Passionate Explorers: Are you a passionate explorer planning a trip to NYC, or a local who wants to explore a new area of the City? If you are wondering what you should see, want to know why it’s so important to include on your itinerary, and how long you should spend there, this is the right place for you! Why Kitt Can Help You: Welcome to New York Sites & Insights! I’m Kitt Garrett and for over 25 years I planned trips for all sorts of guests, from CEOs and royalty to summer interns and grandparents! I became Condé Nast Top Destination Specialist for NYC, and I’ve learned the fascinating stories that every explorer wants to know. How Kitt Can Help You: I’ll walk you past the myths and show you the deeper truths about these iconic sites. First, we’ll look at the backstory of the location, then we’ll explore the space together. In the end, you’ll know if it ranks a spot on your itinerary, and how long you’ll want to explore it for yourself! So, join me for these virtual talks and tours to help plan your next exploration, of the City That Never Sleeps! Videos vary in length from 98 minutes to 1 hr 57 minutes and you can pause them at any time. With each Talk and Tour, you’ll receive a pdf to download to your device and bring with you when you visit on your own showing the sites we visit on our journey. Take lots of photos and upload them into the free Tripcast app and share with family and friends. You can create your own memory book directly on the Tripcast app and purchase a hard cover book reminding you of your visit! Kitt’s Background: From 1993 – 2016, Kitt Garrett, lecturer, travel and tourism consultant was the Founder and CEO of Discover New York and Beyond. She grew the company to be the leader in personalized travel to New York City by designing extraordinary experiences for corporate, leisure and native New Yorkers who wished to go beyond the New York they already knew. Using her expertise and extraordinary contacts, Kitt was named Condé Nast Top Destination Specialist for 8 years. Kitt sold Discover New York & Beyond in 2016 to a well-established production company in NY. Kitt was featured on the “Travel Channel,” “Delta Shuttle Magazine,” “Town and Country Travel” and “Elite Magazine.” She has been the guest lecturer on the QE II, The World, Residences at Sea, private clubs, and corporations for their executives, summer interns and relocated families. While living in the U.S., Australia, Hong Kong and Mexico, Kitt taught cooking and designed food products for Fortune 500 companies. Kitt holds Advanced Certificates from the Culinary Institute of America, The Higher Certificate from the London Wine and Spirit Trust, and a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Tourism Management, New York University, graduating summa cum laude, and earned her designation as a Destination Management Certified Professional. She is a licensed and certified New York City Guide, member of the Greenwich Village Society of Historic Preservation, The Historic District Council, The Beaux Arts Alliance, The Art Deco Society, Society of General Mechanics and Tradesmen, the American Institute of Architecture, the Friends of the Upper East Side, Historic District Council, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, The Architectural League of New York, The Institute of Classical Art and Architecture, Friends of the Upper West Side, Friends of Terra Cotta and Grand Central Atelier. Her credentials are unmatched.
Kitt
Garrett
28 years of experience
NY, NY
United States of America (USA)
Contact Options
About
Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge
Private Tours
New York City:
Four virtual talks and tours:
1. The Story Behind New York’s Evolving Skyline: An Architectural Journey Through History:
This 118-minute presentation uses over 100 images exploring New York's history over 400 years and the influences that shaped the architecture and the City's skyline. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local New Yorker, gain an insider’s perspective on makes New York so special and walk through history with fresh eyes.
2. The Story of Grand Central Terminal: An Art and Engineering Marvel
This 98-minute presentation uses over 100 images taking you on an in-depth visual journey through the transformation of midtown Manhattan and the changes that were influenced by Grand Central Terminal. Then, we'll explore the building's iconic locations and discover the myths and truths about its secrets. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local New Yorker, gain an insider’s perspective on makes New York so special.
3. The Story of the High Line Elevated Park and Hudson Yards: From Trestle to Treasure:
This 108-minute presentation uses over 100 images taking you on an in-depth visual journey learning about the history of freight transportation along the Hudson River and the conversion into a linear elevated park. Then, we'll take a virtual tour from Gansevoort Street to the new Hudson Yards neighborhood, block by block viewing the changes in both the new architecture and the effects on the neighborhoods.
4. The Story Behind Central Park: Manhattan’s Backyard –Wilderness by Design:
This 101-minute presentation uses over 100 images taking you on an in-depth visual journey through the history of Central Park, who created it and why. Then, we'll explore the park virtually from the southern to northern edges stopping along the way to see the most important and famous sites. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local New Yorker, gain an insider’s perspective on makes New York so special.
Fun Fact!
Love Broadway, museums, restaurants, architecture and discovering something new every day!
Hobbies & Interests
Broadway, Cooking, Museums, Wine Tastings, golf, cruising, discovering something new about New York City every day!
