Winter Date Nights

Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle with your special someone at these festive date night options.

Good morning! Today is Wednesday, December 8, and you are reading today’s section of Examiner+, a digital newsmagazine serving Westchester, Putnam, and the surrounding Hudson Valley.

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As the holiday season approaches, the cold nights have me yearning for fireside date nights, romantic walks with winter water views, and some creative outdoor experiences. Date night spots around the Hudson Valley and surrounds offer plenty of variety, and can be ageless, timeless, and appeal to most budgets. My current favorites all include the requisite outdoor piece; it is just far too picturesque in this region to spend a date only indoors. And although my personal perspective is from a married point of view, I think about all my younger, not-yet-married friends when considering anywhere to recommend. Early winter is one of the most robust times of the year for still going out, not worrying too much about the weather, watching the holiday lights emerge, and feeling that spark of anticipation as the new year is in sight.

Boscobel House & Gardens followed by a romantic dinner at the Riverview

(Facebook/Boscobel)

Hands down a favorite start to a great night. Reserve a time to tour Boscobel, either a Twilight Tour or a Holiday House Tour. Both feature the lighted gardens, stunning night views of the Hudson River and West Point, and the exquisite 19th mansion decorated elegantly for the holiday season. This Putnam County treasure is open Friday and Saturday until December 18th.

Following your tour and stroll through the grounds, head into the village of Cold Spring for dinner at the Riverview Restaurant, a casual American/Italian charmer overlooking the Hudson River featuring regional and artisanal specialties and brick oven pizza. Weekends are busy; it is best to make a reservation.

Boscobel House and Gardens
1601 Route 9D
Garrison
www.boscobel.org

Riverview Restaurant
45 Fair St
Cold Spring
www.riverdining.com

Sign of the Whale

(Facebook/Sign of the Whale)

Sign of the Whale is the perfect contemporary date night spot, especially in the colder months when they unveil their Rooftop Heated Igloos. The heated igloos are cozy, warm, lounge-like dining destinations, fun for a group, and great for a date. Before or after dining, walking around Harbor Point waterfront offers splendid views of the Stamford waterfront and the holiday decorations and lights of the city. Sign of the Whale features a creative American menu and a bustling bar scene.

Sign of the Whale
6 Harbor Point Rd
Stamford, CT
www.signofthewhalect.com

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Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens followed by a romantic dinner at The Dolphin Restaurant

(Facebook/Untermyer Gardens Conservancy)

If you follow me in any way, you know that I am the biggest fan of the Grand Holiday Illumination. This needs to be on everyone’s list this holiday season, date, or no date. The magnificent Walled Garden inside Untermyer Gardens is illuminated with over 100,000 tastefully and strategically placed lights. Stroll through the grounds while listening to music from a variety of cultures. This holiday tradition is also free. Follow this experience with a drive down to the restored Yonkers Waterfront for a romantic dinner at the Dolphin Restaurant.

The Dolphin Restaurant is located on the restored Yonkers waterfront with beautiful views of the river and the Palisades. The vibe is the ideal blend of casual/cool and the menu is classic American with an emphasis on seafood and there is a great bar scene. If you do not get enough strolling in at Untermyer Gardens, after dinner walk along the riverfront where you can see down to Manhattan on a clear night.

Untermyer Gardens
945 North Broadway
Yonkers
www.untermyergardens.org

Dolphin Restaurant
1 Van Der Donck St
Yonkers
www.dolphinrbl.com

RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen +

(Facebook/RiverMarket Bar and Kitchen)

RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen checks all the boxes for a great date night; cool vibe, plenty of tables around the perimeter for lingering, creative locally sourced menu, busy bar, and the requisite waterfront experience. Located in Tarrytown on the restored river’s edge, it has the feel of a community but the path to the vest-pocket park with fabulous views of the Cuomo/Tappan Zee Bridge provides an opportunity for an intimate, romantic stroll. The excellent bridge and river photo ops are a bonus. All-season sunsets are not to be missed, and the holiday lights that pop up starting in November seal the deal as a festive date destination.

RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen
127 West Main St
Tarrytown
www.rivermarketbarkitchen.com

Born and raised in Westchester, Nancy Sorbella’s lifestyle stories have been featured in several local and regional publications where she has also been a style and community columnist. She is the resident wordsmith for the Arthritis Foundation of NY and the Community Engagement Director by day, spending her free time exploring and experiencing the Hudson Valley. Follow Nancy for more of her adventures on Instagram @DetoursColumnist, Twitter @jsorbella, or on Facebook at Nancy Niskin Sorbella.

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