Whether you’re on a first date (Bumble, anyone?) or looking to bring some refreshed fun into your relationship, date nights are important. It doesn’t matter if the date is simple (coffee or a drink) or adventurous (did someone say climbing?) — your social distanced dates should be whatever feels right for you and your person.
Now — let’s talk about socially distanced dates in Manhattan. Our couples therapists have selected their top 3 and we’re excited to share. It might be a good time to make plans for this weekend!
#1 The Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is a unique date because it transforms concepts and dreams into spaces that provoke imagination and creativity. Designed to be a culturally inclusive environment and community, Museum of Ice Cream inspires human connection through the universal power of ice cream — that’s some great date energy!
For $45 a ticket, you and your date may sing, dance, craft, swim, slide, climb, laugh, smile, lick and even hug…and most definitely enjoy the treats included with your ticket. Let your imagination run free in a world where anything is possible. Think of this date as Manhattan playground-meets-art installation.
#2 Classic Italian (Pisticci)
Okay, okay — we recognize a restaurant isn’t a creative date… but what’s not to love about basic Italian fare in a homey, semi-subterranean space. And did we mention live jazz on Sundays?
Located in Upper Manhattan, Pisticci offers you and your date an intimate setting surrounded by classic uptown architecture and a nice dose of calm.
In the warm weather, outdoor dining is available in a unique setting — the space has crystal chandeliers, gorgeous greenery, and sky blue-painted repurposed lumber that serves as a platform for its tables. It’s romantic, funky, and fun.
Fettuccine al funghi and italian wedding soup are just a few of the menu favorites. But it’s about more than the pasta — in the owner’s words, “restaurants are the cornerstones of communities, a place for people to meet, discuss and build camaraderie among citizens. A place we share thoughts and build ideas… our goal was simple; create a neighbor restaurant, the type we enjoyed going to”. They haven’t said it so we will — Pisticci offers a dreamy date atmosphere.
#3 Enjoy Manhattan’s Skyline on a Ferry
How fun would it be to hop on a boat for a spin between the boroughs? It’s our belief that the Staten Island Ferry does not get the attention it deserves — it is free, operates 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. In a half hour ride, you’ll enjoy incredible views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan’s glittering skyline.
This date is fun because it combines aspects of history (the Staten Island Ferry is one of the last remaining vestiges of an entire ferry system in New York City that transported people between Manhattan and its future boroughs — long before any bridges were built) and offers modern fun (drinks available on board).
A pro tip here — rush hour trips are packed with commuters going to or returning home from work. If you’re hoping for a leisurely ride on the ferry with your date, avoid the trips marked on the schedule with yellow highlighting.
That’s Not All
Yes we think these three date ideas are fun, but there is so much more available in our gorgeous city. Take a walk in a new area, go for a bike ride together, maybe check out a local Manhattan trivia night or street festival.
The important thing here is that the date is something you enjoy together.
Located in Hoboken and Midtown Manhattan, our BeWELL therapists are well learned in a variety of fields and are here to help you become your best self. Whether you are struggling with issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Sexual Orientation, Race and Identity, school, or relationships, BeWELL therapists welcome you with an open ear.
