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Dating in Central Park offers a variety of choices, ranging from formal dinner to secluded picnics.

Rick Anderson Dating in Central Park.

You can take a walk along any number of scenic routes, discover hidden gems scattered throughout the landscape, go ice skating or rowing, or even relax and listen to a sunset concert. Just entering the park, leaving the jostling throngs and clogged streets behind you, makes the experience special; unique in a city fairly drowning in sensual wonders. While there is a certain sense of achievement inherent in securing a romantic table for two in a darkened restaurant it pales in comparison to the shared sense of discovery and relaxed intimacy that accompanies a stroll through the park. In a Manhattan restaurant you can convince yourself you’ve left the city behind, in Central Park, almost before you become aware of the subtle transition, the city leaves you.

Tavern on the Green — Tavern on the Green offers a more formal dining experience and can provide quite a contrast to the landscape around it. The different rooms are splendidly attired and the food and service is excellent. Sip wine and watch the dreamlike expanse of glittering the spring to life as night falls.

The Boathouse — the Boathouse offers a somewhat more relaxed dining experience. You can share a meal at any number of the outside tables and watch the rowboats glide over the mirrored surface of the lake. Here, too, the food and service are outstanding and it has the added virtue of giving the diner the feeling that you are still in the park.

Ice Skating — Ice skating can be an exhilarating way to spend an evening and in the park you also have the brilliant backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. Afterwards you can share a hot chocolate on the overhanging deck and watch the other skaters, convincing yourself that your efforts were infinitely more graceful.

Picnics — there are literally hundreds of lovely spots to share an alfresco meal amid the trees and hills that grace the rolling landscape of the park. Some favorite spots include the Sheep Meadow, the southern side of the Lake just west of Bethesda Fountain, the area surrounding the Conservatory Water as well as a number of places along the Mall. It can also be rewarding to venture a little farther to the north. There are many lovely places above the Reservoir, around the North Meadow that offer the requisite ambience. And sometimes it can just be fun to walk around and pick a spot together.

Shakespeare — Shakespeare in the Park is an amazing experience to share with someone. You can even make a whole day of it, picnicking while waiting for tickets, a pre-theater cocktail at the Boathouse and the Bard under the Stars, assuming the cooperation of the weather, of course.

Summerstage - The SummerStage music program also offers a wide variety of music that is almost guaranteed to fit someone’s musical tastes at some time during the summer months. You can also spread a blanket somewhere around it an enjoy the music in a more intimate setting.

Music on the Great Lawn — During the summer there are four performances on the Great Lawn which can be a magical experience on a warm, moonlit evening.

Summer Movies — Central Park offers a cinema series during the summer that can also be a lovely way to share a balmy august night, and celebrate the city you’re escaping for the evening. The schedule will be posted as it becomes available. CentralPark.com members will be notified by Newsletter. (For info on becoming a member go to: Membership.)

 

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