3 Awesome Date Ideas From Start To Finish
They say dating in New York is like playing a game of Risk — or Settlers of Catan, if you want a more au courant reference. While it can sometimes feel like navigating the Arctic tundra, when (not if) you find Mr. or Ms. Right (or Right Now), it all seems well worth the expedition.
So, we put ourselves in singles mode to sort through the wonderland of possibilities that is NYC date planning. Whether you like to be wined and dined or prefer something a bit more adventurous, our mini cheat-sheet of romantic ideas (from start to finish!) has memorable options for everything from a first adventure to a special anniversary. Just don't forget the breath mints…

A WEST SIDE STORY
Educate yourself
I know I'm not alone in thinking the museum is the perfect day-date excursion. Embrace your inner child and head to the American Museum of Natural History for their psychedelic new exhibit "Creatures of Light"—a visual light show of nature's coolest critters. Get goofy and embrace your inner Summer (a la 500 Days of…).
American Museum of Natural History, CPW at 79th Street; 212-769-5100.
Picnic in the Park
Make sure to pack some 30+ SPF (and maybe a thermos of wine) for some fun in the sun in Central Park. Cut through the park and hit up the drool-worthy baked goodies at Le Pain Quotidien, before finding a shady spot in Sheep Meadow. It's the perfect spot for people watching and even more so for a bit of daytime canoodling. (Again, don't forget the breath mints).
Le Pain Quotidien, 2 West 69th Street (between CPW and Columbus Avenue); 646-233-3768.
Hit Up the Highline
Stop into Chelsea Market for some post-sun caffeine pick-me-ups at coffee-fiend favorite Ninth Street Espresso. Stroll through the shops and make your way up to the Chelsea Highline. Grab a bench and cuddle up while you watch the sun set over the Hudson River. It may be cheesy, but it's a site worth seeing.
Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets).
Ninth Street Espresso, 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets);212-228-2930.
Munch in the Meatpacking District
The Standard Hotel has become the stomping ground for fashion's finest, but it also happens to be a great date destination. Grab a spot on the sprawling patio of The Standard Grill for some speak-easy style cocktails (a proper Ol' Fashioned or anything with Ginger Beer) and a delicious American Bistro style menu. Share a meat and cheese plate or nosh on some of their signature paté's and soak up the Meatpacking magic.
The Standard Grill, 848 Washington Street; 212-64-4100.
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A WEST SIDE STORY
Educate yourself
I know I'm not alone in thinking the museum is the perfect day-date excursion. Embrace your inner child and head to the American Museum of Natural History for their psychedelic new exhibit "Creatures of Light"—a visual light show of nature's coolest critters. Get goofy and embrace your inner Summer (a la 500 Days of…).
American Museum of Natural History, CPW at 79th Street; 212-769-5100.
Picnic in the Park
Make sure to pack some 30+ SPF (and maybe a thermos of wine) for some fun in the sun in Central Park. Cut through the park and hit up the drool-worthy baked goodies at Le Pain Quotidien, before finding a shady spot in Sheep Meadow. It's the perfect spot for people watching and even more so for a bit of daytime canoodling. (Again, don't forget the breath mints).
Le Pain Quotidien, 2 West 69th Street (between CPW and Columbus Avenue); 646-233-3768.
Hit Up the Highline
Stop into Chelsea Market for some post-sun caffeine pick-me-ups at coffee-fiend favorite Ninth Street Espresso. Stroll through the shops and make your way up to the Chelsea Highline. Grab a bench and cuddle up while you watch the sun set over the Hudson River. It may be cheesy, but it's a site worth seeing.
Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets).
Ninth Street Espresso, 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets);212-228-2930.
Munch in the Meatpacking District
The Standard Hotel has become the stomping ground for fashion's finest, but it also happens to be a great date destination. Grab a spot on the sprawling patio of The Standard Grill for some speak-easy style cocktails (a proper Ol' Fashioned or anything with Ginger Beer) and a delicious American Bistro style menu. Share a meat and cheese plate or nosh on some of their signature paté's and soak up the Meatpacking magic.
The Standard Grill, 848 Washington Street; 212-64-4100.