Tours

FREE Virtual Garment District NYC Educational History Walking Tours.
FREE Garment District Walking Tour.
FREE Flatiron District Walking Tour.
Lower East Side Virtual and Walking tours.

Mike has re-created his walking tours as closely as possible, virtually, through ZOOM. The tours incorporate a whole lot of the signature Mike Kaback schmaltz thrown in for good measure, including his Grandmother, Momeleh. (Who wouldn’t wax nostalgic?) The ZOOM session even manages to include visits to several garment factories, both present day and of yore.

Please e-mail mikenyctours@yahoo.com for more information and to sign up for any of these tours.

  • Garment District Free Virtual Tours; Sponsored by the Garment District BID.
    • Two VIRTUAL tours: We have plenty of room.
  • Garment District Free in Person Walking Tour; Sponsored by the Garment District BID
    • One Actual IN PERSON WALKING tour of Garment District: On Saturday August 14th at 10am sharp.

  • One Flatiron District BID Sponsored FREE WALKING tour, of the Flatiron Building area.
    • Meets at the Flatiron Building on 23rd St and Fifth Ave at 11am sharp on August 1st.
    • Email to Mikesnyctours@yahoo.com for reservation or just show up at 10:55am.

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  • One Lower East Side Chronicles Tour on August 11th at 7pm
    • Meets on http://www.nyadventureclub.com -- look for above date and time in website and sign on.  This event will cost you $10 to join (well worth the price).



Fashion District History Walking Tour

Over the years I have entertained and instructed many groups of fashion interested adults and students from organizations and schools across the USA and Canada.

The tour that I will do is about 2 hours in duration and contains most of the following:

  1. The history of the apparel industry in NYC from Henry Hudson to the present and aforecast into the future.
  2. Some significant events in the evolution of the industry: Mass Production, The sewing machine, the development of ‘sizes’, the invention of synthetic fibers and the impact there of, The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, and the evolution of “Fashion”. How the garment center of today arrived at its current location.
  3. The immigrant labor force that has driven the apparel industry from its beginning, and how it has changed yet stayed the same over the years.
  4. During the course of the tour we will make visits to most of the following locations depending on availability:
    1. A showroom, where I may be able to get an intern to explain how (s)he got the job, what is required on the job and what their goals are. Perhaps a sample sale as well.
    2. A factory where garments are spread and cut prior to sewing.
    3. A visit to some meaningful garment center artwork.
    4. Visit the location where Calvin, Donna Ralph and Oscar have their workspace.
    5. A visit to Mood Fabrics, familiar to a"Project Runway” fans.
    6. A walk through the historic streets of the fashion district.
    7. The Fashion Walk of Fame
    8. And much more.

I myself, have spent over 35 years in the industry in many different capacities and am able to relay interesting anecdotes that I have witnessed first hand, such as the evolution of Children’s Flammable Sleepwear & how garments are designed costed produced, marketed, financed and more.

Email: MikesNYCTours@yahoo.com

Telephone: (917) 952-4610


The Jewish Lower East Side

Your guide, born and raised on the Lower East Side strolls with you through this ever-changing neighborhood. Visit the various religious and cultural institutions including the Educational Alliance, orthodox tenement shuls, the RJJ and Seward Park. Sample the experience of your grandparents. Grab a bialy at Kossars, a perfect dill pickle and visit Streitz’s Matzoh factory. Play a quick game of hopscotch, stoop ball or skully — become a genuine Lower East Sider for the afternoon. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes!

DURATION: approximately 2 hours

Email: MikesNYCTours@yahoo.com

Telephone:(917) 952-4610

Available Tours

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