Valentine’s Day is around the corner and here in Greenwich Village the air sparkles with the charm, romance, and anticipation this day radiates during the darker days of winter.
Maybe it’s true or maybe it’s just your imagination, but everywhere you look on the 14th of February you see couples embracing, holding hands, and whispering lovely little secrets in each other’s ears.
Greenwich Village offers hopeless romantics among us a beautiful variety of date ideas sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Greenwich Village on Valentine’s Day is an ideal place to make memories. Here’s a guide to start your planning.
1. Create a Delicious Tradition
What would Valentine’s Day be without chocolate?
Visit Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house, Li-Lac Chocolates, who specialize in making old-world artisan chocolate in small batches, delivering robust flavors and superior taste.
Since its inception in 1923, Li-Lac Chocolates has been at the center of Valentine’s traditions for generations of romance. Visit their Greenwich Village location between Sullivan and Thompson for a special treat.
Can’t choose just one Valentine this year? Private 90-minute tours for 8 (or more) are available at Li-Lac’s Chocolate Factory located in Brooklyn. Learn the craft of artisan chocolate and try your hand at making your own mouthwatering creation. Each participant will take home their own box of freshly-made gourmet chocolate.
Download your guide to dozens of awesome date ideas in NYC.
2. This is Music to Your Ears
Experience the romantic vocals of the Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society in the ambiance of the historically preserved Merchant’s House Museum.
A New York City Historic Landmark, this 1832 row house was built in the late-Federal and Greek Revival architecture style, giving visitors a peek into the antiquated charm of a time long ago.
During this 75-minute Love in the Parlors Concert, you will be delighted by the rarely heard gems of Shubert, Brahms, Duparc, and many others. Sip on a glass of champagne during a pre-concert reception hosted in the preserved 1850s style kitchen. VIP seating is also available.
3. Walk in the steps of Rock n’ Roll Romantics
Greenwich Village has gained the reputation of being a creative epicenter to some of the most inspiring and talented people this world has seen. It has also served as home to some of the most infamous rock n’ roll couples.
Hand in hand with your loved one, take a romantic stroll by Bob Dylan and Suze Rotolo’s first New York City apartment at 161 W Fourth Street. Although a short-lived romance, Dylan acknowledges Suze as someone who had a fantastic influence on his music and art during the time.
You can also stroll by 105 Bank Street, where John Lennon and Yoko Ono first called home in the City. They released their album “Some Time in New York City” during their residence there.
One other famous, often less thought of couple resided in The Village as newlyweds, but you’ll have to read our “In Love In Greenwich Village” blog post to find out who.
4. Take A Trip Back in Time
Few things are romanticized more than a classic black and white film from Hollywood. The Film Forum, Greenwich Village’s local cinematic gem on West Houston Street, offers those young in love a special Valentine’s Day screening of two classic films.
Settle in with a bag of popcorn for a matinee or an evening showing of an old-timey movie the way they used to make them.
5. A Delectable Getaway in Washington Square
After touring the neighborhood and sampling delicious treats, end the day cozied up next to your special someone at a beautiful, 4-course Valentine’s Day dinner at the North Square Restaurant.
Enjoy an assortment of wonderful dishes, starting with a mushroom and goat cheese empanadita before moving on to a wide variety of first course options. Check out the Valentine’s Day special menu.
In your second course, choose between mouthwatering entrees from the sea or the land. And before retiring to an intimate art-deco styled room in the Washington Square Hotel, sip on an after-dinner beverage as you nibble the handcrafted, house-made desserts.
Of course, there are more than 5 ways to fall in Love in Greenwich Village on Valentine’s Day, but you will find your own while you follow this guide.
