An authentic New York education should go beyond mathematical formulas and dissections of Karl Marx’s Das Kapital (albeit both essential lessons, of course). Here, learning is a multidisciplinary endeavor that requires creativity, because to survive amongst a myriad of high-strung New Yorkers requires a deep-dive into a culture defined by more than school: music, art, literature, science and, yes, even physical prowess are called upon on a daily basis.
Showcasing mom-and-pop shops selling all things chess related, alcohol-free bars that teach of the importance of flavor over the power of liquor, consider this your alternative education guide to New York City. Because learning how to navigate the subway system (read: how to avoid the most dangerously hot stations) is an education as endemic to the city as Descartes’ rule of signs.
Learn from the masters at the Chess Forum
219 Thompson Street, New York, 212-475-2369
At the heart of the West Village, the Chess Forum is a relic of old-time New York both in form and function. Filled with all sorts of chess-related products—from one-of-a-kind sets to clocks—the space is home to seven tables outfitted with rudimentary boards accessible by anyone interested. Kids get to play for free and, on Saturday afternoons, the store offers chess training sessions for children 4 to 12—completely gratis. But the real education comes courtesy of Imad Khachan, the owner since 1995, whose chess knowledge is only rivaled by his life lessons, which he imparts with little prompt as soon as visitors step through the door. The proximity to the renowned chess players in Washington Square Park might entice you to try and hone your skills against them but we suggest you stay away unless you’re already a pro: they are, indeed, chess pros that play for money. www.chessforum.com
World War II history at the Museum of Jewish Heritage
36 Battery Place, New York, 646-437-4202
Always worth exploring, the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park City is currently home to the largest exhibition about the Holocaust to ever hit North America, “Auschwitz. Not Long ago. Not Far Away.” On display through January 3, the exhibit sheds light on the atrocities that defined the Holocaust and World War II, whose ripples have been affecting global societies ever since. Sure, history is learned in a classroom but, here, visitors revel in a more intimate experience that will bring them face to face with relics that include a prisoner’s jacket from the Sachsenhausen concentration camp and fragments of an original prisoner barrack from the Auschwitz III-Monowitz camp. mjhnyc.org
Try your hand at neon bending at Brooklyn Glass
142 13th Street, Brooklyn, 718-569-2110
Learning how to work with your hands, especially in a city as physical as New York, is just as important as the knowledge imparted by books. At Brooklyn Glass in Park Slope, folks can sign up for an 8-week course or a one-day workshop to learn all about glassblowing, flameworking and neon-related classes. Did you know that the art of bending neon is centuries old? That restaurants, cafés and shops all over town use neon signs to add character to their spaces? The classes, held in a warehouse behind an auto repair shop and a gas station, aren’t on the cheap side but they sure will bestow an education not easily found elsewhere. brooklynglass.com
Learn how to cook at Sur La Table
Various locations
Hosting classes all over the United States (in New York alone, you’ll find six different cooking schools), Sur La Table is more than a kitchen-related store selling super useful and funky products. The staff here truly appreciates the art of cooking and spreads that passion through a variety of courses. Kids between 8 and 17 (split into two groups, depending on their age) are taught how to cook and bake by professionals. Adults, on the other hand, can opt for artisan Italian pasta making courses, classes centered around fried chicken, steak cooked the French way, cupcake workshops and what seem like endless more options. www.surlatable.com
Become a DJ at Scratch DJ Academy
32 Cooper Square, New York, 212-353-0970
If guitar and piano lessons don’t cater to your musical itch, opt instead for DJ classes. Founded by Jam Master Jay of Run DMC fame back in 2002, the academy welcomes long-time rave enthusiasts and curious beginners alike. Students will learn about the art of DJing (yes, there’s much artistry involved in the process) alongside music production techniques during lab hours and more. academy.scratch.com
Unleash your inner author at Gotham Writers Workshop
444 Eighth Avenue, #1402, New York, 212-974-8377
