Romantic Getaways in New York

The state of New York has good deal more to offer than big city attractions and beach resorts. The varied geography and the vibrant culture of the state mean that New York has something for couples of every taste and inclination.

New York City

The Big Apple figures on the list of romantic getaways because of the sheer number of activities it offers to its couples. Central Park  probably tops the list of attractions not only because of the beautiful environs at any time of the year which naturally induces a romantic mood but also for the large number of options that it offers by way of outdoor activities. You can simply walk hand-in-hand through the avenues of the Park, admiring the colors of fall or pack along a picnic basket and settle down on a grassy slope. If you and your partner are the active kind, you can rent a bike and explore the entire Park while getting some exercise. Yet another great option is to rent a rowboat from the Central Park Boathouse and take a leisurely ride through the waters all the while admiring the beauty and tranquility of the park. Then again if you want to see more of the city, you can bike up Riverside Park, the Cloisters, over the Brooklyn Bridge or to City Island in the Bronx for dazzling views of the city. If you love hiking more than anything else, NYC offers a way to make a romantic date of that as well. Rent hiking gear or bring along your own and hike the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Center in Queens where you will see migrating birds, Canada geese, shoreline views and a glimpse of the city skyline in the distance.

If you are the cultural sort, catch a Broadway show with your beloved or go for a tour of several world renowned museums which are housed in NYC. The Carnegie Hall, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Historical Society are only a few of the museums internationally famous for their collection. Lovers of music and dance have a lot to explore in New York starting from the productions of the New York City Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera House to modern forms like jazz, hip-hop, punk and street dances. Then again there are over 500 art galleries in New York City alone with the most high-profile among them being Chelsea, DUMBO as well as Long Island City in Queens. You can settle on any one of these to explore with your partner and chill out at a café or bar later.For those with resources and elegant tastes, fine-dining in Michelin-starred restaurants is not to be missed when in New York City. Alternately take in the sights like Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, or stroll though several quaint neighborhoods in the different boroughs for a true feel of a NYC vacation.

Long Island

If it an upscale getaway you are interested in, head to the Hamptons. One of the hippest spots among the beaches on Long Island, Hamptons has long been the summer playground of the rich and famous of NYC. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the end of the island at Montauk. Apart from swanky resorts and upscale seaside communities, other attractions of the beach are windswept dunes and waving grasses bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Besides sun-bathing and people watching, you can also swim or stroll along the boardwalks at Long Beach or Jones Beach. Wildlife enthusiasts will love exploring the wetlands of Long Island on a guided nature cruise from May through October and bird watching is a popular hobby here. Long Island also features many historic lighthouses, including one commissioned by George Washington. During the warmer months, you can enjoy the sight of lush greenery and colorful flowers blossoming in public gardens like Clark Botanic Gardens or Bridge Gardens on Long Island. Some of them like the Old Westbury Gardens, Planting Fields Arboretum and Baynard Cutting Arboretum are located on the grounds of former Gold Coast mansions while others like the John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden and Nassau County Museum of Art are set across acres of carefully planted arbors. No matter which garden you choose to go to, you and your sweetheart can relax and stroll as you admire nature’s colorful creations.

Catskill Mountains

crossed with winding country roads, ancient mountain peaks and quiet valleys, the region of the Catskills Mountains feels a world away from the hustle and the bustle of the city. Best of all, Catskills is a three-seasons vacation destination in upstate New York. In summer, wildflowers brighten the Catskills landscape and warm, sunny days make creek-swimming a pleasure. While Fall makes forests and mountainsides explode in color, winter brings its own charms like skiing at Belleayre, Hunter, and Windham mountains. If you're thinking about visiting the Catskills, there are many different towns and a variety of lodging to consider. Woodstock has of course attraction art lovers for more than a century, and the active arts scene in this part of the Catskills includes gallery shows, live music at night, and restaurants that offer Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Italian, and health-food fare. For a more picturesque getaway option, check out the historic Mohonk Mountain House which stands on 2,200 scenic acres outside the college town of New Paltz. You don't have to be a hiker to appreciate the scenery; an easy path circles the resort's small lake, with gazebos along the way that are perfect places for intimate breaks. Finally there are a number of spas, fine dining destinations and resorts in the Catskill Mountains which can provide  the focus for a luxurious getaway.

Hudson Valley

If your idea of quality time with that special someone involves the outdoors, look no further than Hudson Valley, along the Hudson River in eastern part of the state. Here you can take in the view from above during a romantic hot air balloon ride or spend time on the water on a Hudson Valley day cruise. Be sure to check out the activities at Forsyth Nature Center located in Kingston which offers free monthly nature walks for adults only. You can also go on a sunset kayaking excursion or take a moonlight hike to bond with your beloved amidst some of the most spectacular scenery that the state has to offer. Again few things spell romance as wine and at Hudson Valley you can explore the region’s vineyards or enjoy a picnic on the grounds at wineries such as the Benmarl Winery, one of the oldest in the United States. Be sure to visit the tasting rooms that offer samples of wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and White Merlot. Some wineries also provide gourmet cheese samples or have on-site baked goods for purchase.

History lovers can look forward to a visit of the 18th-century Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie to explore the Victorian gardens or walk the old carriage trails. Go inside the mansion to view centuries-old furnishings, art and decor. The 19th-century Wilderstein Historic Site in Rhinebeck features a historic riverfront home and trails open year-round until dusk.

After spending a day sightseeing, treat your beloved to a quiet and romantic meal at any of Hudson’s fine dining establishments. Finally snuggle up to your dearest at a cozy Bed-and-breakfast, a historic inn or at a luxury resort for the final indulgence to your romantic vacation.

Niagara Falls

Among the largest waterfalls on earth, the Niagara Falls is surely the most spectacular in the North American continent. Located on the Niagara River,  the Niagara Falls stretch between the twin cities of the same name – one, part of the state of New York and the other, belonging to the Canadian province of Ontario. The Niagara Falls can be differentiated into two sections, the Horseshoe Falls which mainly extends into the Canadian side and the American Falls which is on the US side. The two sections of the Niagara Falls are separated by the Goat Island while the much smaller Bridal Veil Falls is divided from the American Falls by the Luna Island.

There is a variety of ways you and your partner can experience the stunning Niagara Falls. One of the most popular ways to see all the falls is by taking a Maid of the Mist boat tour, which travels to all three of the falls - American, Bridal Veils and Horseshoe fall. To see the falls from a unique vantage point, you can take an elevator ride down to the observation decks at the bottom of the falls and can then walk through a series of tunnels behind the falls. From the air, the Niagara Helicopters Limited tour will give you a mid-air view of the majestic falls, complete with commentary. The best view of all though, according to experts, is at night when the falls look their most spectacular. Once the sun goes down, the falls are flooded with lights, illuminating them in different colors.
If you can afford to stay more than a couple of day at the Niagara Falls, don’t forget to explore the surrounding sights which have a whole range of attractions. The area hosts several family-friendly attractions, including Marineland and Old Fort Niagara. If you don't have kids in tow, try your luck at the Niagara Falls view Casino or sample some of the area's famous ice wine at the Inniskillin Winery. Both the American and Canadian sides have attractive souvenir shops where you can pick up mementos reminding you of the fantastic time you had on your romantic Niagara Falls vacation.