For years, luxury apartment buildings in New York City leaned on predictable features—rooftop decks, concierge services, and high-end gyms—to lure residents. But in a city where competition for renters grows fiercer by the day, developers are upping the ante with a refreshingly unconventional offering: “adult field trips.”

These curated excursions, ranging from apple picking at scenic orchards to elegant winery tours, are quickly becoming the next big thing in luxury living. They offer residents a much-needed escape from the bustling urban grind and foster a sense of community—a rare and valuable commodity in city life.

As rental prices skyrocket—NYC’s median rent reached $3,425 in August 2024—traditional amenities are no longer enough to justify the eye-watering costs. Developers are seeking creative ways to enhance the value proposition for tenants, and adult field trips appear to be a breakout hit. One of the leaders in this movement was the Brodsky Organization, a major player in New York City real estate, which had more than 50 luxury residential properties.

Teaming up with Sourced Adventures, Brodsky has crafted a series of paid outings designed to help residents unwind and connect. Apple picking at Pennings Orchard, wine tasting on Long Island, and even horseback riding in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park have drawn enthusiastic crowds. Although residents pay discounted rates to participate—such as $70 for a $115 apple-picking excursion—the trips are well-attended and frequently sell out.

Joe Porritt, Director of Leasing and Marketing at Brodsky, explains the concept best: “The point of these trips is to create a community for our residents that you don’t get as much of with in-building amenities. The residents on these trips are there because they want to be social.”

The appeal of these adult field trips lies as much in the experiences as in the connections they spark. For instance, residents of The Suffolk, a luxury rental on the Lower East Side, cruised around Manhattan on a sailboat while bonding over the city’s iconic skyline. Meanwhile, in Brooklyn’s One Park Point, horseback trail rides provided a reprieve from urban chaos. The underlying thread? Cultivating meaningful relationships in an environment typically marked by anonymity.

For those who embrace them, these trips offer a rare chance to experience true camaraderie in a city often defined by its fast pace and detachment. Residents can mingle, share stories, and step away from their everyday routines—all while enjoying curated, unforgettable experiences.

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Of course, not everyone is sold on the idea. Critics, such as *Curbed*’s Clio Chang, argue that these excursions are merely a ploy to distract tenants from the escalating cost of living. Chang jokingly remarked, “If building management invited us to go apple-picking, we would think it was a trick! And it turns out it kind of is a trick.” From this perspective, the trips are seen as clever marketing rather than a genuine value-add.

Nevertheless, the positive reception among tenants suggests a deeper resonance. In an ever-isolating urban environment, the chance to belong to a community—whether through apple picking, vineyard tours, or sailboat rides—holds an undeniable allure.

As luxury apartments continue to evolve, one thing is clear: creating meaningful tenant experiences is becoming just as important as offering sleek finishes and high-end appliances. These field trips, while unconventional, tap into a universal need for human connection—a value that arguably transcends granite countertops or heated bathroom floors.

In a city as dynamic and overwhelming as New York, adult field trips offer residents something money can’t always buy: moments of joy, connection, and escape. For those navigating the high-stakes rental market, that might just make the price tag worth it.

Would you sign up for an adult field trip organized by your building? Share your thoughts in the comments below!