Category: Date Ideas

Dinner, movies, bars…what do all these things have in common? Answer: they’re unoriginal date ideas. To show your loved one you recognize how special and unique they are, you have to take them somewhere better than the Red Lobster now and then (not that cheddar biscuits aren’t a delicious delicacy). Bowling is a surefire date classic for a reason. Cold brews, cool shoes, and a bit of playful combativeness….who could ask for more? The following five bowling alleys are spread out across New York City, so that no matter what part of town you call home, you can take your special someone out for a date that’s a perfect strike every time.

300 New York

Upscale alley cats can bowl in style at 300 New York, where this pastime of the working class gets a metropolitan makeover. From the trippily atmospheric permanent lightshow playing over the lanes to the shiny blue bar and ultra-modern furniture, there’s no shortage of pretty things to look at. Too bad the supposedly fancy food and drinks are no better than your standard pub grub. The upstairs VIP lounge (with a private 8-lane bowling area and, more importantly, a bar of its own) would be perfect for a party, but bowlers on a budget will have just as good a time downstairs among the plebians.

Leisure Time Bowl

Most people are surprised enough to learn that a bowling alley actually exists in Port Authority, much less that it’s real classy-like. With a recent renovation and a fantastic new menu, Leisure Time has secured its position as the nicest corner of Port Authority, bar none. Positives include the delicious food (I still crave their steak-on-toast appetizer) and the central location, as well as the easygoing and unassuming attitude. However, the bill can add up fast, and the staff members are often slow and apathetic. The energetic city crowd can be a mixed blessing – a lively atmosphere is one thing, but the younger bowlers can get a little obnoxious late at night – so come early if you want to be able to hear your date talk.

Bowlmor Lanes

Sure it’s overpriced and tries too hard to be like a cool nightclub when it should be sticking to the basics – bowling, beer, and bar food. But Greenwich Village’s Bowlmor Lanes still attracts the crowds, partly because it’s conveniently located within close proximity of about a dozen NYU dorms, and partly because of its appearance in Sex and the City (in a particularly memorable Carrie-Big date scene). The crowd here consists mostly of googly-eyed couples and groups of tipsy college kids blowing their parents’ money, so if you don’t enjoy overhearing deafening discussions about the cute TA in Psych 101, you may want to steer clear.

Harlem Lanes

Harlem’s newest bowling alley speaks of the elegance and cool style of Harlem past, while its slick modern elements reflect the rapidly modernizing Harlem of today. Unlike the overly flashy quasi-futurism of 300 and Bowlmor Lanes, Harlem Lanes presents an idealized representation of bowling lanes of old with its classic, almost retro design. The food and drinks are as pretention-free as they are delicious, and the staff is refreshingly friendly and alert (a big difference from places like Leisure Time Bowl). It may not be a kitschy dive like the bowling alleys of suburban nostalgia and memory, but Harlem Lanes is a serious bowling lover’s dream hangout. The Dude would love it.

Melody Lanes

Melody Lanes Bowling Center is one of the only ‘real’ bowling alleys left in the New York area. By that I mean, everything is cheap, the customer base is colorful and composed mostly of locals, and the bar food is awesomely greasy. No escargots or lychee-tinis here. Between games, chat up the kindly bartender and throw back some cheap beers in the lounge, or pump some quarters into the arcade like the old days. The location (across the street from the Jackie Gleason bus depot on Brooklyn’s 5th Avenue) may not scream romance at first glance, but take your date on an after-bowling stroll through nearby Sunset Park for an amazing view and the, ahem, activities that tend to go along with such a lookout point.

You may recognize the name from Good Morning America, and you may even pass by Bryant Park on the way to work, but have you really taken the time to enjoy this beautiful park? If the answer is no, then you must give it a try and soon.

You’ll find a wide range of people in Bryant Park – from business executives enjoying their lunches to sports enthusiasts looking to exercise or play a game of baseball. Bryant Park offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life in Manhattan and there is much to be taken advantage of in this striking location.

For you art and history buffs, there are dozens of statues and monuments set throughout Bryant Park to enjoy. Some of the more notable pieces include the lions created by sculptor Edward Clark Potter, the pediment statuary by Paul Wayland Bartlett, the fountains sitting on either side of the library’s main entrance, not to mention the statue of William Dodge – a businessman in NYC. There are many more set throughout the lawn and on the different terraces that adorn the park. Spend the day walking through the park while learning about the many New Yorkers that brought so much life and history to the city.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to get some work done, the park offers free wireless internet access as well as 2000 movable chairs.

Whether you’re here on a date, for work, or to just think things over, you’ll find a plethora of opportunities at the park. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Bryant Park.

Getting There

Located behind the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is easily accessible to all of the residents of New York City. The park sits between 40th and 42nd streets and only a block from Times Square. You can either walk if you live nearby or you can take the F, V, B, or D train to the Bryant Park/42nd Street station.

When you think of Brooklyn you don’t often think of a large sprawling park, but that’s exactly what you get. Prospect Park is huge at 585 acres and is right in the heart of Brooklyn. The landscape is stunning…designed by the same person who designed Central Park in Manhattan.

