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5 Fun Best Friend Date Ideas In NYC

Women Staring At Skyline
(Credit: Thinkstock)

Getting together with old friends means having good times and remembering old times, as well as creating new experiences together. Those who prefer to venture outdoors with friends can visit a lovely garden like Wave Hill, almost unknown to most New Yorkers. Or you can enjoy a ride on the Staten Island ferry -- a voyage with amazing views of the city's skyline and harbor. For indoor dates, why not try a stroll (and a bite to eat) through a great market, a fun evening at a karaoke bar, or a visit to a museum you might not have toured yet.More: 5 Things You Can Only Do In New York City

(credit: Wave Hill)
(credit: Wave Hill)

Wave Hill
W. 252nd St.
Bronx, NY 10471
(718) 549-3200
www.wavehill.orgThis lovely set of gardens overlooking the majestic Hudson River is a treasure that a great many New Yorkers are unfamiliar with. It is rarely crowded, has a café for lunch or afternoon tea, and occasional lectures about gardening and horticulture. Just meandering through the seasonal plantings is a lovely way for friends to spend time together. For those who aren't looking to drive up to the Bronx, there is a free shuttle from the subway station.

Staten Island Ferry
(credit:Staten Island Ferry)

Staten Island Ferry
4 South St.
New York NY 10004
(718) 727-2508
www.siferry.com/index.htmlThe Staten Island ferry is the essence of New York, and a great trip as well. One spectacular time to ride is at sunset, for especially atmospheric photos. When the ferry leaves Manhattan, you can see the majestic New York skyline right before your eyes. Depart at the Staten Island Terminal and get a bite to eat, then board the next ferry taking you back to Manhattan.

New York Commemorates 13th Anniversary Of September 11th Attacks
World Trade Center Memorial 
200 Liberty St., Suite #20
New York, NY 10007
(212) 312-8800
www.911memorial.org/visit-911-memorial-museum-0Serene fountains and reflecting pools now occupy the footprint of the Twin Towers and commemorate the lives of those whose names are inscribed. The memorial itself is free, but you can also he adjacent museum opened in 2011 and displays photos of those killed in the attacks, as well as artifacts, multimedia displays and narratives. Advance reservations are recommended. The memorial is open until 9 p.m. daily, the museum until 6 p..m., Fri. and Sat. until 7 p.m.
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market concourse. (Credit: Chelsea Market)

Chelsea Market
75 9th Ave.
New York, NY 10011
(212) 652-2121
www.chelseamarket.comThis bustling set of buildings contains one-of-a-kind shops, food stalls, coffee spots and restaurants. Come here with friends to browse through offerings from around the world, from Italian imports to Moroccan selections, from bakeries to wine stores, from Thai noodles to French crepes. The market is open until 9 p.m. Non-dining hours are apt to be the least crowded. It's a good alternative to a walk on the High Line when the weather is inclement.

 More: 5 Best Greenmarkets, Farmer's Markets In NYC

Nightlife & Music Live Band Karaoke, Singing
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Radio Star Karaoke 
3 W. 35th St.
New York, NY 10001
(212) 564-2520
radiostarus.com/menu1.phpHave fun with karaoke and share musical memories about songs with your good friends. This upscale karaoke bar in the garment district  is open from 3 or 4 p.m. daily until the wee hours. You can spend most of an evening here without dropping too much money, thanks to unlimited open bar packages. Check its website to see the list of over 1,000 songs available. There are nine private rooms that accommodate from four to 40 people.

More: Best NYC Restaurants For Groups

Grace Lichtenstein is an author and former New York Times reporter. She writes principally about books, music and sports. She contributes to the Washington Post, NYCityWoman.com, Aspen Magazine and other publications. She is a board member of Bike New York, as well as a member of the Authors Guild and the National Book Critics Circle.
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