Bundle up for a buggy ride through Central Park. Or book a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at a Manhattan bistro. From ice skating at Wollman Rink to the buzz of Fashion Week, despite the chilly temperatures there many reasons to take a winter break in the Big Apple.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Chocolates and flowers are nice, but if you really want to wow the special someone in your life, what could be a better than a romantic trip to New York City for Valentine’s Day? There are dozens of romantic destinations for couples to make the most of the cold.
As countless Hollywood movies and TV shows depict, just walking around the city itself is enchanting, with Central Park providing some of the best romantic backdrops. Recreate a Sex in the City moment and take a carriage ride through Central Park just like Carrie and Mr. Big did on his last night in New York. Or for a truly classic winter activity, bundle up against the wind and twirl around the Wollman Rink with your better half. Located in the southern portion of Central Park between 62ndand 63rd Streets, this picturesque rink is featured in the classic movie Love Story as well as the John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale flick Serendipity. After you’ve unlaced your skates, consider strolling hand in hand to the diner Serendipity 3, another setting from this romantic comedy. The New York City landmark’s Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is a wildly popular treat.
Get Caught Up in Fashion Week
The fashion industry in New York City is huge, providing jobs to over 175,000 people. So it’s no surprise that New York’s Fashion Week is a massive event, turning all eyes on the city as it kicks off a series of international Fashion Weeks including London, Milan and Paris.
New York City Fashion Week, which takes place twice a year in February and September, floods the city with over a quarter of a million attendees. It’s all about fall fashion at the February Fashion Week events, where American designers and some international names send their fall and winter collections down the runways. From Ralph Lauren to Donna Karan, some of the biggest names will showcase the up and coming trends to thousands to fashion editors, buyers and journalists as well as celebrities and socialites- and of course the paparazzi that follow them! Tourists visiting the city while Fashion Week is taking place can’t help but get caught up in the exciting buzz; with over 250 fashion events taking place throughout Manhattan everyone including the cab drivers will likely be talking about Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs.
Inspired to shop by all the fashion buzz? February in New York City is a great time of year to pick up fantastic deals on winter clothing, as many retailers start to discount warmer styles to make way for the spring and summer fashions soon to flood their shelves. Department stores like Macy’s at 34th Street and Broadway and Bloomingdale’s at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue are classic New York City shopping destinations and a perfect place to start the hunt for great sale items.
Visitors travelling to New York City in February should also remember to take advantage of NYC Restaurant Week, where they can enjoy discount prix-fixe menus at dozens of top Manhattan restaurants. Visit their website for the latest information on this twice-yearly event.