Themed Tour in New York
New York is revered for its high-energy, never-say-die attitude. But, the city also harbours a romantic streak as wide as the Hudson River - it just takes a little longer to uncover. This tour introduces you to places that are perfect to discover as a couple.
Start: Subway 4, 5, 6, N, R or W to 59th Street.
Roosevelt Island Tram
Roosevelt Island residents who ride the tram back and forth to the city every day are privy to one of the city's best-kept secrets: the view from the tram is one of the city's most dramatic. Each way is only four minutes long, but the panorama will leave you breathless. Looking down the East River, you'll see four bridges (Queensboro, Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn). You can even see Lady Liberty on a clear day. Leave the tram station on the Manhattan side via the east exit and walk toward the water and Manhattan skyline. Manhattan Terminus Second Ave. &59th St.
Fare
US$2
Subway
4/5/6/N/R/W to 59th St.
The Promenade
Roosevelt Island's beautiful East River walkway is famous for its romantic Manhattan views. But you'll have a very different experience depending on whether you walk north or south of the Queensboro Bridge. The south promenade is the most scenic, and it's lined with wooden benches that are shaded by leafy trees; there is an impressive view of the Chrysler Building from here. The only downside is that everyone else loves the view from here, too. The north promenade is much more private; after you pass the seawall and pier you won't see many people. There aren't any benches either, but this part of the promenade is just wide enough for two people to walk side by side. Either way, when you've finished admiring the skyline, take the tram back to Manhattan.
Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
Yes, museums can be romantic, especially when they are as richly appointed as this one. The 64-room mansion, with sumptuous oak panelling and a truly grand staircase (one, a critic noted, ‘you could drive a Sherman tank up'), was steel industrialist Andrew Carnegie's private home. After a $20-million renovation in 1974, the house became part of the Smithsonian Institution, with 11,000 square feet of gallery space devoted to drawings, including Renaissance art, Soviet porcelains in the product design collection, industrial design, textiles from Han Dynasty China, and 17th-century wallcoverings,. Spend time in the garden, quite possibly the most idyllic oasis in New York; Carnegie deliberately built his home farther north than his contemporaries in order to have room to create this spectacular, private space. Steal a kiss in the lovely glass conservatory - you won't be the first.
Time to spend
1.5-2 hours
Where
2 East. 91st St. (at Fifth Ave.)
Telephone
+1 212 849 8400
Admission
US$10 adults, US$5 seniors & students, free for children under 12
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm
Subway
4/5/6 to 86th St.
Website
Central Park Reservoir
You've probably already seen this oasis dozens of times on film and television. The 106-acre body of water, now officially called the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, was created in 1862 to supply the city's water system, but was designed with beauty in mind. It's surrounded by bridle and jogging paths (the path that rings it is 1.5 miles long) and has both east and west views of the elegant high-rises surrounding the park.
Where
Central Park, 85th to 96th Sts.
The Lake
Ella Fitzgerald sang ‘I love the rowing on Central Park Lake’ in ‘The Lady Is a Tramp’, and when you see the shimmering waters edged by weeping willows and Japanese cherry trees, you'll understand why it inspired songwriters Rodgers and Hart. The green banks along the man-made lake slope gently towards the water - and are perfect for picnics. You can rent a rowing boat for two at the neo-Victorian Loeb Boathouse at the east end of the lake. The boathouse also has a seasonal outside bar with terrace seating overlooking the lake. It's a pleasant spot to enjoy a glass of wine, but can get quite crowded in the early evening.
Where
Mid-Park from 71st to 78th Sts.
Carriage Ride in Central Park
Why resist? Although it sounds cheesy, it's actually a lot of fun, not to mention romantic. They are particularly special in winter, when the park is hushed by snow, and you can snuggle under a heavy blanket. Rides are roughly $40 for 20 minutes. To continue the tour, tell the driver to drop you off on Central Park South near Sixth Avenue, and then sit back and enjoy the scenery - and the company. You can usually find a carriage on Central Park South (near Seventh Ave.) or you can catch one at Tavern on the Green on the west side of the park at 68th Street (one or two are generally waiting outside).
Telephone
Central Park Carriages: +1 212 736 0680
