Meet Your Host, Steve Dean
💁♂️Me
I'm a Philly-based community builder, dating industry consultant, relationship coach, entrepreneur, and diehard superconnector. Creating deep, authentic connections across communities is what I do. It’s what I live for. I host salons, dinners, meetups, webinars, and coworking sessions across multiple cities in order to bring people together from all over the world to share their stories and build new friendships, startups, and movements.
📱My Work
For over 14 years, I've been a consultant to the entire dating industry, helping founders build and launch new apps, and coaching individuals through the complex world of dating and relationships. You can hire me to consult, coach, speak, or lead a workshop anytime through my website, Dateworking.
🎧My Podcast
I started my Dateworking podcast to learn from experts and founders who focus on the art and science of human connection, sexuality, dating, relationships, and personal development! Listen here!
Explore to my library/newsletter of dating & relationship insights.
Follow my news, events, and founder interviews on Facebook and Instagram.
Hire me to advise your dating business or personal dating life.
If particularly curious, venture to https://stevedean.me
This time around, we’re escaping NYC’s boroughs and traveling down to Philadelphia for a unique experience: two hundred and twenty two (222!) live concerts happening across West Philly porches between noon and 6pm (check out the lineup here).
We’ll kick off the morning at the Clark Park farmers market and the Woodlands gardens, then meander porch-to-porch following the sounds of live music and the smells of impromptu BBQs. When the music wraps, we’ll wander the Schuylkill River Trail for golden hour and then walk over to the Cira Green rooftop to enjoy the pollinator gardens and sunset over the city.
About
If you haven't been to a Hygge event before, think of it as a casual gathering to make new friends, discuss fun projects you're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. Bring your friends, family, coworkers, anyone you think would enjoy both meeting new people and coming across friendly and familiar faces.
"Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering — a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.
Logistics
This is a 10+ hour urban walk spanning 5+ miles, and you are free to join us at any point in the day. All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on Google Maps and call me directly if you need help.
What to bring
- comfy walking shoes
- sun protection
- cash
- friends 🥰
Itinerary
Here's my Google Maps list of the places we'll pass by. We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them whenever you please. All times are rough estimates.
- 10am-11am — Clark Park
- 11am-12pm — The Woodlands
- 12pm-6pm — West Philly Porchfest free-for-all; follow your ears! Full concert schedule here: https://westphillyporchfest.com/shows
- 6pm-8pm — Port Coffee Co, Kaskey Park, South Street Bridge, Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, Chestnut Street Bridge
- 8pm-10pm — Cira Green Rooftop public garden/cafe
Hyggehiking NYC Earth Day + Birbs 🐤
Saturday, April 25, 2026
10am-10pm
On Saturday April 25th, we'll take to the open streets for NYC's Car-Free Earth Day in conjunction with migratory bird season, reveling in the green spaces, public art, and birdwatching hotspots of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
About
If you haven't been to a Hygge event before, think of it as a casual gathering to make new friends, discuss fun projects you're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. Bring your friends, family, coworkers, anyone you think would enjoy both meeting new people and coming across friendly and familiar faces.
"Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering — a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.
Logistics
This is a 12-hour hike spanning 10+ miles, and you are free to join us at any point in the day. All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on Google Maps and call me directly if you need help.
What to bring
- comfy walking shoes
- sun protection
- cash
- friends 🥰
Itinerary
Here's my Google Maps list of the places we'll pass by. We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them whenever you please. All times are rough estimates.
