When it comes to Valentine’s Day, dinner-and-a-movie is so past tense. If you’re bored of the norm and looking for a new way to celebrate, follow our guide to help you fall in love with both your sweetie and New York City:
Cruise the harbor: Romance shines as bright as the lights of New York Harbor on an evening cruise. Enjoy dining and dancing aboard one of World Yacht's intimate yachts with either the Sweetheart Package or Romance Package. The Sweetheart Package is priced at $90 (plus tax and fees) per person and includes a three-hour harbor cruise, a four-course sit-down dinner at a private table, a red rose for each couple, and music provided by a DJ. Kick things up a notch with the Romance Package, priced at $125 (plus tax and fees) per person, and enjoy the dinner and cruise plus a glass of champagne, a red rose for each couple, live music, and a free souvenir photo. Cruise menus include salmon tartare over avocado; lobster bisque or field greens; and filet mignon, stuffed roasted breast of chicken, pan seared salmon, or a vegetarian tower. Desserts vary from chocolate ganache cake to New York cheesecake or the chef’s sampling (for the Romance Package). The cruises are scheduled for February 11, 12, and 14 from Pier 81 and board at 6pm, returning at 10pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.worldyacht.com or by phone at 212-630-8100.
Share your passion for food: What foodie wouldn’t love to spend Valentine’s Day getting down and dirty in the kitchen? In this couples-only class led by Chef Nikki Cascone of Top Chef, you’ll learn how to make pasta with buckwheat, semolina, and whole wheat before rolling out your dough and cutting it on your own machine. You’ll also enjoy perfectly paired wines to complement your meal. Tickets are $150 per person. The class is scheduled for 6:30pm-9:30pm on February 14.
78 Mercer St; 646-801-0578; http://redhookhospitality.com/wordpress/upcoming-events/
Take a sweet stroll: Chocoholics can indulge their passions on Valentine’s Day with Bob Gelber of Walkin' NY on his annual Valentine's Weekend chocolate walking tour. Eating and drinking highlights of this daytime tour include chocolate chunk cookies at the famous Jacques Torres Chocolate, Aztec hot chocolate at Marie Belle, and macaroons at Kee's Chocolates. Each participant gets a special gift bag filled with Jacques Torres’ famous chocolate-covered corn flakes, cheerios, and more. Tickets are $80 per person or $150 per couple on February 12 and February 18 from 12:30pm-2:30pm.
Starting point is Jacques Torres Chocolate, 350Hudson Street; 212-349-7916; http://www.walkinny.com/
Play tourist: Throw on your fanny pack and get ready to rock out on New York City from one of Gray Line New York's iconic double-decker buses. In addition to the narrated bus-tour commentary, the "Night on the Town" tour includes a guided walking tour of the High Line, dinner at Grotta Azzura in Little Italy, a one-hour NY Water Taxi cruise with a champagne toast, and tickets to the Top of the Rock Observatory. The tours depart at 6pm from Gray Line New York's visitor center and return at 10:30pm. Gray Line is showing the love this year: purchase two tickets for the "Night on the Town" tour for February 14, and get $20 off. The tour is $79 per adult and $53 for children (if you can’t find a babysitter).
777 8th Avenue; 212-445-0848; http://www.newyorksightseeing.com/page.php?id=177
Get crafty: Make this year something to remember and create your own personal piece of art while you enjoy delicious wines and desserts. At the Upper West Side’s Little Shop of Crafts, you and your sweetie can channel your inner Picasso (or Cupid) with your choice of pottery, wood, or mosaic craftmaking. Your creation becomes your keepsake, too. Tickets are $90 per person or $170 per couple. Doors open at 7pm on February 11. Guests must be 21 and over.
711 Amsterdam Avenue; http://iadventure.com/show.cfm?id=126535&cart
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