Travel with Rick Steves 797 Kayaking Manhattan; The Wild Mississippi; Happy Travels
Jul 5, 2025
Eliot Stein, a journalist and travel writer, shares his thrilling experience kayaking around Manhattan, revealing hidden natural spots amidst the urban landscape. Dean Klinkenberg, a passionate author on the Mississippi River, highlights its ecological and cultural significance, drawing connections with history and local communities. TV host Samantha Brown offers invaluable travel tips to ease stress and embrace spontaneity, encouraging a joyful exploration of new places. Together, they inspire listeners to connect with nature and culture while enjoying their travels.
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Eliot Stein's Manhattan Kayak
- Eliot Stein kayaked the 30-mile perimeter of Manhattan with a guided group to handle busy harbor traffic.
- Timing with currents, the trip offers a unique city perspective, lasting about nine hours.
Manhattan's Lost Natural Habitat
- Manhattan was once a rich natural habitat with diverse wildlife and forests, little of which remains today.
- The tiny Inwood Park at the northern tip preserves the island's last native forest and historical Lenape sites.
Manhattan Waterway Renewal
- Recent clean-up efforts have made the Hudson River mostly swimmable and improved the East River's water quality.
- Projects like the Billion Oyster Project aim to restore natural water purifiers like oyster reefs.
