jacket

    • sun protection / umbrella (check weather beforehand)

    • friends 🥰

     

    Our Likely Route

    broken image

     

  • Event & Venue Details

    Hyggehiking NYC

    Autumnal Gardens Edition

    Saturday, October 28, 2023

    10am-10pm

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈

    broken image

    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering, a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.

     

    For Saturday October 28th, I'm leading us on a journey by land and by sea to the enchanted gardens of Staten Island, where we'll explore a botanic garden, a Chinese Scholar garden, some natural woods (with secret lightning talks), and then all-you-can-eat Sri Lankan goodness, followed by an evening ferry ride back to Manhattan.

     

    Here's my Google Maps list of the specific parks and places we'll traverse: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EeJvwgUiQc7hof847

     

    This gathering is open invite, and you can show up whenever you like. Our map/trail is posted below, and I'll be sharing my realtime location all day long with all RSVP'd guests 🙌 so it'll be easy to find us.

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️

     

    10am-10:30am — Whitehall Terminal for Staten Island Ferry [MANHATTAN]

    ✨ Gather at the gate, board the (free) ferry, and set sail for Staten Island

     

    11am-2pm — Snugg Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, Harbor Eats [STATEN ISLAND]

    Explore the gardens, lake, and cultural center, check out Heritage Farm and the Connie Gretz Secret Garden, lunch at Harbor Eats.

     

    2-4pm — Chinese Scholar Garden ($5 entry)

    This is the most beautiful place I've encountered in my 12 years in NYC. A team of 40 Chinese artists and craftspeople spent a year in China creating the Garden’s components and another six months in Staten Island as craftsmen-in-residence at Snug Harbor to complete the construction.

     

    4-6pm — Allison Pond Park, Goodhue Park, Silver Lake

    Wander along multiple lakes and into a nook of deep woods with a woodstump amphitheater where we'll have impromptu 5-minute lightning talks.

     

    6-8pm — Lakruwana Restaurant

    Dig into their weekend all-you-can-eat buffet ($20.99pp) and enjoy their mesmerizing interior.

     

    8-9pm — Staten Island Ferry Terminal ➡️ Whitehall Terminal

    Board the ferry and return to Manhattan.

     

    9-10pm — The Cauldron Downtown [MANHATTAN]

    Celebrate Halloween season at a witchy pub with handcrafted drinks by resident potion masters.

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒

    • comfy shoes

    • light blanket

    • warm jacket

    • sun protection / umbrella (check weather beforehand)

    • friends 🥰

    Event Map

    broken image

     

  • Event & Venue Details

    Hyggehiking NYC

    Queens Cuisines & Chemtrails

    Saturday, September 2, 2023

    11am-11pm

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈

    broken image

    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering, a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.

     

    For Saturday September 2nd, I'm leading us on a culinary tour of most ethnically diverse and culinarily delicious neighborhoods in all of NYC. Strangely, all of these circle LaGuardia airport, so we'll get to observe planes taking off and landing from a variety of angles. If you haven't been in the flight path of a low flying airplane, you're in for memorable treat.

     

    This gathering is open invite, and you can show up whenever you like. I'll post our route to this page and also share my realtime location all day long 🙌 

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️ 

     

    1am-1pm — Francis Lewis Park, Powell's Cove Park, Hermon A. MacNeil Park, Amore Pizza

    📝Wander through the parks of College Point, check out vistas of Whitestone Bridge, Riker's Island, and LaGuardia, then sample some local pizza.

     

    1-4pm — Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, Subzi Bazaar, Unisphere, Queens Museum

    📝 Sample dumplings in Flushing, stock up on best kept secret Indian packaged meals, behold the pride of the 1964 New York World's Fair, and explore the enormous scale model of all of NYC inside the Queens Museum.

     

    4-7pm — Lemon Ice, Bubble Tea, Jackson Heights Food Truck Spree

    📝 Try Benfaremo, "The Lemon Ice King Of Corona," then Anda Cafe for bubble tea, then chart a course for the heart of Jackson Heights for Sammy's Halal Cart (best in NYC in my opinion) and Star Fuska, a Bangladeshi food & dessert truck.

