Step into Mesa's intriguing past with a private walking tour revealing scandalous tales, crime, and hidden secrets of the Upper West Side. Join Bowery Boys Walks for an unforgettable storytelling adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the walking is at a relaxed pace with occasional stops for storytelling.
Wildlife
History
Mesa’s Upper West Side was once a hub of illicit activities that significantly influenced the city’s development during the early 20th century.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on preserving architectural heritage while promoting sustainable urban tourism to minimize environmental impacts.
Bowery Boys Walks
Step into Mesa's intriguing past with a private walking tour revealing scandalous tales, crime, and hidden secrets of the Upper West Side. Join Bowery Boys Walks for an unforgettable storytelling adventure.
Bowery Boys Walks, based in Santa Clara, California, offers expert-guided walking tours that explore New York City's layered history and cultural landmarks. The company curates a variety of experiences—private and public—focused on architecture, theatre, journalism, music history, financial history, and neighborhood lore. Tours include an intimate look at the Merchant's House Museum led by Carl Raymond; a holiday-focused Christmas in Old New York walking tour; an economic-history route through Lower Manhattan exploring Wall Street and Federal Hall; and a newspaper-history walk led by former reporter Michael Morgenthal.
Other specialized outings highlight the Brooklyn Bridge with Kriss Roebling, a private tour of Broadway's Gilded Age Hudson Theatre with historian Tim Dolan, and musical-home walks in the West Village led by Kyle Supley. Thematic walks examine gaslight-era neighborhoods like Stuyvesant Square, Gramercy, and Madison Square, while separate tours cover scandalous tales of the Upper West Side and Harlem.
Bowery Boys Walks emphasizes historically grounded storytelling, on-location interpretation, and small-group formats where noted. Tour itineraries are based on documented sites and expert-led commentary drawn from archival sources and first-hand reporting. Private and small-group options support focused interests and special access when available. Lists of offered trips and named guides provide transparent information for prospective guests. For travelers seeking immersive, narrative-driven tours of New York City's past, Bowery Boys Walks presents a diverse program backed by specialist guides and clearly described experiences. Bookings, detailed descriptions, pricing, and group-size limits are published for each tour to help guests choose suitable experiences and availability updated regularly.
Tours Offered
11
Curated walking tours listed
Tour Lengths
90–150 min
Short to mid-length walks
Private Options
Available
Private and small-group tours offered
Named Guides
Carl Raymond; Kriss Roebling; Michael Morgenthal; Tim Dolan; Kyle Supley
Experienced specialist guides
Choose a tour, check availability, and book private or small-group experiences led by named specialist guides.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Expect to walk for roughly two hours on paved urban streets, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Bring Water
Especially during warmer months, carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
Check Weather Forecast
Tour conditions can be affected by weather, so dress appropriately and bring sunscreen or a hat in sunny weather.
Charge Your Camera
You’ll want to capture the impressive architecture and scenic street views during your walk.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes help keep your feet comfortable on a two-hour urban walk.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during Mesa’s hot summer months.
summer
Sun Hat
Protect yourself from the strong Arizona sun during daytime tours.
summer
Light Jacket
Ideal for cooler morning or evening temperatures in winter months.
winter