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.

Located in the heart of Central Park is one of America’s beloved animal attractions, the Central Park Zoo. Central Park began housing animals in the mid 1800’s, however it wasn’t until a century later, in 1988 when the Central Park Zoo began to take its current form. Natural animal habitats, educational programs, and natural exhibits have all helped to reshape the park into the amazing zoo that it is today. Today the Wildlife Conservation Society operates it, and they have made tremendous strides to ensure that the quality of animal life at the park is held in high regard. The Wildlife Conservation Society works with several other organizations to help protect endangered species.

Features

Manhattanites have been proud of the Central Park Zoo since it opened and it is a staple in New York’s culture. For those who are enjoying a day at the park, a trip to the zoo will bring great entertainment as well as much educational value to your excursion. You will be impressed to see the breeding programs that the zoo has enabled to help save many of the endangered species that reside at the zoo.

Things To Do

You’ll enjoy strolling through the habitats and viewing the different species. The zoo contains over five acres of wildlife preserve and the zoo has designated three regions. These regions or zones are, the Polar Zone, the Tropic Zone, and the Temperate Territory. The Polar Zone features Polar Bears and Harbor Seals. The Tropic Zone showcases many tropical birds, and the Temperate Territory exhibit includes the California Sea Lion, Red Pandas, and Mandarin Ducks. The zoo is a wonderful experience that provides plenty of great entertainment.

Admission Fees

Children (Under 3): Free

Children (Ages 3-12): $3

Adults: $8

Seniors: $4

Breathtaking waterfalls, exquisitely majestic views, and awe inspiring scenery has made Niagara Falls State Park one of the most popular destinations in the country. Sharing boundaries with Canada, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest park in American history.

Features

Niagara Falls State Park features three waterfalls, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian or Horseshoe Falls. The park also hosts over 400 acres of beautiful pristine flora and fauna. The wildlife is protected and there are plenty of scenic nature trails to visit while at the park.

When you arrive, you should first stop at the visitor center and pick up a map. It is free to enter the Visitor Center, and along with information, they also have a guest shop, restaurants and theater. The Adventure Theater located in the Visitor Center, features IMAX documentaries that will introduce you to the magnificience of the falls and the surrounding region.

The Falls

There are three waterfalls that comprise Niagara Falls. The first, the American Falls are situated on the Niagara River and are located directly on the Canadian/US border. However, the American Falls are 100% on American soil.

The Bridal Veil Falls are located between Goat and Luna Islands and are smaller than the American and Canadian or Horseshoe Falls. One of Niagara’s biggest attractions, the Cave of the Winds tour, takes the visitor to the very base of ht Bridal Veil Falls.

The Horseshoe Falls makes up the third set of falls. These falls are in Canada and are located between Table Rock and Goat Island.

Things To Do

Niagara Falls State Park offers numerous attractions and activities to its visitors. The most popular include the following: Cave of the Winds, Adventure Theater, Kodak Photography, Nature Lovers Guide, Aquarium of Niagara, Discovery Center, Niagara Scenic Trolley, Observation Tower, Visitor Center, fishing, hiking, nature trails, gift shops, museums, biking, and there are always plenty of special events scheduled. Niagara Falls is revered for its sheer beauty and many people choose Niagara Falls as their perfect destination for weddings.

Getting There

Follow the Robert Moses Parkway until you reach Niagara Falls.

Superb and amazing, Central Park is one of America’s most fascinating destinations. It is even more magnificent once you learn that it is entirely man made. In fact, the history of Central Park is as fascinating as the breathtaking views of the park itself. Designed in 1858, the story of Central Park is steeped in American spirit and national pride. As the park began to deteriorate over the years, a team of conservationists began their plan to restore and revitalize the park- the results were astonishing.

Features

Central Park boasts over 840 acres and makes up nearly six percent of Manhattan’s landscape. It is also the park most frequented by tourists. The park features a multitude of attractions ranging from exquisite sculpture and art forms to botanical gardens, and the Central Park Zoo. Some of the most outstanding features include: The Arsenal, Belvedere Castle, the Carousel, the Delacorte Music Clock, the Great Lawn, Hallet Nature Sanctuary, the Lake, the Mall, Bethesda Terrace, Shakespeare Garden, North Meadow, Lasker Pool and Rink, Obelisk, Strawberry Fields, Summer Stage, Victorian Gardens, Sheep Meadow, Summit Rock, Tavern on the Green, Still Hunt, and more.

Things To Do

There are always numerous events taking place at Central Park. Activities such as climbing, field day, biking, theater, outdoor music concerts, playgrounds, inline skating, ice skating rinks, canoeing, basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, kayaking, festivals, lectures, activities for children, educational programs designed specifically for youth, and recreation programs ensure that there is something for everyone at the park.

Location

Central Park is located from Central Park South on 59th Street and extends to the Northern Side of Central Park at 110th Street. The East Side of Central Park is located at 5th Avenue and the West Side is at 8th Avenue.

Cheese. I love it. Show me a person who doesn’t like cheese and I’ll show you someone I just don’t care for. Also, macaroni. Any pasta will make me happy, really. In this case my choice of discussion of macaroni is for a reason. I want to talk of these two ingredients because I want to pontificate, nay, PREACH about the mac and cheese at the oh-so-yummy haven: Chat ‘n’ Chew

Allow me to start by pointing out that I hate mac and cheese. Growing up I avoided it like the plague and always chose gross beef patties in school just to avoid this seemingly sickening concoction. It didn’t seem organic to me in any sense and I wanted no part. Mac and cheese was not for me.

In going to Chat ‘n’ Chew for the first time with a friend who swore by their version of the dish, I vetoed the spot in favor of something less offensive to me. It was after all, the Union Square area and possibilities were ample. She held her ground, insisting on their famous mac and cheese. I gave in. And thank the cheese gods I did, because that day changed my life. The mac and cheese was impressive to say the least. Gooey and soft on the inside, the outside was adorned with crunchy bits that give the perfect complementing texture to the gooey cheese. (Great now I’m getting hungry.)

You think that is where this review ends but you are mistaken. I have not yet tackled the meat loaf. Now you might not believe what you’re about to read, but it’s true. I grew up without ever having tried meatloaf. To me, it was the vague notion of what a proper 50’s family with a stay home mom ate for dinner every Wednesday. Not so for my family. I was served up a seafood surprise that was surprisingly not seafood. So, I ventured to try the “foreign” dish one fine lunch hour at Chat ‘n’ Chew. It was divine. Made with a ridiculously flavorful mushroom gravy (not an overpowering mushroom flavor—just a great texture and taste), this loaf of meat, if you will, is paired with mashed potatoes (with skins) and a bevy of roasted veggies. All in all no human can still be full after this dish. And each one I’ve seen try it for the first time was left deeply satisfied.

Chat n chew has a full menu apart from my favorites here and a full bar for the lushes of the group (me), so no one will leave dissatisfied. In the summer they offer a few tables on the sidewalk if you’d like to enjoy your food alfresco. Located not one block from Union Square, this eatery is the perfect spot to enjoy any or all of your cravings while staying in a cool area.

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.