With V-Day upon us once again, we thought we’d lend a hand by suggesting some special ways to convey, for the very first time, what may be the three most important words in the English language.
1. Anthony’s Nose, Peekskill
For all those hikers in love, pick Anthony’s Nose. Though there are a couple of spots in the county that boast a slightly higher elevation, Anthony’s Nose is, at 927 feet above sea level, the perfect heady perch from which to utter those three magical words for the first time – to say nothing of offering an idyllic 2.6-mile round-trip hike (and plenty of privacy for, well, you know).
2. Untermyer Gardens – Temple of Love, Yonkers
Offering a magnificent view of the Hudson and the Palisades, the recently restored Temple of Love at Untermyer Gardens provides babbling waterfalls, streams, and pools to set the quintessential romantic tone for your inaugural “I Love You.”
3. La Panetière, Rye
A special occasion deserves a special atmosphere — and this classic French restaurant set in a Provençe-style manor house oozes refinement. Sit upstairs in the light-filled Garden Room and say those special words (bonus points if you say them in French) over an Emmental cheese soufflé and lobster casserole with chanterelles in a Champagne sauce.
4. Union Church, Pocantico Hills
If you feel like your love is a sacred work of art, how ’bout echoing that sentiment by saying “I Love You” at the Union Church, where a magnificent old-stone edifice is the ethereal setting of original stained-glass art by masters Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse. Hey, even Grammy-magnet Bonnie Raitt tied the knot there.
5. Dragon Coaster, Rye Playland
Sometimes, love is like a roller coaster: It may have its ups and downs, but it’s the thrill of a lifetime. Saying “I Love You” on the famed Dragon Coaster at Rye Playland demonstrates just how exciting your love is. Bear in mind, however, that if your truelove happens to lose their lunch along the way, it’s not necessarily in response to your grand declaration.
6. Red Hat on the River, Irvington
In recent years, Red Hat on the River has emerged as a chic mid-county hotspot. For your debut proclamation of love, head out onto their amazing rooftop for some serious cooing and cocktail-sipping. For those with pockets of a certain depth, hook up with a company like AirSign, Inc., which will skywrite your “I Love You” over the majestic Hudson for a mere $7,500–$9,500.