Sunday: Boating and Brunch
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Earn your Sunday brunch with a free kayak ride on the Hudson River.
STOP 1: THE DOWNTOWN BOATHOUSE
kayaks at the downtown boathouse, pier 26
view from the water off pier 26
Thanks to the volunteers and kayaking enthusiasts at The Downtown Boathouse on Pier 26, an entire fleet of kayaks are available for public use every Saturday, Sunday and holiday from May-October. Not only is this service 100% free, the good folks at Pier 26 also provide everything you need, including lockers, locks, changing rooms, life jackets, an outdoor shower and even sunblock. The "sit-on-top" kayaks are perfect for seafaring novices and the staff will happily give you some pointers to ensure you have a great time on the water. While you can't quite use the kayak to beat Holland Tunnel traffic on a trip to Jersey (you must paddle within the designated buoys along the Hudson River embayment), you will still have plenty of space to move around and a great view of One World Trade.
STOP 2: BUBBY'S
mind the bovine outside bubby's
optional pre-kayak coffee stop at kaffe- See map below
Originally opening in 1990 as a wholesale pie company, Bubby's has been a neighborhood favorite serving straight forward American fare for over two decades. Late morning meals are a big deal here, as attractive couples, brunching besties and the occasional celebrity pack the airy dining room, feasting on pancakes and poached eggs well into midday. Bubby's is also a draw to young families; with kid-friendly placemats featuring mazes and word searches, plus a conspicuous nook outside the bathrooms housing a Pac-Man console and photo booth, parents may be able to forestall their usual distraction tactics (iPads) to luxuriate just a little longer and reminisce about their bygone boozy brunches.
RECAP:
- Kaffe 1668 (OPTIONAL): Neighborhood coffee shop for your pre-kayak fix.
- Downtown Boathouse @ Pier 26: Free kayaking on the Hudson River.
- Bubby's: Popular Tribeca brunch spot.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
-Kaffe 1668 is located at 401 Greenwich Street. Pier 26 is located off West Street between Hubert and North Moore. Bobby's is located at 120 Hudson Street.
-Total Cost: About $35 per person for kayaking and brunch. Tax and Tip included.
-The Downtown Boathouse accepts donations for kayaking. Before embarking, you must sign a waiver and affirm that you know how to swim. Single and double kayaks are available.
-Seasonal kayaking is from 9:00am-5:00pm on Saturday, Sundays and Holidays. In July and August, you can also kayak from 5:00-7:00pm on weekdays. There is usually no wait to kayak if you arrive before noon.
-Kayaking is technically limited to 20 minutes per session, but the volunteers at Pier 26 are pretty laid back and will let you stay out longer if there aren't people waiting for you to finish. Walk up kayaking only (no reservations).
-Bubby's does not accept reservations for brunch. There is usually space available in the bar area up front without a wait, but hold out for the much sunnier dining room.
