Times Square may be the most recognizable slice of Manhattan, but this travel writer believes that the Southeast corner of Central Park - land of The Pierre Hotel, The Plaza, horse and carriages, Wollman Skating Rink and the Central Park Zoo - embodies New York's beating, romantic heart. At least in popular imagination. An Affair to Remember, Barefoot in the Park, Love Story, The Way We Were, You've Got Mail, Serendipity, Enchanted, Sex in the City, every Woody Allen movie and hundreds more were filmed in this section of Manhattan, providing the world with an image of a dreamy New York through a cinematographer's lens.
Does the image live up to its Big Screen counterpart? Indeed it does. Here are ten things to do for that perfect Valentine's Day escape, 365 days of the year. (And for much more on New York and other getaways in the Northeast USA, check out GetawayMavens.com)
1. Visit Central Park Zoo. Though small, this zoo is an enchanting way to spend an hour or two, no matter your age. Snuggle up while watching Snow Leopards cuddle and delight in the antics of sea lions and penguins. Laughing together is the ultimate aphrodisiac. Open daily 10-4:30 in winter, $12 adults, $7 kids.
2. Skate at Wollman Rink. Shoppers can have the small Rockefeller Center Rink. Wollman Rink, framed by the skyscrapers that encircle Central Park, is the best place for a romantic spin on ice. Monday - Tuesday: 10am - 2:30pm, Wednesday - Thursday: 10am - 10pm, Friday - Saturday: 10am - 11pm Sunday: 10am - 9pm, $11.25 weekdays, $18 weekends, skate rentals $8.
3. Take a Carriage Ride. Get all warm and cozy under blankets and listen to the rhythmic clip-clops and your driver's voice as he or she points out the best of Central Park. Sure, this experience has turned into a caricature of NYC, but a horse and buggy ride is a joy nevertheless.
4. Wander the stacks of First Edition books or peruse antique maps together at the iconic Argosy Book Store, 59th between Lexington and Park. One of the few remaining family-owned bricks and mortar bookstores in New York, the Argosy is an enchanting step back in time, and the perfect hideaway for bibliophiles in love.
5. Book-loving lovers will also be keen on taking a Walking Tour of Literary Central Park with e.t.c tours to find out where Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns hang out. e.t.c. (Events Tailor-Made and Customized) also arranges intimate lunches or dinners with Broadway actors in a current show (yes, including Hamilton). Called "Broadway Talks," you and your honey can hear firsthand from a professional what really happens behind the scenes.
6. Pop into the Apple Store. Romantic? Yep, for two techies in love. This glass cube, on the corner of 5th Ave. and 60th St. contains every I-Thing you've ever wanted. It's also backdrop of plenty of cool selfies, couple-ies, and group photos, especially at night when those Big Apples glow.
7. Grab a Nathan's Famous at the Nathan's Hot Dog Truck. Go on. Be a cheap date. Mustard on your lip is just an excuse to kiss it off, don't ya know. Nothing is more New Yawk than a Nathan's Famous, a Hot Dog concern that began in a shack on Coney Island in 1916. Other hot dog carts are scattered throughout New York City, but only one brand has stood the test of time - celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year.
8. Share a bottle of wine in the Wine Bar then grab lunch or dinner at the Plaza Hotel Food Hall. Enter the Plaza Hotel, head down the escalator and marvel at a cornucopia of basement dining options. There's sushi, dumplings, pasta, small bites, lobster, coffees, wine, Fro-Yo, crepe cakes, tarts, teas and a whole Todd English section - it's tough to choose where to eat. Good news is you can pick from a few, choose a table and share.
9. Stay at the recently renovated Pierre, A Taj Hotel. On the corner of 5th and 61st overlooking Central Park, The Pierre/Taj is the ideal indulgent NYC escape. After a $100 million renovation in 2009, the intimate and refined Pierre Hotel is the epitome of "Romantic New York" - quiet, lavish without being showy, and eminently elegant - all with that rare commodity: a friendly, anticipatory human touch. An elevator operator escorts you to your floor, wake-up calls are carried out by real, live employees, and immaculate guestrooms are so retro-20's elegant, you half expect Carol Lombard and Clark Gable to saunter in brandishing cigarette holders and martinis. Bedding is deep and soft, with ample outlets within reach above the bed's side-tables to charge your electronics. The Pierre doesn't charge for basic wi-fi in the rooms, and best of all, rates are less than other comparable luxury hotels in the area, starting at $340 + tax per night off season.
10. Or, if you prefer to be around lots of people, book a room at the Plaza Hotel. The Beatles loved to stay here. Truman Capote held The Party of the Century - his Black and White Ball - here. It's where P Diddy threw his extravagant $3 million 40th birthday party and Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas got married. Many movies were filmed here and one plot line - that of Bride Wars - revolved solely around this establishment. To top it off, the famous children's book character, Eloise, introduced many generations of girls to this hotel. After a $450 million renovation in 2008, 282 guestrooms, gilded and fussed over with crystal chandeliers, claw foot tubs and Louis XV reproductions are as grand as ever and The Palm Court and Champagne Bar have been restored to the satisfaction of many Plaza disciples. Room rates start at $600 + Tax per night off season.