- 10am-10:30am — Georgie's Cafe LES
- 10:30am-11:30am — Seward Park, Manhattan Bridge
- 11:30am-1pm — Brooklyn Bridge Park (ft. nature walks & hands-on crafts)
- 1pm-2pm — Brooklyn Borough Hall 🚇➡️ Engineer's Gate @ Central Park
- 2pm-4pm — Central Park for 'Flying High with the Birds' free educational tour (tix here)
- 4pm-5pm — Hallett Nature Sanctuary
- 5pm-6pm — 6 & 1/2 Avenue, Bryant Park, Herald Square Park, Madison Square Park, Union Square Park
- 6pm-7pm — Time Out Market Union Square
- 7pm-8pm — Tompkins Square Park (catbird mural! 100+ more bird themed mural throughout NYC here), Washington Square Park
- 8pm-10pm — The Chai Spot (for earth day and bird themed zine making)
Next Hygge Hike:
Hyggehiking NYC's Cherry Blossoms
Saturday, March 28, 2026
10am-10pm
On Saturday March 28th, we'll set out to explore as many of NYC's public cherry blossom blooms as we can possibly find, spanning Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. We'll begin at Sakura Park in Morningside Heights, wind our way through Riverside Park, Central Park, and Roosevelt Island, then take a shortcut to Corona Park, wander Kissena Park in Fresh Meadows, and wrap things up with dinner at an underground cantina beneath a Hindu temple.
About
If you haven't been to a Hygge event before, think of it as a casual gathering to make new friends, discuss fun projects you're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. Bring your friends, family, coworkers, anyone you think would enjoy both meeting new people and coming across friendly and familiar faces.
"Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering — a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.
Logistics
This is a 10+ hour hike spanning 15+ miles, and you are free to join us at any point in the day. All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on Google Maps and call me directly if you need help.
What to bring
- comfy walking shoes
- sun protection
- warms / windbreakers
- cash
- friends 🥰
Itinerary
Here's my Google Maps list of the places we'll pass by. We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them whenever you please. All times are rough estimates.
- 10am-10:30am — Plowshares Coffee Roasters
- 10:30am-11:30am — Sakura Park, Riverside Park, Morningside Park
- 11:30am-1pm — Central Park (Allée of Kwanzan, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Bridle Path, Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill)
- 1pm-2pm — Midos Halal, Hallett Nature Sanctuary
- 2pm-3:30pm — Andrew Haswell Green Park, Tramway Plaza, Roosevelt Island (Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park)
- 3:30pm-5pm — Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Unisphere, Queens Museum
- 5pm-6:30pm — Kissena Park
- 6:30pm-8:30pm — Hindu Temple Canteen
- 8:30pm-10pm — Downtown Flushing, Bryant Park
Here's a very rough depiction of our route!
Next Hygge Hike:
Hyggehiking Soho to Sojo
Saturday, February 28, 2026
10am-10pm
On Saturday February 28th, we’re trekking from the bougie bustle of SoHo in Manhattan to the craggy cliffs of Edgewater NJ where bald eagles reign over the skies.
Our adventure will be bookended by the cozy vibes of the Chai Spot tea lounge and the soothing baths of Sojo spa. On our way, we’ll pass through Manhattan’s financial district, ride the Path train under the Hudson River, then wind our way on foot through Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, West New York, and Cliffside Park.
Our final *hiking* stop will be the Edgewater ferry station around 5pm for anyone who wishes to return to Manhattan, at which point anyone remaining is welcome to walk with us over to Sojo spa where we’ll spend the rest of the evening capybara-style, soaking, socializing, and enjoying the twinkling of stars and city lights. As a heads up for would-be spa goers, admission is $130 and it’s advised to buy tickets ahead of time, as they do sell out, particularly on weekends.
About
If you haven't been to a Hygge event before, think of it as a casual gathering to make new friends, discuss fun projects you're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. Bring your friends, family, coworkers, anyone you think would enjoy both meeting new people and coming across friendly and familiar faces.
"Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering — a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.
Logistics
This is a 6+ hour hike spanning 10+ miles, and you are free to join us at any point in the day. All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on Google Maps and call me directly if you need help.
What to bring
- comfy walking shoes
- warms / windbreakers
- cash
- friends 🥰
Itinerary
Here's my Google Maps list of the places we'll pass by. We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them whenever you please. All times are rough estimates.
