Have you heard? This is going to be a summer of love in New York City. As the temperatures rise, the five boroughs become a haven for hookups, make-out sessions and true romance. We rounded up 11 places to fall in love - be it forever or just for now.
1. For a fairy tale romance: The Cloisters
An oasis in upper Manhattan, the Cloisters is the palace-like setting of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's medieval architecture branch. Perched on a hill, this monastic castle will make you feel all Romeo and Juliet in the semisecret gardens - perfect for a stroll with a special someone more interested in you than in 12th-century stonework. Fort Tryon Park, (212) 923-3700, Tues.-Sun.: 9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Closed Mon. (March-October)
2. For a cool place to get hot: An air-conditioned cinema to see "The Wackness"
For a trip back to New York during the summer of 1994, writer-director Jonathon Levine's "The Wackness" gets nostalgic about youthful romance. The film, which charmed audiences at the Sundance and Tribeca festivals, hits theaters Thursday. The romantically inclined will swoon over the story of a lonely teenage delinquent who devotes his summer to capturing the heart of the high school hottie Olivia Thirlby of "Juno" fame. Young love plus a jammin' '90s soundtrack equals a perfect evening for two. The Wackness: Opens Thursday at the Angelika.
3. For a reason to scream and hold someone: Reading of "Twilight" by author Stephenie Meyer
Writer Stephenie Meyer thrills teens (and even adults) with her "Twilight" romance series, about an awkward high schooler, Bella, drawn into a sweeping romance with a hunky member of the undead. To celebrate the August release of her latest book, "Breaking Down," Meyer hosts a concert/reading with singer-songwriter Justin Furstenfeld at Tine Square's Nokia Theater on Aug. 1.
4. For reenacting a romantic comedy kiss: city's bridges
Make it a double feature: Park yourself with your sweetheart on a bench in view of the 59th St. bridge by the East River, à law Woody Allen andDianne Keaton in "Manhattan." Or visit the Booklyn Bridge at dusk. This 125-year-old icon gets only more romantic with age. Look no further than Miranda and Steve locking lips beneath the graceful granite towers in the "Sex and the City movie to recognize that the Brooklyn Bridge is a breathtaking backdrop to some serious smooching, especially at night. Park with your honey on one of the benches or stroll along the weathered wooden planks while taking in the dazzling downtown skyline beneath a blanket of stars. Take the pedestrian walkway at the traffic median on Centre St. and Park Row on the Manhattan side, or Tillary St. at Adams St. on the Brooklyn side. Phone MTA Bridges and Tunnels at (212) 360-3000.
5. For a cheap date: take a cruise on the Staten Island Ferry
By day, the municipal ferries are better suited to commuters, but locals know that after dark these vessels become veritable love boats. Couples cuddle up on deck for a free 5-mile tour of New York Harbor at night. Pick up a couple of tallboys or a hot pretzel at the snack bar onboard and snuggle up for the 25-minute ride, which sails past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and Governors Island and the Verrazano Bridge,not to mention lower Manhattan all aglow. Departs from Whitehall Terminal at 1 Whitehall St. at South St., Manhattan. Arrives at St. George Ferry Terminal at 1 Ferry Terminal Drive, Richmond Terrace, S.I.
6. For picking up hot firefighters: Bleecker Street Morton-Williams Supermarket
The supermarket at Bleecker and LaGuardia Place is a firefighter hot spot as rookies from local ladders roam the aisles (sometimes still dressed in their boots and suspenders!) to stock up on stationhouse staples. Spark up a conversation with one of New York's Bravest about grilling safety, and mention that you just happen to be barbecuing in the park this weekend, if he's got nothing better to do. ... If the Village is a hike, check out shops, Laundromats and pubs likely to draw a fireman from a stationhouse near you. Morton Williams Associated Supermarket, 130 Bleecker St., at LaGuardia Place; (212) 358-9597.
7. For a trip back to the first summer of love: Sheep Meadow
Think of it as a meat market for vegans: The Sheep Meadow in Cnetral Park is the closest thing to San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury. With frisbees flying overhead and guitars a-strumming all around, this massive grassy lawn is like a love-in for singles (not to mention a few dogs). Once you've found that special someone, leave the hordes on the Meadow and head to Strawberry Fields near 72nd St. for a romantic picnic à deux. Pack a gourmet picnic and pitch up on the grass in the garden's wooded "quiet zone" for an uninterrupted makeout session under the canopy of trees. Sheeps Meadow and Strawberry Fields, 71st to 74th Sts. at Central Park West.
8. For a mini-mini-moon: 79th St. Boat Basin Cafe
Okay, so 79th St. and Riverside Drive isn't Fiji, but it is a great place to instantly simulate the feeling of a romantic getaway. Smell the breeze off the water, kick off your shoes (actually you better leave them on) and throw back a margarita at the lively West 79th St. Boat Basin Cafe. The outdoor grill dishes out barbecued ribs and burgers as the sun goes down over the Hudson. Walk off your dessert with a romantic stroll downtown along HUdeson River Park. Boast Basin Cafe, W. 79th St. at the Hudeson River; call (212) 496-5542.
9. For the perfect first date: Deno's Wonder Wheel
Fancy restaurants can make first dates feel 10 times more stressful (the money, the formalities, the escargot in the teeth). Why not go back to basics, with cotton candy and a kiss on top of Coney Island's famous Ferris wheel. Its cozy metal cars are one of those rare romantic spaces where you're hidden privately away yet out there in the middle of the world all at the same time (just don't pick the cars that swing). Wait until the sun sets, and you've got the ocean breeze, the starry lights of the Coney midway below, the sound of the waves and, way off in the distance, that famous city skyline. It's open 11 a.m. to midnight all summer long; tickets are $5.
10. For a hot, sweaty singles party (art included): P.S. 1's Summer "Warm Up"
MoMA's contemporary Queens outpost hosts this ultra-hip music and dance series, set in an installation created by the annual winner of P.S. 1 and MoMA's Young Architects program (this summer, in keeping with the green trend, the setting for "Warm Up" is an "Urban Farm"). Sure it's artsy, but it's also an excuse to get sweaty and dance. The series, which brings world-renowned deejays and music ensembles to LOng Island City every Saturday, attracts all the city's pretty young things with an artistic bent. Partygoers can dance to the music, chill in the outdoor installation with a cold beer, or wander through the exhibitions at P.S. 1. Every Saturday starting July 5 through Sept. 6, 1:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
11. For foodies in love: Grand Army Plaza greenmarket
Amid the sweet smell of fresh flowers and local produce, the Farmers Market on the edge of Brooklyn's Prospect Park is a great spot for PDAs. For singles, the market could be the place to meet an unsuspecting mate with similar interests. And instead of buying your eye's delight a $10 drink, a nice fresh flower will do the trick. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; NW entrance of Prospect Park.
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