Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Year’s Eve. Fourth of July. All very popular holiday’s that are quite famously celebrated in New York City – and all in grand, over the top, must see style. But there is another popular US holiday that can also be celebrated in the Big Apple in perhaps a more paired down way – but a grand way none the less. The holiday? Valentines Day. The way to celebrate it perfectly here? Start in the morning and continue the festivities until day’s end of course! Take a peek below at what a perfect Valentine’s Day in New York City looks like the BTSQ way.
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Morning: Have a Sumptuous Brunch Together
New York is one of my favorite brunch towns – mainly because there are so very many options to choose from – and I for one am on a mission to try as many as possible in my lifetime – and have amassed quite a list. However – I am going to make this easy for you and highlight three of them here today – each one as romantic as the next. First up – Buvette. This charming café is actually international – with locations in London, Paris, Tokyo and Mexico City as well as NYC. Situated in West Village – which in itself is quite the romantic atmosphere – Buvette describes itself as “…combining the elegance of an old world café with the casual nature of a neighborhood eatery.” From chocolate croissants and Belgian waffles to roasted chicken and steak tartar – the menu is scrumptious and comforting. Then there is Pastis. Located in the Meatpacking District this is actually it’s second go-round – as it closed in 2014 and reopened close by in 2019. Referred to as a “romantic legend” in one review I found from its reopening, their brunch is an amazing array of French fare including escargots and avocado tartine. And don’t forget the Pastis mimosas for the table made with Veuve Ambal! And last but not least heading farther down the island to Tribeca you will find Locanda Verde – an urban Italian delight and part of the Greenwich Hotel. Sample the frittata caprese or lamb Bolognese rigatoni as a main dish but definitely don’t pass on the Earl Grey cream-filled bomboloni – yum! No matter which of these fine eateries you choose, you are guaranteed to be starting Valentine’s Day in New York City with a satisfied – and full – stomach.
Afternoon: Take a Charming Winter Walk in Manhattan
After a hearty brunch bundle up and head out into the crisp winter air on a private walking tour courtesy of BTSQ. Again – so many choices – so little time – so I’ll help you out with two of our most popular. First, what does the 1908 version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and 2007’s Walt Disney’s Enchanted have in common? Both are romances filmed in Manhattan’s Central Park – along with a countless other films – making it the perfect destination to frequent on Valentine’s Day with a Private Walking Tour of Central Park. This four hour stroll through New York’s “backyard” is filled with all sorts of tidbits and trivia courtesy of an expert, professional guide. You’ll visit the most popular spots and perhaps a hidden gem or two – with plenty of photo ops to capture you and your sweetheart in some of the most romantic ones – think Bethesda Fountain or Bow Bridge. And if you want to add an extra element of “amore” to the tour, opt to take it via a horse drawn carriage. Option number two, the High Line And Hudson Yards Walking Tour, is no less enchanting – see what I did there? What was once an abandoned railyard and elevated train track is now a destination in its own right. Saunter above the city streets on the High Line Park where everything takes on a fresh look in the winter – especially after a snow fall. Then head to Hudson Yards where you’ll see the highly Instagrammed Vessel and the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere – the Edge – which boasts amazing views thanks not only to its height but to its glass floor as well. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the upscale shopping here – after all – nothing says Valentine’s Day like jewelry, perfume or perhaps a designer handbag!
Evening: Embark on the Most Romantic NYC Dinner Cruise
Ok – so far, you’ve had a bountiful brunch and a heartwarming winter walk. Now it’s time for the grand finale – the city’s most romantic dinner cruise – our 2022 Valentine’s Day Luxury Dinner Cruise. Sure, there are plenty of romantic restaurants to dine at on Valentine’s Day in New York City. But honestly, what could be more enchanting than dining on a luxury yacht? I mean just the word yacht stirs up visions of grandeur. And this yacht – the stunning Bateaux – is a glass enclosed beauty where you are guaranteed a window seat to the spectacular show that is the Manhattan skyline – as well as famed landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Cruising the famed Hudson and East Rivers at night is magical any day of the year, but when you opt for this experience on a yacht on Valentine’s Day, it takes it to a whole new level. First there is the delectable dinner – three courses – plated and all freshly prepared and consisting of an entree, salad and dessert. To wash it all down there’s a glass of bubbly – champagne or sparkling wine – included as well. And of course, coffee, tea and water are unlimited. Want more beverage options? No worries – there is also an open bar available for an additional cost. But dinner is just one chapter in this storied romantic tale. You and your love will also be treated to music by a live band giving you a chance to dance under the stars and when you need a break from the dance floor you have the opportunity to wander about the top deck under the moonlight. And since the day is most often associated with flowers – each couple will also receive a single rose. This three hours of pure bliss also comes complete with a private luxury car to chauffeur you to and from the dock. Now that’s amore!
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So, you see, Valentine’s Day in New York City – although it may not get as much “love” as some of the other holidays – can be just as spectacular as you want it to be. But don’t worry if you don’t consider yourself a Romeo or Juliet – Beyond Times Square has you covered! Just reach out to cupid’s curators aka our awesome team of destination experts today and let them help you plan a romantic getaway that is guaranteed to sweep your valentine off their feet!