Virtual Tour Experience
Over 25 years I founded Discover New York and Beyond destination management company which I sold in 2016 to focus on private guided experiences and virtual talks and tours. I planned trips for all sorts of guests, from CEOs and royalty to summer interns and grandparents! I became Condé Nast Top Destination Specialist for NYC, , and I've learned the fascinating stories that every explorer wants to know.
Testimonials
Philip Lader, Former US Ambassador to the Court of St. James's
I've experienced no better prism than Kitt Garrett through whom to see, explore and understand the treasures of New York. Each of her presentations and tours brings alive new dimensions and vivid perspectives of the city's landmarks, architecture and history.
Claudia G. Green, PhD Professor of Tourism, Pace University, NYC, PhD Professor of Tourism, Pace University, NYC
Kitt Garret's architectural tours are for the visitor who has a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn about New York City history. A true gem for those with an interest in architecture.
Ruth M. Miller, Author and Owner, LowCountry, Inc.
Kitt's talks reveal the inside stories of a city she lives and loves. Her credentials are unmatched. Her talks present scholarly insights in a most charming and entertaining way. She brings her hometown to life as only a native can with surprising and interesting information for locals and visitors alike. Kitt's research is thorough.
Her presentations are both entertaining and intriguing, often illustrated with rare images, belying the scholarship involved in her talks. Recommended for native New Yorkers and first-time visitors alike!
Allen Kade, Choir Director, Princeton Senior High School
Kitt Garrett presented an excellent lecture about the history and unique facts of Grand Central Station to my students and chaperones during our visit to New York City in April of 2019. Her information made our visit to the station so much more "alive" as we were able to trace our steps through the site locating the key points of her lecture. Many students and chaperones mentioned how glad they were to have the opportunity of Kitt's expertise to guide them. She made the station truly "grand".
Jeff Quinlan, Founder, Results Collaborator
First-time visitors can have no better introduction to the city than Kitt Garrett. Her talks are full of the kinds of details that will captivate even longtime New Yorkers so they too may see the city they love in a whole new light. Her knowledge, experience, and skill as a speaker thrills me every time. Peripatetic, poetic, and chic every time she speaks, she is as dynamic & engaging as the city itself. Kitt Garrett will help you understand New York from a brilliant insider’s perspective that’s peerless & unmatched.
Sharr Prohaska, Cultural Tourism Consultant
"Kitt Garrett is passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated to sharing exciting stories with visitors and about what makes NYC special and a favorite travel destination. Kitt is a font of knowledge overflowing with details about NYC history and heritage, amazing architecture and architects, famous people and undiscovered places. colorful neighborhoods and local cuisine just waiting for you to discover. You will enjoy learning from Kitt's depth of knowledge, sense of humor, and commitment to her clients- she is a 5-Star tour guide in every way”.
Mark Herschberg, Author, The Career Toolkit
A unique walk through NYC history
Knowing how NYC built itself up gives me a whole new appreciation for what I see today
Fun and intriguing
Renee Ring and Paul Zofnass, The Environmental Financial Consulting Group
Although we’ve lived in New York City for over forty years, Kitt has opened our eyes to so many of the wonderfully unique parts of this fascinating city. We highly recommend her to natives as well as newcomers.
Peter Meredith, CEO Meredith Management
Your talk and walk around was great. I had been on the High Line many times before but learned many new facts and saw thing from a different perspective. As an Engineer I was especially taken by what was saved and what was rebuilt.
Wendy Luke, CEO, The HR Sage
Kitt Garrett gave a small group of us an architecture-focused walking tour in Brooklyn Heights. Her knowledge, energy, and storytelling as well as the historical photos made the history and beauty of Brooklyn Heights come alive.
Stever Robbins, Chief Operating Officer, APC Holdings
Kitt Garrett’s knowledge about New York is phenomenal! Her lectures will bring you into the City in a way that no one else can. Her insider’s access, deep historical perspective, energy, and engaging style are unmatched. You’ll have an unforgettable time.
Susan Bader, NY Licensed Real Estate Broker
Nobody I know loves New York City more than Kitt. And watching and listening to her talk will give you exactly the amount of information you need to get a feel for New York, it's history. It's architecture, life in the city, past and present.
I was born New York City and have lived here my whole life. And yet I still learned so much from her talk. It's just packed with interesting information ! And so easy to follow.
Details
Gateway Airport(s)
JFK, LGA, EWR
Licenses
New York City (NYC)
Training
B.A. New York University Hotel Management and Tourism
Language(s)
English
Additional Education
Licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, NYC
Certified by the Guides Association of New York City
General Availability
Private guided experiences only. Virtual talks and tours can be integrated into your system using FareHarbor.