The Algonquin Round Table comes alive in the only New York walking tour devoted to the famed literary group. It met from 1919-1929 and is America’s most well-known group of writers. Walk in the footsteps of the legendary wits Franklin P. Adams, Robert Benchley, Heywood Broun, Marc Connelly, Edna Ferber, George S. Kaufman, Harpo Marx, Dorothy Parker, Harold Ross, Robert Sherwood, Alexander Woollcott, and the rest of the “Vicious Circle.” The tour explore the architectural and historical stories of the buildings and landmarks linked to them.
Private tours are available when no public tours are scheduled. Contact Kevin Fitzpatrick to arrange a charter tour for two to thirty people.
The tour begins and ends inside the world-famous Algonquin Hotel, a national literary landmark. This 2.5-hour tour encompasses twenty blocks to explore notable locations, inside and out.
Tour Highlights:
* See the Theatre District and the landmark Broadway playhouses;
* Visit the locations of the former speakeasies of Rockefeller Center;
* Take pictures of Times Square and learn its history;
* See where the Round Table lived in Hell’s Kitchen during Prohibition;
* Learn about their 1920s friends such as F. Scott Fitzgerald;
* See where The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and Vogue magazines began.
Not only will you get a taste of New York history, but you’ll also be on a wonderful sightseeing tour and stroll the streets of exciting neighborhoods in Manhattan. It’s a great way to learn about the past and also see how little has changed in more than two hundred years. This tour is designed for tourists, locals, families, and groups of friends. You’ll visit more than thirty locations and come away with a new appreciation for the area.
Note: Wear comfortable shoes. Dress is smart casual. Dogs, strollers, and children are welcome. However, dogs are not allowed inside the Algonquin Hotel unless they are service dogs.
Your Guide
The guide is Kevin C. Fitzpatrick. He is the author of The Algonquin Round Table New York: A Historical Guide (Lyons Press), A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s New York (Roaring Forties Press), Under the Table: A Dorothy Parker Cocktail Guide (Lyons Press), editor of The Lost Algonquin Round Table, editor of Dorothy Parker Complete Broadway, 1918-1922. He’s president of the Dorothy Parker Society.
Meeting Point: The Algonquin Hotel, 59 West 44th Street. Meet in lobby, 15 minutes before tour begins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the tour start and end at the same place?
Yes.
What about inclement weather?
Tours will run rain or shine. We ask that you check the weather forecast and dress accordingly if inclement weather is predicted. If a serious storm is predicted that may impact the tour, you will be notified by e-mail, directly from Big Apple Fanatics Tours, under these circumstances.
Are there bathrooms along the way?
Yes. Restrooms are available at the meeting location. There are also public restrooms along the route.
What are the clothing guidelines for walking tours?
This tour begins and ends in a luxury hotel and we go into a church. It’s recommended that you dress as an appropriately-attired smart New Yorker in such venues. Please, no baseball caps indoors. The clothing suggestions vary from season to season. Summer: Lightweight shirts, shorts/skirts. New York summers can be humid. For cooler summer days see spring guidelines. Spring: Lightweight long to 3/4 sleeve shirts, pants or leggings for April/Early May. A lightweight jacket is also needed. Mid-May to early June I suggest to start following the summer guidelines above, but carry a light jacket. Fall: Follow spring guidelines listed above until mid-September. Then dress like winter (sweaters, long pants/leggings) and carry a fleece or jogging suit jacket. Scarf/Gloves/Hat optional. Winter: Warm sweaters, pants/leggings, all-weather boots, parka style coat, scarf, gloves, and hats.
Do we go inside any buildings?
Yes, we do go inside the Algonquin Hotel to begin and end the tour. We see the interior of several buildings, depending on the time of day and the day of the week. The visits are for limited amounts of time determined by your guide. You can always return to explore what catches your attention afterwards!
Should we wear comfortable shoes?
Yes! Comfortable shoes are a staple for any kind of walking tour. No flip-flops.
How long do the tours last?
Tours generally last 2.5 hours.
Where does the tour take place?
This tour takes place primarily in Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen, and the Theatre District.