Valentine’s Day is a special time for couples, and it’s a great opportunity for LGBTQIA+ couples to celebrate love and affection. Living in New York City, there is no shortage of romantic activities for Valentine’s Day. Here’s a checklist to help you plan the perfect day for you and your love.
Brunch is a great way to start the day.
What better way to start Valentine’s Day than with a hearty brunch? There are plenty of amazing brunch spots in New York City, but for a truly romantic experience, go somewhere with a stunning view of the city.
Blue Stone Lane in the West Village is a favorite spot. With an Australian twist, the cafe serves delicious coffee, pastries, and brunch plates. But the outdoor seating area, complete with greenery and string lights, really sets this place apart. It offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.
Take a walk in Central Park.
Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park after brunch. The park is a lovely respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, and there are plenty of romantic spots to stop and take in the scenery. Take a stroll across the Bow Bridge, which provides breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Central Park Reservoir. Alternatively, visit the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace for a romantic moment with your partner and a beautiful view of the surrounding park.
Visit the Museum of Modern Art.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of New York City’s most popular attractions for good reasons. The museum houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Salvador Dal. Take a walk through the galleries with your partner or spouse and be amazed at the beauty and creativity on display.
Have a romantic dinner.
No Valentine’s Day celebration would be complete without a romantic dinner, and New York City has plenty of options. Consider a candlelit dinner at the Rainbow Room for a classic romantic experience. On the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, this iconic restaurant offers stunning views of the city skyline and a menu of classic American cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails.
Le Jardinier in Midtown has a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. This French-inspired eatery specializes in seasonal and sustainable cuisine with an emphasis on vegetables and herbs. The elegant and minimalist décor, combined with the excellent food and wine, creates a truly romantic atmosphere.
Attend a performance.
New York City is famous for its Broadway shows, and what better way to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other than to see one? Whether you prefer a classic musical or a new, cutting-edge production, the Great White Way has something for everyone.
Consider “The Phantom of the Opera,” which has been thrilling audiences for over 30 years, for a truly romantic experience. “The Phantom of the Opera” is a memorable and magical experience for you and your partner, with its beautiful music, stunning sets, and powerful performances. March 9th is the last performance, so present your lover with tickets for a show over the next few weeks on Valentine’s Day!
Finish the day with something sweet.
What better way to end a day of romance and excitement than with a sweet treat? Ample Hills Creamery, located in Brooklyn, serves some of the best ice cream in the city. With flavors such as, “Ooey Gooey” (pretzel-infused ice cream with mini M&Ms and Ritz crackers), “The Munchies,” “Nonna D’s Oatmeal Lace” (a buttery, caramel ice cream with a ribbon of gooey butter cake) and “More Butter.” You’re sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth (oatmeal cookie ice cream with a ripple of maple caramel sauce).
Consider visiting the Ladurée Macaron and Tea Salon in SoHo for a more elegant dessert option. Ladurée is the ideal place to indulge in something sweet and decadent with your partner, thanks to its delicate, French-inspired pastries and elegant atmosphere.
Take a romantic stroll down the High Line.
Take a romantic walk along the High Line after dinner and dessert, an elevated park built on a former freight rail line that runs through the heart of Manhattan. The park provides breathtaking views of the city as well as quiet, intimate areas to sit and enjoy the scenery with your partner.
The High Line is a beautiful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it’s the ideal place to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other.
Pay a visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Consider visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden if you prefer a more natural outdoor setting. This 52-acre garden features a Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, a Rose Garden, and a Cherry Esplanade, among other beautiful landscapes.
Take a stroll through the gardens with your partner and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and natural beauty. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a lovely and romantic setting for a Valentine’s Day evening.
You can take time to plan your Valentine’s Day with your partner or spouse to show your love and affection to them, and to think about your relationship. As an LGBTQIA+ couple, it can be a chance to make your relationship stronger and better. No matter how long you’ve been together or how new your relationship is, there are easy and meaningful ways to make the most of your romantic day.
Talk to each other openly and honestly.
One way to build a strong relationship is to talk to each other in an open and honest way. Spend some time with your partner or spouse on Valentine’s Day and talk about your relationship. Talk about your hopes, fears, joys, and sorrows, and what you want to happen in your future, individually and together. Listen to each other with understanding and empathy and be willing to make concessions and work together to solve any problems that come up.
Do something different and fun.
