New York

For a sea-level perspective of the West Bronx, and a opportunity to dip your feet into the Harlem River, head over to the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse, tucked into the far right corner of Swindler Cove Park. The boathouse, completed in 2004 by the New York Restoration Project, not only houses boats—duh—but also provides a number of Tri-State Area rowing clubs, colleges, and schools with a meeting place and facility. Best of all, its main caretaker, the New York Rowing Association, offers rowing lessons for adults. If you're one of those rare New Yorkers who's out of bed before noon—hey, my lawyer doesn't even get up that early—you can sign up for weekend instruction held from 7-10 am. Although registration was in May for September and October classes, the painfully early start may have left a few openings available. Send an email to learntorow@nyrowing.org. And if you have crew experience already, the full list of member associations is available at www.nyrowing.org. To get to there, take the 1 Train to Dykeman and walk eastward to the Harlem River or ride your bike along the east side of the Manhattan Greenway.

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