- 10am-11am — The Chai Spot
- 11am-12pm — Thomas Paine Park, City Hall Park, 9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pools, Oculus World Trade Center
- 12pm-2pm — Marina Park, Newport Gazebo Park, Water's Soul, Oval Garden, Hoboken/NJ Transit Terminal, Pier A Park, Pier C Park, Sinatra Park
- 2pm-4pm — Elysian Park, Weehawken & Union City Reservoir Park, Gregory Park, Weehawken Dueling Grounds, Hamilton Park, The Old Glory Park, Donnelly Memorial Park, Auf der Heide Park, J. George Fredman Park, River View Park
- 4pm-5pm — James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park, Grand Cove Marina, Edgewater Ferry Landing
- 5pm-10pm — Sojo Spa Club
Here's a very rough depiction of our route!
Hyggehiking Queens' Conifers
Saturday, January 31, 2026
10am-10pm
On Saturday January 31st 2026, we'll embark on a conifer tour of Queens, beginning in the old growth Forest Park, winding through Middle Village and Flushing Meadows, then culminating in Flushing with soup to warm our souls after a day outside in the January chill.
About
If you haven't been to a Hygge event before, think of it as a casual gathering to make new friends, discuss fun projects you're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. Bring your friends, family, coworkers, anyone you think would enjoy both meeting new people and coming across friendly and familiar faces.
"Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering — a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.
Logistics
This is a 12 hour hike spanning 10+ miles, and you are free to join us at any point in the day. All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on Google Maps and call me directly if you need help.
What to bring
- comfy walking shoes
- warms / windbreakers
- cash
- friends 🥰
Itinerary
Here's my Google Maps list of the places we'll pass by. We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them whenever you please. All times are rough estimates.
- 10am-10:30am — Forest Cafe
- 10:30am-1pm — Forest Hills Gardens, Forest Park
- 1pm-3pm — Atlas Park, Juniper Valley Park, Elmhurst Park
- 3pm-6pm — Empanada Cafe, Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows
- 6pm-8pm — Queens Botanic Garden, Home Made Soup
- 8pm-10pm — The Food Hall
Here's a very rough depiction of our route!
Next Hygge Hike:
Hyggehiking Bayonne
Saturday, December 13, 2025
10am-10pm
On Saturday December 13th 2025, we'll explore the parks, coastlines, cafes, art galleries, and vistas of Bayonne New Jersey.
About
If you haven't been to a Hygge event before, think of it as a casual gathering to make new friends, discuss fun projects you're eager to work on, dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, and meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community. Bring your friends, family, coworkers, anyone you think would enjoy both meeting new people and coming across friendly and familiar faces.
"Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering — a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.
Logistics
This is a 12 hour hike spanning 10+ miles, and you are free to join us at any point in the day. All RSVP'd "yes" and "maybe" attendees will receive a link at 10am to my realtime location for the entire day, along with my phone number, so you can see exactly where we are on Google Maps and call me directly if you need help.
What to bring
- comfy walking shoes
- warms / windbreakers
- cash
- friends 🥰
Itinerary
Here's my Google Maps list of the places we'll pass by. We may not make it to every location on the list, but I encourage you to dig deeper into any of them whenever you please. All times are rough estimates.
- 10am-10:30am — Cafe Talya
- 10:30am-1pm — Richard A. Rutkowski Park, Bayonne Public Library, Julius Bakery, Stephen R. Gregg Park
- 1pm-3pm — Giovanni's Salumeria, Veterans Park, Hudson County Park, G. Thomas DiDomenico Park, Bayonne Bridge, Dennis P. Collins Park
- 3pm-5pm — Brady's Dock, Union Grounds Coffee House, Visionary Art Gallery, DOLLHAUS II, Fifth Street Waterfront, Sr. Miriam Theresa Park
- 5pm-7pm — Halecky-IMTT Park, Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
- 7pm-9pm — Lavaccino Cafe
- 9pm-10pm — mystery sparkle gathering
Here's a very rough depiction of our route!
Event & Venue Details
June 12, 2021, 10am-8pm
Hyggehiking through the parks of Queens
Greetings fellow hyggehikers!