It’s easy to get stuck in a routine and a rut. Try something new and exciting together on Valentine’s Day to shake things up. Use some of the examples listed above to try a new restaurant, go indoor rock climbing, take a cooking class, or go to a concert. Doing something out of the ordinary can give your marriage or love relationship a new look and help bring back the spark and excitement.
Show your love and appreciation.
Even more so on Valentine’s Day, it’s essential to show your partner or spouse how much you love and appreciate them. Write them a love letter, make a photo album, cook them a meal, or give them a gift they won’t expect. The action doesn’t have to be big, but it should be sincere.
Make plans for quality time.
Whether you go on a romantic walk, watch a movie, or just snuggle on the couch, make time to be with your partner or spouse on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy your time together and make the most of it. Don’t let things like work or social media get in the way of the time you spend together.
Look after yourself.
Taking care of yourself is vital for both you and your relationship. Take some time on Valentine’s Day to think about your own needs and well-being. Taking care of yourself, whether it’s with a session at the spa, a workout, or just a quiet moment to think, can help you feel refreshed and ready to face any challenges that come your way. Taking care of yourself can help you be more present with your loved one, especially on a day to mark your love together, like Valentine’s Day.
Plan a getaway.
A romantic getaway can be a great way to spend quality time with your partner and escape everyday life’s stress. Make some plans and surprise your cupid on Valentine’s Day with a future plan for a getaway. Whether it’s a weekend trip to a cozy bed and breakfast or a luxurious vacation, a getaway can help you reconnect and reignite the spark in your relationship.
Volunteer together.
Volunteering together can be a great way for you as a gay couple to give back and get closer to each other. Whether you help out at a soup kitchen, clean up a park, or work at a local animal shelter, volunteering can help you and your partner feel like they are part of something bigger than yourselves and give your relationship a sense of purpose.
Pay attention to the now.
It’s easy to get stuck in the past or worried about the future, but it’s crucial to stay in the present. Take some time on Valentine’s Day to be thankful for each other and what you have. Embrace the joy and happiness of the moment and let go of any negative thoughts or feelings that might be holding you back from connecting.
Bring back the physical contact.
Every relationship needs physical closeness, and it’s essential to keep that closeness going. On Valentine’s Day, try to get back in touch with your partner or spouse in a physical way. Touching them physically, with a hug, a kiss, or a cuddle, can help strengthen your bond and deepen your emotional connection.
Honor the ways you’re different.
It’s easy to think about what we all have in common, but it’s also important to celebrate what makes us all unique. Take some time on Valentine’s Day to appreciate the things that make your partner or spouse special and unique. Accept each other’s differences and find ways to help and encourage each other as you pursue your interests and passions.
Make a deal with each other.
Valentine’s Day is a great time to recommit to staying together and working on your relationship. Whether it’s a promise to spend more quality time together, work through problems as a team, or be there for each other no matter what, making a commitment can help strengthen the bond and make the relationship feel more secure.
Think about how far you’ve come together.
On Valentine’s Day, take some time to think about how far you’ve come together. Think about the important things you’ve done, the problems you’ve solved, and the memories you’ve made. Treasure these times and be thankful for all the love and support you’ve shared.
Start making new memories.
Valentine’s Day is a great time to make new memories with your partner or spouse. Whether it’s a special date, a picnic, or a fun adventure, make memories that will last a lifetime and make you happy to think about your relationship.
Tell us about your love.
Everyone has a story about how they fell in love, and it’s important to share your story together with your partner or spouse. Take some time on Valentine’s Day to talk about how you met, how you fell in love, and what makes your relationship unique. Sharing your love story can help you feel closer to each other and strengthen your bond.
Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is a special day that can give gay couples a chance to show how much they love each other and improve their relationship. Whether you choose a small gesture or a big celebration, make the most of your day by showing your love and gratitude, spending quality time together, and focusing on the present. You can make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with a little work and a lot of love.
There is no shortage of romantic things to do in New York City for LGBTQIA+ couples on Valentine’s Day. There’s something for everyone in the city that never sleeps, from brunch with a view to a candlelit dinner to a stroll through a beautiful park. There’s a perfect Valentine’s Day activity out there for you and your partner or spouse, whether you prefer a classic, romantic experience or something a little more unconventional. So, get out there and explore and celebrate your love with your LGBTQIA+ mate on this special day of romance and affection!
