Poughkeepsie Journal – Susan Weiner, Gannett News Service – February 13, 2015  – Article.pdf

On Valentine’s Day, it’s fun — and romantic — to do something out of the ordinary.

You can, of course, take your love to a romantic dinner in a dark and quiet restaurant, but there are so many other things to do in New York. From ice festivals and romantic concerts to luxurious hotel packages, New York City is the ideal place to discover and cherish romance on Valentine’s Day, according to NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization.

NYC & Company suggests these Valentine’s Day events and activities taking place:

Carnegie Hall: In a special program of classics from musical theater and the Great American Songbook, Jessye Norman and Mark Markham aim to mesmerize the audience at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 with a recital of songs by master music makers including Harold Arlen, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers and Cole Porter. For more information or to buy tickets, visit carnegiehall.org.

Central Park Conservancy Ice Festival: This Valentine’s Day, visitors can celebrate at Central Park Conservancy’s fourth annual Ice Festival in Naumburg Bandshell. The event includes ice carving, a photo booth, a Central Park trivia contest, sweet treats and, as night falls, a 1980s-themed silent disco with live DJs. Purchase tickets at centralparknyc.org.

NYC Chocolatiers: Between French-style truffles in Manhattan, Austrian treats in Queens and a feast of raw chocolates in Brooklyn, the City is experiencing a chocolate boom. For a comprehensive list of local chocolatiers, visit nycgo.com.

Cupid’s Chase 5K New York: Community Options, Inc. will host its annual Cupid’s Chase 5K Run on Saturday, Feb. 14, kicking off at 10 a.m. The race will take place at Hudson River Park‘s Charles Street Pier (enter at Christopher Street). To register, visit comop.org.

New York Transit Museum: This February, the New York Transit Museum will welcome all the could-be lovers on our transit system to the fifth annual Missed Connections Party, inspired by Craigslist’s Missed Connections classifieds. This sexy, fun and subterranean event will kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn Heights. To purchase tickets, visit blackbaudhosting.com.

On Location Tours’ Romantic Movie Moments Tour: On the Romantic Movie Moments Tour, a local New York City actor will bring to life some of the most alluring movie locations featured on the big screen, including the bookstore where Harry meets Sally in “When Harry Met Sally …” For more information, visit onlocationtours.com.

Romeo + Juliet at Lincoln Center: Next month, the New York City Ballet performs “Romeo + Juliet” at Lincoln Center. Shakespeare’s immortal tale of tragic love translates into a powerfully moving full-length ballet, with a famed climax that never fails to affect audiences. Performances will take place Feb. 13 to 22, with tickets available at nycballet.com.

Valentine’s Day at the New York Botanical Garden: In this Valentine’s Day workshop at The Bronx’s New York Botanical Garden, kids can sample Mayan-inspired hot chocolate and other chocolates from around the world, while learning about living cacao and vanilla plants. Each ticket also includes an All-Garden Pass for a participant and one adult to enjoy access to all of the Botanical Garden’s offerings. Tickets can be purchased at nybg.org.

Valentine’s Day Lunch Cruise Aboard Spirit’s New York Cruise: This Valentine’s Day, couples and families can enjoy an all-new lunch buffet by Food Network’s “Chopped” champion and celebrity chef Eric Levine, along with a backdrop of some of New York City’s most famous sights. For more information, visit entertainmentcruises.com.

In addition to these events, visitors can also take advantage of several Valentine’s Day and romantic-themed hotel packages throughout the City:

Towers of the Waldorf Astoria New York: This Valentine’s Day, guests can indulge in the Waldorf Astoria New York Guerlain Spa’s “Love the One You’re With” experience, with two side-by-side massages, an exclusive suite and private steam room along with Champagne and truffles. The weekend comes complete with a Sunday brunch, featuring gourmet options ranging from caviar to Baked Alaska. Visit waldorfnewyork.com.

Park Hyatt New York: The recently-opened Park Hyatt New York offers visitors an “I Love You x 57” package in collaboration with Carnegie Hall, which will grant special access to two premier seats for its Valentine’s Day performance. The overnight package also includes a couples massage, decadent dinner for two, Champagne tasting with the hotel’s sommelier and a personalized pastry class. Additionally, guests can upgrade to stay in the hotel’s stunning West Side Suite. For more information, visit newyork.park.hyatt.com.

The Peninsula New York: Next month, the Peninsula New York will offer its “Cupid Concierge” weekend package. This all-inclusive stay begins with a delivery of two dozen, long-stemmed red roses and luxury car service for Manhattan-based guests, with a Champagne toast upon check-in to a Grand Luxe Room. The romance continues throughout the weekend with an elegant dinner, a couples massage and breakfast. Go to newyork.peninsula.com to learn more.

Sofitel New York: Francophiles can head to the Sofitel New York this Valentine’s Day for a “Zou Bisou Bisou” package. The offer includes Champagne and a box of La Maison du Chocolat upon arrival on February 13, breakfast in bed paired with a dozen red roses, an in-room couples massage, and a three-course dinner at Gaby Brasserie Francaise.