For our first Hygge gathering of 2021, we're doing something a little different. After over a year of being cooped up indoors, we'll be gathering for a side by side, walk-and-talk through the interconnected parks of Queens in New York City!
Itinerary:
- 10-11am — Forest Park Watering Hole for birdwatching
- 11-2pm — Walk the Willow Lake Preserve Trail
- 2-4pm — Meander north through Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- 4-5pm — Visit Queens Museum (free entry with timed ticket)
- 5-6pm — Wander past Queens Botanic Garden en route to Flushing
- 6-8pm — Dinner in Downtown Flushing in-around One Fulton Square
You can ping me via text or messenger any point and I'll share my realtime location with you so that you can see where we are. Here's the saved Google Maps list I made for our stops.By my best estimates, this is the path we'll most likely take:
Event & Venue Details
Saturday, April 22, 2023, 12pm-8pm
Hyggehiking through the parks of Brooklyn and Queens!
Greetings fellow hyggehikers!
"Hyggehiking" is the term I use for my special blend of Hygge gatherings where we get outside and engage in that convivial conversation while trekking through green spaces throughout our city.
Saturday April 22nd is Earth Day, and to celebrate, I've designed a day of street foods, waterfronts, community connections, and neighborhood beautification.
Itinerary:
- 12-3pm — Williamsburg
"Car-Free Earth Day" being celebrated as a Berry Street pedestrian takeover in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We'll meet at Gran Torino on Berry St, explore the street foods/funzies, then hang out at the Domino park waterfront. Around 1:30pm, we'll explore more food options at Smorgasberg in Bushwick Inlet Park, then walk north through McCarren park into Greenpoint, with a stop at Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop! - 3-5pm — Long Island City
We'll cross the Pulaski Bridge, then wander north into to tour three parks along the Long Island City waterfront: Hunter's Point South Park, Gantry Plaza State Park, and Queensbridge Park (with views of Roosevelt Island). Around 5pm, we'll catch the 7 train over to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. - 5-8pm — Flushing Meadows Corona Park
It's early access day for Queens Night Market! Tix to get in are $5 and can be purchased here. Dinner + picnic at Queens Night Market, sunset by the Unisphere.
Here's my Google Maps list of the specific parks and places we'll traverse.
All in, we'll have hit up 7 NYC parks and 3 street food fairs in a single day!
This gathering is open invite. It may include a silent disco.
What to bring:
- comfy shoes
- light blanket
- layers in case it gets chilly
- cash for street foods
- battery pack / charger
- friends 🥰
Below, I've shared the path we'll most likely take. You can ping me via text or messenger any point and I'll share my realtime location with you so that you can see where we are.
- 12-3pm — Williamsburg
"Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering, a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.
For Saturday July 15th, I've designed a day of parks, piers, storytelling, and secret city nooks! All in, we'll have explored over 20 parks before the day is done!
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💞BONUS: DAY OF VISIBILITY💞
July 15th also happens to be the first-ever Day of Visibility for Non-Monogamy (learn more here: https://www.dayofvisibility.com) Be sure to bring any of your burning relationship questions as well as any sordid or salacious stories you'd like to share as we celebrate the ever evolving range of human relationships.
Note: All relationship permutations are welcome at this event 🤗
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🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️
12-1pm — Essex Market
📝 Grab some food/coffee from any of the dozens of stalls, and bring it to the sunlit 2nd floor atrium, my favorite place to hang out, meet friends, and cowork.
1-2pm — Sara Roosevelt Park, Seward Park, Forsyth Plaza, Mussel Beach, Pier 35 Swings.
📝 Park crawl, wildflower gardens, public outdoor community gym, & giant swings date spot
2-3pm — Peck Slip, Pier 17 Rooftop, Elevated Acre
📝Periwinkle underpasses, plazas, rooftops, & secret bougie gardens.
