With more than 8.6 million residents, there is sure to be a lot of love in New York City this Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for romance, Manhattan has the other boroughs beat. From serving as a backdrop for hit romantic films to the Diamond District where engagements are set in stone, love will definitely be in the air. The Washington Square Hotel at 103 Waverly Place in Greenwich Village is nestled in the heart of Manhattan—providing easy access to some of the most romantic spots in the city. Check out WSH’s Valentine’s Day special and use the following suggestions for a special getaway you and your partner will never forget!
Take a Movie Location Tour
Manhattan has served as the setting for dozens of films throughout the decades, including romances such as the iconic 1961 Audrey Hepburn film Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the more modern 1989 classic When Harry Met Sally. The TCM Classic Film Tour operated by On Location Tours offers a 3-hour guided bus tour on Saturdays in February, covering many film fan favorites. Visit the On Location Tours web site for information about tour dates, times, fees and online reservation booking.
Visit the Empire State Building
Since its completion in 1931, the Empire State Building has been a top NYC tourist destination. Located along Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets in Manhattan, at 20 West 34th Street, the skyscraper is no longer the tallest in the city, but the 86th floor outdoor observation deck still offers stunning 360-degree views. (Note: The 102nd floor observatory will be closed to the public for renovations through July 29, 2019.) This architectural icon has been immortalized by a series of King Kong films and the 1957 romance An Affair to Remember, starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. The 1993 hit movie Sleepless in Seattle pays homage to that classic film in its closing scene. Each year the Empire State Building holds a contest where winning couples get to marry at the site on Valentine’s Day. Click this link to the Empire State Building web site for more information on weddings, observation deck hours, prices and online ticket purchases.
Take a Carriage Ride
Hiring a horse drawn carriage for a tour of Central Park is a perennial NYC tradition. Snuggle under a blanket with your partner and take in the sights at a leisurely pace. The CentralPark.com web site provides information on pricing and reservations. Book your ride online and add romantic a la carte options, such as chocolates, floral bouquets, photography and proposal packages. Be forewarned, riders on Valentine’s Day pay a premium!
Jazz It Up
A center for counter-culture in the 60s, today’s Greenwich Village has a vibe that’s more stylish, scenic and smooth than anywhere else in New York. And if you’re into smooth sounds, the neighborhood is home to many jazz clubs, including the Blue Note, located at 131 W. Third Street. The club offers food, drink, and a jazz show lineup sure to impress. Visit their web site for information on hours, options and scheduled shows running through the month of February.
Sweets and Treats
To make this Valentine’s Day your sweetest yet, visit Pasticceria Rocco at 243 Bleecker St. The shop is known for its cannoli and other Italian pastries, custom cakes and espresso. For more information, visit Roccospastry.com. If cheese and chocolate are more to your liking, move along to 254 Bleecker St. where you’ll find Murray’s Cheese and a selection of decadent delights. Check out their Web site Murrayscheese.com for details.
Visit the Diamond District
Thinking of proposing in the Big Apple? Manhattan’s Diamond District is the perfect place to pick out a ring. Located on 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, Diamond and Jewelry Way is home to both wholesale and retail diamond vendors. Before you go, do your homework. Diamonddistrict.org offers some valuable tips for shopping on 47th Street.