The park is right in the middle of very diverse neighborhoods and is a local hangout for many of the residents that live in this populous borough. There are an incredible amount of activities to enjoy in this large park, but you can also enjoy just laying around on a sunny day – soaking in the rays and reading a book. There are loads of places that you can go and sit quietly by yourself, or you could enjoy the company of friends, family, or a date.

Once you get there, you can start off with the Prospect Park Audubon Center – the nation’s first Audubon Center. This is where you will find all the boat tours, bird watching walks, the park’s visitor center, as well as the interactive exhibits that children love. You can even grab a sandwich at the café on your way to see more of the beautifully landscaped Long Meadow area.

The Long Meadow is a 1 mile long unbroken meadow in the middle of this urban park filled with rolling hills and trees that are scattered about. This is the perfect place to take your time to enjoy the nature and peace and quiet that you will find. You can also find a great game of football being played here at any given time. Enjoy your time as you make your way to the Grand Army Plaza which holds many of the historic monuments in the park such as the Soldier’s and Sailor’s Memorial Arch. It is also where you will find Bailey Fountain as well as a collection of statues. The Green Market is open seasonally there for your enjoyment.

For the kids, you have the Prospect Park Zoo as well as Wollman Rink. They have pedal boating which is a really popular activity on the 60 acre lake. The outdoor skating rink is tons of fun and a fantastic date activity.

With all the beauty, quiet sitting spots, bird watching, and boating all in one place, you’ll be hard pressed to ever find another place like it.

Getting Here

The park is easily accessible to the people who live here, as well as people coming from other neighborhoods. You can take the F, Q, S, or B train or the 2 or 3 train all leading to Prospect Park station. If you drive to the park, there is even free parking year round located at the Wollman Rink.

The air is turning cooler, and the wind begins to bite your cheeks and nose. Fall is definitely in the air, and with it comes the thrill of romance.

Romantic date ideas are plentiful in New York, and fall is the perfect season to begin taking advantage of them. Take your date on a stroll through the changing leaves or dress up for a night on Broadway. The possibilities, and romance, are endless.

Central Park

Central Park is huge and simply full of romantic date ideas. The most notable of all of these would be a carriage ride. Snuggle up under a blanket with your sweetie, perhaps with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa, and relax as you take in the sights of the park. After the ride, take a leisurely walk together to kick up some fall leaves on your way to Belvedere Castle. Climb up to the observatory, and enjoy the views of New York from one of the highest elevations in the park.

It is also nice to simply find a spot to sit and visit together quietly. Women find nothing more romantic than a chance to be open and have a meaningful conversation with a man who cares about what she is saying. Find a scenic bench or bring a picnic and simply enjoy getting to know each other better.

Broadway

One of the most well-known aspects of New York, Broadway, is ideal for generating romantic date ideas. Buy tickets for one of the most respected theater productions in the world, and treat her to the magic of the live stage. There is always a wide variety of plays and musicals available, so even the most reluctant theatre arts connoisseur can find something appealing.

To truly impress your date, offer to take her shopping during the day for an ensemble worthy of your evening plans. Let her pick out a new gown during the day, then arrive to pick her up, rose in hand, for the evening and admire her finery. Together you can appreciate the greatness of the New York theater.

Restaurants

Regardless of other evening plans, dinner arrangements set the tone for the rest of the night. New York is full of eating establishments offering quiet, serene settings. Even the best romantic date ideas can be spoiled by a bad dinner experience, so be sure to find a restaurant that suits your personal style and budget.

Looking for a good time? New York abounds with fun date ideas, and it is about time you took your date out for a little laughter and excitement.

Karaoke

Nothing is funnier than attempting to carry a tune while trying not to laugh at yourself. Relax and have a ball singing cheesy love songs to each other or try a duet at any of New York’s karaoke clubs. Tinga Tinga Karaoke in Midtown is a great place to start, and even if you just enjoy just enjoy the vocal styling of others, it is among the most amusing of the fun date ideas for the city.

Comedy Clubs

New York is home to some of the finest comedy clubs in the nation. Many of the comedy theaters are nationally recognized, and are the launching points for many of the young rising comedic stars. Drop in at Caroline’s on Broadway or the Comedy Cellar for an entertaining evening, and always be on the lookout for main-stream comedians dropping in to try out a new act. Unless you and your date enjoy the spotlight, be sure to sit away from the stage however, as those closest to the stage tend to be easy targets for “joining” the act.

Street Fairs and Festivals

Almost every weekend there is a street fair or festival somewhere on the streets of New York, and these offer fantastically fun date ideas. Put on comfortable shoes and stroll through the fairs looking at the outrageous items for sale block after block. Stop for a funnel cake or cotton candy, and peruse the giant bins of wares. Many festivals have live entertainment and ethnic treats, so there is always something to learn and do. And who knows, the gaudy animal you bought for her could become one of her most prized possessions.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art occupies almost 1.4 million square feet making it almost impossible to cover in a single day. The Met is well-known not only for the fantastic artwork, but also for the expanse of street performers and local artisans outside its doors. If your feet are weary from the long walk through the museum, stop and rest on the famous steps of the Met while you conjure up other fun date ideas for the following weekend.