This peaceful, exquisitely maintained 52-acre park is one of the best spots in Kings County for a romantic stroll, not to mention an ace locale for quiet conversations. Highlights include the Cranford Rose Garden, filled with hundreds of the fragrant, colorful blooms (which peak in the coming weeks); and the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, which boasts a serene waterfall, waterside benches and old-world wooden bridges. (718-623-7200, bbg.org). $5–$10.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
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So you’re already in a relationship—that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boring night in. Now that you're more comfortable with your boyfriend or girlfriend, take your summer dates to the next level: Head to these NYC events and venues that will spark discussion (or just have you showing off your goofy dance moves).
This entertaining monthly storytelling/reading/comedy show, held at massage-parlor-turned-cocktail-lounge Happy Ending, should provide plenty of conversation fodder for your trek home. In each installment, scribes, comedians, musicians and other performers (a fair number of whom have appeared on This American Life and The Moth Radio Hour) tell mostly true-life tales about a given topic, be it of the date-appropriate variety (sex) or quirkier fare (obsessions of all kinds). (212-334-9676, howilearnedseries.com). Fourth Wednesday of every month 8pm; free.
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Toast the fact that you’re no longer on the prowl at this saucy interactive show: Cabaret crooner Roslyn Hart stars as “sexual psychologist” and matchmaker Dr. Alex Schiller, who goads single audience members into hooking up between songs. One tip: As you enter the venue, opt to sit in the “Voyeurs” section, lest you subject your partner to an evening of you being forced to flirt with unattached attendees. (212-539-8778, joespub.com). June 1 at 9:30pm; voyeurs $30, singles $25, plus $12 minimum.
Get down at New York Night Train Soul Clap and Dance-Off
Now that you know each other a little better, it’s time to show your squeeze some sweet (read: ridiculous) dance moves. NYC bashes don’t come much more unpretentious and fun than this shindig. Jonathan Toubin, who recently returned to his DJ duties after recovering from a near-fatal accident last year, spins an infectious blend of soul and garage-rock 45s that persuades even the most stand-still scenester to get moving. Come 1am, settle a bet on who shakes a better tail feather during the dance contest. (718-599-1450, newyorknighttrain.com). June 9, July 21 at 11:45pm; $5.
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Learn something new at the Secret Science Club
During this monthly lecture series, writer Margaret Mittelbach and radio producer Dorian Devins welcome experts (physicists, neuroscientists, geneticists) to discuss super-specific scientific inquiries. (Past events have covered topics such as inner space, newly discovered deep-sea species, and plant-fueled energy.) Stick around afterward for DJ sets and indulge in a specialty cocktail based on that evening’s theme. (718-643-6510, secretscienceclub.blogspot.com). Times vary; free.
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If you’re looking for a fun date spot this Valentine’s Day, look no further: these great date spots in NYC are perfect for a romantic rendezvous.
Dating is rough—trust us, we know. But Time Out has simplified the process (sort of) with our guide to the great dates in New York City, whether you’re meeting someone for a first date, trying to rekindle a long-term romance, or hate dating altogether. Plus, we’ve compiled a few tips to help make your next date go smoothly. If you’re still looking for a partner, we’ve got advice from Erika Christensen, a matchmaker who pairs up single ladies and gents on the subway. Or take a spin through our roundup of single New Yorkers to find someone that you can take on one of these great dates.—Edited by Amy Plitt Great date ideas in New York City Great first date ideas in NYC: Where to have a fun first date Don’t overthink things for an early date: If you need a first-date idea, use our guide to find the perfect, casual spot.
Go on a virtual vacation at Bikini Bar Stepping into this Tribeca coffee shop is almost like walking into a hidden island oasis. Vintage surfboards are propped against the wall, a pineapple-themed chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and coffee cups adorned with palm trees add to the “we’re not in New York anymore” ambience. Swap vacation stories while sipping a cappuccino ($4) at the retro tiki bar; coffee, made from Counter Culture beans, is prepared by regional barista champion Danielle Glask
Plan the perfect night out with our guide to NYC's coolest date spots.
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We asked New Yorkers where they go to meet people, and then compiled this list of 100 pickup spots to help you find a date. Whether you want to find a date, a one night stand or something deeper, here are 100 tried-and-tested pickup spots recommended by real New Yorkers.
RECOMMENDED: See all Sex issue 2012 coverage You might also like75 fall pickup spots 201175 warm weather pickup spots 2011Pickup spots for singles over 40See more in Sex & Dating
See more in Sex issue 2012
Here are dating tips that you need to know to help you survive a horrific date—and tips to protect yourself before one even happens.
We’ve all been on terrible dates—and they suck. But with our dater’s handbook, you just might be able to prevent a bad date from happening. Our dating tips include apps to download that can help boost conversation, and services that send robocalls to get you out of a bad date. Plus, find out how to graciously decline another outing.
Before
Set up a Google Voice numberYes, you should definitely keep an open mind when you’re looking for the right person, but it’s equally important to protect yourself from under-the-radar stalker types. If you’d prefer not to receive random 2am texts, mask your cell number by registering for a free Google Voice account (google.com/voice). After linking it to your legit number, you can have the system forward both calls and texts, which you can respond to without giving away your real digits. (But if things go well, be sure to come clean as soon as possible.)
Memorize your local Rejection Hotline numberThese days, striking up a conversation with an attractive stranger in a bar or other public locale sounds more like a meet-cute than real life. More often than we’d like, that good-looking someone is actually an overzealous, liquored-up weirdo. Should things get desperate, save yourself by doling out the number of the Rejection Hotline’s New York branch (212-660-2245). When the soon-to-be rebuffed party calls, th
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