     

    7-11pm — LaGuardia Landing Lights, Astoria Park, Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

    📝 Catch one of the closest views you can get of planes taking off from LaGuardia, then explore Astoria Park before finally settling in NYC's oldest beer garden for some relaxation and deeper conversation.

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒

    • comfy shoes

    • cash

    • light blanket

    • layers in case it gets chilly

    • sun protection / umbrella (check weather beforehand)

    • friends 🥰  

    broken image

     

  • Event & Venue Details

    Saturday, August 12, 2023, 11am-10pm

    Hyggehiking through the unexpected highlands and lowlands of Manhattan, plus a bonus car-free Summer Streets!

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈

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    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering, a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.

     

    For Saturday August 12th, I'm taking advantage of NYC's Summer Streets by kicking things off at Summer Streets rest stop at 109th and Park Ave. From there, we'll venture through more than 10 lovely parks and gardens, en route toward Inwood, where we'll cap off the evening at a 24-hour Mexican restaurant.

     

    This gathering is open invite, and you can show up whenever you like. I'll share my live location with all confirmed attendees on the day of the event so that you can join whenever in the day you're free.

     

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    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️

    (This is my Google Maps list of the specific parks and places we'll traverse.)

     

     

    11am-1pm — East 109th St and Park Ave, Pabade Coffee

    📝 Gather, scout out coffee/snacks, and enjoy free activities through Summer Streets, NYC's program that renders select streets vehicle-free for a few glorious weekends each year. Summer Streets technically starts at 7am, so if you're an early riser, consider their full activity list here: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/summerstreets.shtml#east-90 

     

    1-2pm — Central Park, Harlem Meer, Morningside Park, Columbia University

    📝 Enjoy fragrant flowers in Central Park's Conservatory Garden, appreciate the sudden slopes of Morningside Park, then cut through Columbia's campus en route to the waterfront.

     

    2-4pm — Riverside Park, Sakura Park, Manhattanville Market Food Court

    📝 Explore the bird sanctuary of Riverside Park, pass Grant's Tomb and the towering Riverside Church, then take a rest stop for lunch.

     

    3-5pm — Center for Discovery & Innovation, St. Nicholas Park, Hamilton Grange, Riverbank State Park

    📝 Explore a surreal campus that feels nothing like Manhattan, then appreciate the views and heights of St. Nicholas Park before crossing into a secluded park built above a waste processing center, with views of the George Washington Bridge.

     

    5-6pm — Fort Washington Park, George Washington Bridge

    📝 I've never walked directly below the GWB, along where the Metro North line runs. I'm curious what we might find, and I heard there may be "Sisyphus Stones" by the water.

     

    6-8pm — Heather Garden, Fort Tryon Park, Inwood Hill Park

    📝 Hopefully we'll catch some good smells and a lovely sunset from the heights of Fort Tryon park, home of the Cloisters museum. Then, we'll cross into Inwood Hill Park and peek out from the tippy tip of Manhattan over the creek that merges with the Harlem River and later joins the East River.

     

    8-10pm (or later) — Dinner at La Lomita

    📝 After what will likely be a 7-10 mile walk, we'll sit down for a well-deserved meal and share stories from our journeys.

     

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    🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒  

    • comfy shoes

    • light blanket

    • layers in case it gets chilly

    • friends 🥰 

    • umbrella (check weather beforehand)

     

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  • Event & Venue Details

    Saturday, July 15, 2023, 12pm-10pm

    Hyggehiking through the secret nooks of Manhattan!

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈

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    "Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering, a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.

     

    For Saturday July 15th, I've designed a day of parks, piers, storytelling, and secret city nooks! All in, we'll have explored over 20 parks before the day is done!

     

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    💞BONUS: DAY OF VISIBILITY💞

    July 15th also happens to be the first-ever Day of Visibility for Non-Monogamy (learn more here: https://www.dayofvisibility.com) Be sure to bring any of your burning relationship questions as well as any sordid or salacious stories you'd like to share as we celebrate the ever evolving range of human relationships.

    Note: All relationship permutations are welcome at this event 🤗

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️

     

    12-1pm — Essex Market

    📝 Grab some food/coffee from any of the dozens of stalls, and bring it to the sunlit 2nd floor atrium, my favorite place to hang out, meet friends, and cowork.

