The Total Tennis Experience

For a fun weekend outside the city and LOTS of tennis, check out Total Tennis in Saugerties, NY. ( totaltennis.com). Just two hours north of the city, Total Tennis is like going to summer camp when you were a kid, but instead of playing softball, volleyball and swimming in a lake, its all about tennis. All skill levels are welcome so whether you are a beginner and just learning to play, or a more advanced player looking to brush up on your game, the staff at Total Tennis will find the right group for you. A typical day consists of three hours of tennis instruction in the morning, a break for lunch, a quick tennis demo followed by two more hours of intruction. Afterwards, you can relax in the pool or hot tub, get a massage or, if you are up for more tennis, participate in a round robin. The accommodations at Total Tennis are basic but all rooms have A/C and private bathrooms and the buffet style food is excellent.

Shhh...Free Courts on Canal Street

I live on the West Side of Manhattan and it is unbelievable how the West Side has developed over the past few years. Hudson River Park ( http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/index.asp) provides miles of beautiful outdoor park space, a bike path, kayaking....and tennis courts that not a lot of people know about (until now?). There are three hardcourts available and best of all, you don't need a permit. Just take the subway (E train to Spring Street is the closest subway) and court time is on a first come/first served basis. During the week the wait time is typically less than an hour but longer on the weekends. For more info visit http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/explore/tennispier34.html

Welcome to Tennis Talk!

Tennis anyone? If you live in New York City that is easier said than done. Tennis is an expensive sport, plus lot of tennis courts have closed over the past few years. However, with a little research you can still find some good places to play in and around the city. So pick up a raquet and read on!