About this Event
Although today’s Meatpacking District is known for its trendy restaurants and avant-garde art, it had been New York's meatpacking hub for over a century. But included among the estimated 150-250 meat businesses that served all New Yorkers, from private families and mom & pop eateries to America's top steakhouses like Delmonico's and Peter Luger, was one of New York’s busiest produce markets. So, how did this now landmarked area evolve over the course of 400 years, and what remnants from its rich past can still be seen today? It's time to explore one of New York's most important public market areas through the very special lens of a family of meat purveyors who called the meatpacking district home since 1918.
Join New York Adventure Club as we unpack the rich history of the Meatpacking District, and follow its economic, political, and cultural transformation throughout the centuries.
Led by native New Yorker Jacquelyn Ottman — a fifth generation member of one of New York City’s pioneering family of butchers — our on-the-ground experience surrounding the legacy of the Meatpacking District will include:
- The evolution of the Meatpacking District, which was home to a Lenape trading post, Dutch tobacco farmers, and even a fort — long before the meat and produce dealers moved in
- A 360-degree stroll around the southern tip of Gansevoort Plaza — one of NYC’s most scenic intersections — with a deep dive into its outstanding examples of Arts & Crafts and Néo-Grec style architecture
- A stroll down Gansevoort Street — one of NYC’s most historic — featuring stops at one of the District’s original low-slung residential buildings, and the sites of the legendary Florent and Pastis eateries
- The importance of the now-famous “High Line” to the meatpacking companies, long before it became an elevated park
- A peek inside the Gansevoort Market Meat Center, where the remaining meatpackers still serve NYC’s top restaurants and steakhouses
- A visit to the former sites of the original Gansevoort and West Washington Markets, the once uptown magnets where purveyors of meat, poultry, dairy, eggs and produce flocked at the end of the 19th century
- Untold stories handed down from previous generations of Ottman family members who set up shop in the Fulton Market in 1850 before migrating themselves to the Meatpacking District
Afterward, Jacquelyn will make a bonus stop to a hidden rooftop park with sweeping views of the meatpacking district and beyond!
Click here to see pictures from one of our last Meatpacking District tours.
See you there!
*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the duration of the experience
**This experience will end at the corner of Little West 12th Street and Gansevoort Street
About Jacquie
Jacquelyn Ottman is a native New Yorker and fifth generation member of a family of German immigrant butchers who set up shop in NYC’s historic Fulton Market in 1850. Throughout the 20th Century, from their perch within one of Astor’s finest Arts & Crafts buildings in the now famous Meatpacking District, they went on to serve some of the finest hotels and restaurants around the world. The author of eight books, including Ottman & Company: Meatpacking District Pioneers (KDP 2022), now on the shelves of the New York Public Library, the Municipal Art Society and the Museum of the City of New York, she is a passionate and engaging speaker with the ability to seamlessly weave historical facts, technical details and amusing anecdotes. Since 2016, Ottman has delighted audiences across the country with the fascinating history of her family’s storied meat purveying business and its parallel history with NYC’s now famed Meatpacking District.
Testimonials
"Very knowledgeable guide" -Klaus-Peter
"The guide's knowledge about the are and also the personal touch that she gave it with her personal history related to the Meatpacking area." -Alba
"Jacquelyn talked about the authentic history of the district from her own lived experience. The contrast to the visuals of today could not be more stark" -Kevin
"The enthusiasm & knowledge of the guide to convey the family history" -Joan
"The passion and knowledge of Jacqueline. A real New Yorker." -Theresa
"Knowledge, passion, and friendliness of the guide." -Yevgeniya
"Learned sooooo much about this unique area of Manhattan. Amazing how it evolved and the historical architecture is special. Learned difference between Belgian Block and Cobble Stones. Who knew there were cattle drives near Tudor City!" -Gerri
"Fantastic guide with the deep personal experience. Very different than the typical tours." -Ronald
Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Lucid Studio Meatpacking District (Outside), 2 9th Avenue, New York, United States
USD 32.00