For nearly 26 years, Gotham Writers Workshop has helped established and emerging writers hone their skills both in person and online. Classes range from fiction writing to memoir, screenwriting, poetry, comedy, song and even video game writing for adults while teenagers (13-17) get to pick from an even wider range of courses. More than a workshop, the space functions as a global community of sorts intent on deepening relationships between students by hosting events across the city, including write-ins (come, listen to the prompt and write for two hours among fellow wordsmiths) and free happenings, like classes held in Bryant Park, Pete’s Candy Store and McNally Jackson Books. www.writingclasses.com
Develop a taste for mocktails at Getaway Bar
158 Green Street, Brooklyn, New York, 929-337-6025
As the recent trend involving alcohol-free bars has taken over the country, drinkers and non-drinkers alike should take time to understand what has propelled the craze. What better way to uncover the fascination with sober drinking than actually visiting an alcohol-free bar? The relatively recently opened Getaway in Greenpoint smells, looks and feels like a traditional drinking hole—elegant furniture, beautiful bar and knowledgeable bartenders included—but offers something more: a well thought-out menu that goes beyond the classic mocktails. Indulge in the Smallbluff (Seedlip spice, lemon juice, fennel shrub, celery bitters) or the spicy That’s Just My Face (mango and jalapeno pureée, lime, elderflower tonic, black sesame)—whatever your poison of choice, sit by the bar and chat with the cocktail gurus to learn more about how each recipe was developed. https://getaway.bar/
Grow greens in a lab at Farm.One
77 Worth Street, New York, 646-883-3276
Believe it or not, there is an underground farm smack-dab in the middle of the Tribeca neighborhood (who says New York City isn’t green?). Using hydroponics, over 200 culinary plants have been grown here without the application of pesticides or chemicals. What’s more, the process requires 95% less water than a traditional farm. As restaurants all over town—the likes of Marea, Daniel and Eleven Madison Park—place daily orders and include the edible flowers and herbs on their menus, sign up for a one-hour tour of the space to learn about the special farming process and actually get to taste some of the plants. farm.one
Discuss books with your neighbors at the New York Public Library
Various locations
Always wanted to join a book club but can’t commit? Can’t stand discussing assigned readings in front of your peers in class? The New York Public Library hosts weekly book discussions across all of its branches throughout the year—and they’re all open to the public. Focusing on classic reads, new best-sellers, graphic novels and more, the discussions are a great way to uncover yet-to-be-discovered aspects of a work of literature and an even better way to get to know other folks from the neighborhood. Those still perfecting their English are also catered to with specific classes organized by levels./www.bklynlibrary.org/, www.nypl.org/
Become a swimming pro at the 92nd Street Y
1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, 212-415-5500
The uptown cultural center offers a whole lot of “alternative” education courses: from wellness and health-related talks to discussions with famous politicians, celebrities and authors, and a slew of classes of both intellectual and physical nature for youngsters and adults alike. One likely not found elsewhere? Deep-water swimming. Perfect for swimmers who’d like to take it a notch above, these courses are offered in bundles and held throughout the year. Already a professional swimmer? Opt for the lifeguard training session instead. Remember: in New York, always try to pay it forward. www.92y.org/
Learn all the languages at City Speakeasy
Multiple locations
Home to what is likely the grandest pool of languages around the world, New York City is more than a melting pot of immigrants: it is a playground of opportunities to learn new tongues and put that knowledge into practice. One of the best places to do so is at City Speakeasy. With two locations in Manhattan, the company offers group, corporate and private classes in Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Opt for the group events and expect to do more than simply memorize renowned phrases in Italian (“ciao bella!” included): each session ends with a “social immersion” complete with food, drinks and sometimes even salsa dancing. Since there is no better way to learn a language than to actually speak it, a final suggestion: venture to the nearest bar after your class, we guarantee you’ll find at least one native speaker to practice your chops on. cityspeakeasy.com