    1-2pm — Sara Roosevelt Park, Seward Park, Forsyth Plaza, Mussel Beach, Pier 35 Swings.

    📝 Park crawl, wildflower gardens, public outdoor community gym, & giant swings date spot

    2-3pm — Peck Slip, Pier 17 Rooftop, Elevated Acre

    📝Periwinkle underpasses, plazas, rooftops, & secret bougie gardens.

    3-5pm — Battery Park, Oasis Park, Boardwalk, Brookfield Place, Hudson Eats Food Court

    📝 Urban farms, vista points, fancy boats, and food courts. We'll stop and eat here.

    5-6pm — Rockefeller Park, River Park, Pier 26 Tide Deck, Hudson River Park, Little Island

    📝 Piers, pylons, biers, and bygones. If the Little Island amphitheater is open, we may be able to use it for some public storytelling!

    6-8pm — Pier 57 Rooftop Park, backpaths of Chelsea Piers, High Line Observation Deck, Jackson Square, Christopher Park

    📝 History and mystery! We'll pass through NYC's oldest, newest, quirkiest, and queerest parks.

    8-10pm (or later) — Washington Square Park

    📝 Sunset, live music, people watching, yoga, stretching, deep conversation, and imbibing the inimitable chaos energy of my favorite park in NYC.

     

    📍Here's my Google Maps list of the specific parks and places we'll traverse: 📍

    https://goo.gl/maps/FJYKvBmzWn4x9Jq9A 

     

    This gathering is open invite, and you can show up whenever you like. I'll share my live location with all confirmed attendees on the day of the event so that you can join whenever in the day you're free.

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒

    • comfy shoes

    • light blanket

    • layers in case it gets chilly

    • friends 🥰

    • stories, songs, & spoken word poetry to share

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  • Event & Venue Details

    Saturday, April 22, 2023, 12pm-8pm

    Hyggehiking through the parks of Brooklyn and Queens!

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    Greetings fellow hyggehikers!

    "Hyggehiking" is the term I use for my special blend of Hygge gatherings where we get outside and engage in that convivial conversation while trekking through green spaces throughout our city.

     

    Saturday April 22nd is Earth Day, and to celebrate, I've designed a day of street foods, waterfronts, community connections, and neighborhood beautification.

     

    Itinerary:

    • 12-3pm — Williamsburg
      "Car-Free Earth Day" being celebrated as a Berry Street pedestrian takeover in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We'll meet at Gran Torino on Berry St, explore the street foods/funzies, then hang out at the Domino park waterfront. Around 1:30pm, we'll explore more food options at Smorgasberg in Bushwick Inlet Park, then walk north through McCarren park into Greenpoint, with a stop at Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop!
    • 3-5pm — Long Island City
      We'll cross the Pulaski Bridge, then wander north into to tour three parks along the Long Island City waterfront: Hunter's Point South Park, Gantry Plaza State Park, and Queensbridge Park (with views of Roosevelt Island). Around 5pm, we'll catch the 7 train over to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. 
    • 5-8pm — Flushing Meadows Corona Park
      It's early access day for Queens Night Market! Tix to get in are $5 and can be purchased here. Dinner + picnic at Queens Night Market, sunset by the Unisphere.

    Here's my Google Maps list of the specific parks and places we'll traverse.

    All in, we'll have hit up 7 NYC parks and 3 street food fairs in a single day!

    This gathering is open invite. It may include a silent disco.

     

    What to bring:

    • comfy shoes
    • light blanket
    • layers in case it gets chilly
    • cash for street foods
    • battery pack / charger
    • friends 🥰

     

    Below, I've shared the path we'll most likely take. You can ping me via text or messenger any point and I'll share my realtime location with you so that you can see where we are.

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  • Event & Venue Details

    June 12, 2021, 10am-8pm

    Hyggehiking through the parks of Queens

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    Greetings fellow hyggehikers!

    For our first Hygge gathering of 2021, we're doing something a little different. After over a year of being cooped up indoors, we'll be gathering for a side by side, walk-and-talk through the interconnected parks of Queens in New York City!

     

    Itinerary:

    You can ping me via text or messenger any point and I'll share my realtime location with you so that you can see where we are. Here's the saved Google Maps list I made for our stops.
     