3-5pm — Battery Park, Oasis Park, Boardwalk, Brookfield Place, Hudson Eats Food Court
📝 Urban farms, vista points, fancy boats, and food courts. We'll stop and eat here.
5-6pm — Rockefeller Park, River Park, Pier 26 Tide Deck, Hudson River Park, Little Island
📝 Piers, pylons, biers, and bygones. If the Little Island amphitheater is open, we may be able to use it for some public storytelling!
6-8pm — Pier 57 Rooftop Park, backpaths of Chelsea Piers, High Line Observation Deck, Jackson Square, Christopher Park
📝 History and mystery! We'll pass through NYC's oldest, newest, quirkiest, and queerest parks.
8-10pm (or later) — Washington Square Park
📝 Sunset, live music, people watching, yoga, stretching, deep conversation, and imbibing the inimitable chaos energy of my favorite park in NYC.
📍Here's my Google Maps list of the specific parks and places we'll traverse: 📍
https://goo.gl/maps/FJYKvBmzWn4x9Jq9A
This gathering is open invite, and you can show up whenever you like. I'll share my live location with all confirmed attendees on the day of the event so that you can join whenever in the day you're free.
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🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒
• comfy shoes
• light blanket
• layers in case it gets chilly
• friends 🥰
• stories, songs, & spoken word poetry to share
"Hyggehiking" is my own special blend of Hygge gathering, a conversational stroll through the green spaces of our city.
For Saturday August 12th, I'm taking advantage of NYC's Summer Streets by kicking things off at Summer Streets rest stop at 109th and Park Ave. From there, we'll venture through more than 10 lovely parks and gardens, en route toward Inwood, where we'll cap off the evening at a 24-hour Mexican restaurant.
This gathering is open invite, and you can show up whenever you like. I'll share my live location with all confirmed attendees on the day of the event so that you can join whenever in the day you're free.
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🗺️ ITINERARY 🗺️
(This is my Google Maps list of the specific parks and places we'll traverse.)
11am-1pm — East 109th St and Park Ave, Pabade Coffee
📝 Gather, scout out coffee/snacks, and enjoy free activities through Summer Streets, NYC's program that renders select streets vehicle-free for a few glorious weekends each year. Summer Streets technically starts at 7am, so if you're an early riser, consider their full activity list here: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/summerstreets.shtml#east-90
1-2pm — Central Park, Harlem Meer, Morningside Park, Columbia University
📝 Enjoy fragrant flowers in Central Park's Conservatory Garden, appreciate the sudden slopes of Morningside Park, then cut through Columbia's campus en route to the waterfront.
2-4pm — Riverside Park, Sakura Park, Manhattanville Market Food Court
📝 Explore the bird sanctuary of Riverside Park, pass Grant's Tomb and the towering Riverside Church, then take a rest stop for lunch.
3-5pm — Center for Discovery & Innovation, St. Nicholas Park, Hamilton Grange, Riverbank State Park
📝 Explore a surreal campus that feels nothing like Manhattan, then appreciate the views and heights of St. Nicholas Park before crossing into a secluded park built above a waste processing center, with views of the George Washington Bridge.
5-6pm — Fort Washington Park, George Washington Bridge
📝 I've never walked directly below the GWB, along where the Metro North line runs. I'm curious what we might find, and I heard there may be "Sisyphus Stones" by the water.
6-8pm — Heather Garden, Fort Tryon Park, Inwood Hill Park
📝 Hopefully we'll catch some good smells and a lovely sunset from the heights of Fort Tryon park, home of the Cloisters museum. Then, we'll cross into Inwood Hill Park and peek out from the tippy tip of Manhattan over the creek that merges with the Harlem River and later joins the East River.
8-10pm (or later) — Dinner at La Lomita
📝 After what will likely be a 7-10 mile walk, we'll sit down for a well-deserved meal and share stories from our journeys.
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🎒WHAT TO BRING🎒
• comfy shoes
• light blanket
• layers in case it gets chilly
• friends 🥰
• umbrella (check weather beforehand)
