Clove Lakes Park

The Daily Plant : Friday, February 10, 2006

Love Blooms In New York City’s Parks

Though New York City is filled with extraordinary dining and extravagant gifts, our natural settings still reign supreme as romantic spots for Valentine’s Day. In any given park throughout the city, you will often find New Yorkers, dressed in their best, hand-in-hand (or, sometimes, lip-to-lip) with their spouses. Read on for some of New York City’s most romantic spots.

Bronx:

• Van Cortlandt Park – Take a leisurely walk around the lake or hike the John Muir Nature Trail in this woodsy paradise.
• Wave Hill – Watch the sun set over the Palisades or visit one of the most impressive arboretums in New York City.
• Orchard Beach – A romantic walk on the rocky shoreline of Hunter Island will transport you to the coast of Old New England.
• Bronx Park – Watch the spectacular waterfall on New York City’s only freshwater river, Bronx River.

Brooklyn:
• Brooklyn Bridge Park – Watch the sun set over Manhattan as the East River glistens before you.
• Lullwater Bridge, Prospect Park – The waterfall and boathouse make the perfect setting for romance.
• Fulton Park – Stroll through the great trees in this treasured neighborhood park.
• Sunset Park – Eagle-eye views of Manhattan, Staten Island, New Jersey, and the Statue of Liberty over the East River and New York Bay will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

Manhattan:
• Heather Garden, Fort Tryon Park – This picturesque garden offers spectacular views of the Palisades in all seasons.
• The Battery – Take in unparalleled views as seagulls fly, the waves lap, and the sun sets over Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
• Madison Square Park – Enjoy world-class outdoor art in this historic park right in the heart of Manhattan.
• Carl Schurz Park – Cuddle up on the benches behind the grand, Federal-style Gracie Mansion.

Queens:
• Fort Totten Park – Peer across the Long Island Sound through stately Civil War-era structures.
• Astoria Park – Stroll the East River waterfront overlooking Roosevelt Island and the awesome Manhattan skyline.
• Baisley Pond Park – Sit and relax under the gazebo and gaze out at the fabled gigantic lily pads resting on the pond.
• Kissena Park – Weeping willows set the mood around the beautiful lake.

Staten Island:
• Alice Austen House – This Victorian garden will transport you to 19^th-century romance.
• Willowbrook Park – Ride the carousel with your sweetheart and feel like a kid again.
• Clove Lakes Park – Row a boat ride on the lake while enjoying the beautiful park.

St. Valentine is considered the patron saint of love and lovers. According to legend, he married lovers in secret when Emperor Claudius outlawed marriage, fearing it made men poor soldiers. While imprisoned for these actions, he sent the first "valentine," a note to his beloved that he signed "from your Valentine."

"If you keep at it, one day something which at first appeared impossible will become merely something very difficult indeed."

Danny Paradise
(born 1943)