    By my best estimates, this is the path we'll most likely take:

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  • Event & Venue Details

    Date: Thursday, January 26, 2023

    Time: 6pm-11pm

     

    👉 RSVP HERE 👈

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    From the main atrium of Brookfield Place (the large glass enclosure facing the waterfront/marina) take the escalators up to the food court. When you get to the top, keep walking straight ahead until you see the Chop't and/or Dos Toros, then look to the right and you should see us. We usually gather by the tables directly between those food stalls and the windows (above).

     

     

  • Meet Your Host, Steve Dean

    photo of steve dean wearing a purple tshirt, looking into the camera

    💁‍♂️Me

    I'm an NYC-based community builder, dating industry consultant, relationship coach, entrepreneur, and diehard superconnector. Creating deep, authentic connections across communities is what I do. It’s what I live for. I host salons, dinners, meetups, webinars, and coworking sessions across multiple cities in order to bring people together from all over the world to share their stories and build new friendships, startups, and movements.

     

    📱My Work

    For over 12 years, I've been a consultant to the entire dating industry, helping founders build and launch new apps, and coaching individuals through the complex world of dating and relationships. You can hire me to consult, coach, speak, or lead a workshop anytime through my website, Dateworking.

     

    🎧My Podcast

    I've been using my Dateworking podcast as a glorious excuse to talk to all my favorite experts and founders who focus on the art and science of human connection, sexuality, dating, relationships, and personal development! Listen here!

     

    🚀My Projects

    I've recently begun collaborating with other dating experts to produce dating & relationship insights, fun statistics, events, founder interviews, and live shows! My personal mission is to develop a new lexicon and better norms for modern dating and relationships.

     

    Explore to my library/newsletter of dating & relationship insights.

    Follow my news, events, and founder interviews on Facebook and Instagram.

    Hire me to advise your dating business or personal dating life.

    Connect with me on Instagram, Medium, Facebook, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn.

     

    If particularly curious, venture to https://stevedean.blog 

  • small announcement

    For years, I've felt like I've personally been the bottleneck on helping people connect with others who they meet at my events. To make things easier, I've turned to the community & friendship app Bloom to enable any Hygge attendees to carry on the conversation within the Bloom app rather than having to go through me.

     

    Bloom is a consent-forward community app that fosters friendship through shared events. Bloom is a welcoming space for people of nontraditional and marginalized lifestyles, backgrounds, and relationships, and its events and user profiles may reflect that. Bloom welcomes introspection, vulnerability, and a little bravery. Sort of like Hygge 🥰

     

    1. You can download Bloom here.

    2. Sign up for the Hygge event within. In your profile, add a line or two about the kinds of relationships you want to bring into your life, and the activities you're looking forward to trying over the next few months.

    3. After Hygge is over, check back on Bloom to 💜 anyone you’d like to continue the conversation with. When the 💜 is mutual, you'll become Buds and can chat!

    4. Stay connected on Bloom to see which other events you may enjoy together 🤗

  • Get notified when future Hygge gatherings are happening!

  • 💸 Tip your Host 💸

    Suggested: $30

    I keep this event free-to-attend so that it's easy for people to bring anyone they please without feeling like they're shoving someone's face into a paywall.

    That said, your donations are what enable me to actually look forward to doing this sustainably, year over year. Please be as generous as you are able.

     

     

    Venmo: @stevenmdean

    Paypal: @stevedean

    Cashapp: $stevenmdean

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  • Not sure what to expect?

    Explore my recap videos from past Hyggehiking gatherings below.

  • Questions? Feedback?

    Something you want to see for a future Hygge?

    Leave me an email below, or connect with me anywhere.

  • Want a website like this?

    I built this one in less than an hour using Strikingly. It's unnervingly easy to use. Just recently, Strikingly started up an affiliate program, so now I can earn a few bucks if you use my link to build your own website: https://www.strikingly.com/a/PthnW4

     

    I found Strikingly so easy to use that now, whenever I have a weird business idea I want to show to the world, I can spin up a website for it in less than an hour. If you really want to build a website, and need a little help getting started, I'd be happy to explain the basics to you, and talk through your idea along the way. I want to give to others the experience I would have wanted starting out, so please, use this link to grab a time for me to help set you up: https://calendly.com/stevedean