NYC's Best Hidden Romantic Locations
Kristin Harmel is the international bestselling author of The Sweetness of Forgetting, and six previous novels. Her work has been featured in People, Woman's Day, Men's Health, Runner's World, and Ladies' Home Journal, as well as many other publications. Her most recent novel, The Life Intended, is out now from sister company Simon & Schuster and available wherever books are sold.
There's a reason why New York is the setting for so many romantic movies. The city sparkles with an undefinable energy that makes you want to look for lost love on the top of the Empire State Building, sip frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3, and basically make like you're in a Woody Allen movie all the time. Love is always in the air.
Of course you're probably already familiar with New York's many famous romantic landmarks, but what about the more intimate, lesser-known spots? I asked six of my favorite novelists, who are well-versed in crafting love on the page, to share their top picks for a romantic date. Prepare to fall in love with New York just a little bit more.
Raoul's
180 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 966-3518
www.raouls.com
"My favorite romantic spot in New York is the glass atrium in the back of this classic French bistro, which has been in Soho forever," says Kristyn Kusek Lewis, author of the recently released Save Me. "You walk through the kitchen to get to the atrium, so it feels like a special secret, and then the atrium itself is gorgeous, with glass walls and ceilings. You almost want it to be raining or snowing when you go; it's extra romantic to be sitting there."
Carl Schurz Park
East 86th Street & East End Avenue
New York, NY 10028
(212) 459-4455
www.nycgovparks.org
"It's a hidden gem of a public park tucked away along the East River, where you and your date can stroll along the waterfront promenade," says Melissa Senate, author of The Love Goddess' Cooking School. "You can smile at the babies in the swings at the playground, happen upon a game at the basketball courts, see dogs of all sizes in the two dog-runs, watch the cars whizz by on the FDR, sunbathe in one of the many gardens, have a take-out lunch by the Peter Pan statue, check out Gracie Mansion, and explore the winding stone staircases and elegant archways to East End Avenue."
Tiny's And The Bar Upstairs
135 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
(212) 374-1135
www.tinysnyc.com
"One of my favorite Tribeca restaurants, it's in a restored townhouse in the heart of the neighborhood, so you feel like you just happen to be having dinner in someone's living room," says Sarah Mlynowski, author of the New York Times bestselling Whatever After series. "The intimate tables, sexy cocktails, antique décor and wood-burning fireplace make Tiny's feel cozy and romantic."
The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
1000 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10028
(212) 535-7710
www.metmuseum.org
"Spend an hour or two looking at spectacular art and then have a drink on the Roof Garden, where you can sip martinis while looking out at Central Park," suggests Brenda Janowitz, author of the upcoming The Last Supper. "People think of it as touristy, which it is, but there's nothing more fun than getting all dressed up for your date and then being among the tourists while you flirt and discuss art like a true New Yorker!"
The Campbell Apartment
Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 953-0409
www.hospitalityholdings.com
"This is truly a hidden gem in Grand Central Terminal," says Susie Schnall, author of the upcoming The Balance Project. "The former office of 1920s railroad mogul John W. Campbell is now a chic lounge with magnificent architecture and a great vibe. My husband and I would start off by walking hand-in-hand through the beautiful Main Concourse at Grand Central while admiring the stunning astronomical ceiling. Once at The Campbell Apartment, we'd be transported back to another time."
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Montague Street & Pierrepont Place
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 722-3214
www.nyharborparks.org
"My husband and I love to walk down the Brooklyn Heights Promenade all the way down to DUMBO and Jane's Carousel on Dock Street," says Adele Griffin, author of The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone. "We finish the stroll on Front Street at my friend Emelie's new restaurant, Gran Electrica, where there's a really pretty indoor garden. It's a perfect length of stroll -- half an hour -- with a rest and a treat at the end. You get to see a lot of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines in a quiet, non-touristy way."
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