Pucker up, Brooklyn!
You don’t have to stray too far from home this Valentine’s Day to visit some of the city’s most romantic spots.
So put on a coat, grab your main squeeze, and make some memories at the borough’s loveliest places — before you get the urge to rush back indoors and make some more.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Park Slope
Did you know there are over 12,000 kinds of plants at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden?
Unfortunately, most of them are dead this time of year.
But that shouldn’t rule out a trip to the Botanic Garden where you can gaze at its South African bulb collection the Steinhardt Conservatory’s Warm Temperate House, or see some frighteningly named hellebores and a few freakish daffodils at the southern end of the garden.
And if you’re looking for love, the garden hosts several perennial parties, cacaoprieto.com/prieto-providing-chocolate-rum-for-brooklyn-botanic-garden-lush-event/.”>including an salsa dance party on Friday night.
“The garden is one of the best places to meet someone male or female who is not a creep,” said Botanic Garden spokeswoman Kate Blumm. How about that!
Coney Island Boardwalk, Coney Island
Just because the rides are closed doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the splendors of the People’s Playground.
Take a stroll on the boardwalk, and pull your date in tight as the wind whips toward you at 30 miles an hour off the harbor. Plus, there are plenty of places off the beach to swoop in for a bite; one of our favorites is Tatiana Restaurant, where fish swim in a glass dance floor while you eat.
Ocean Avenue Footbridge, Sheepshead Bay
If Coney’s not your thing, here’s another quietly romantic spot at the other end of the bay.
Walk down Emmons Avenue toward Manhattan Beach and turn onto the wooden planks of the Ocean Avenue footbridge. The salty air and view of sailboats bobbing in the bay should put you and your date in the mood for some Manhattan clam chowder at Randazzo’s Clam Bar, just across the street.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO
Brooklyn’s newest park is its grandest — and you should take full advantage now that the crowds are sparse.
Walk though the frozen sod to Pier 1 at sunset and catch the golden rays of winter’s setting sun refract off the silvery Manhattan skyline — and pull your date in tight for a smooch.
Then get on your high horse for a nostalgic ride on Jane’s Carousel — but try not to kiss while you’re motion because if you fall, you’ll get ground into hamburger in the ride’s powerful gears.
Commandant Mansion at Little and Evans Streets, Vinegar Hill
At the top of Vinegar Hill at Little and Evans Streets, there’s the stately Commandant Mansion, which was built in 1805 and has been part of the Brooklyn Navy Yard since 1964.
The Federal-style house is privately owned, so good luck sneaking inside, but the secluded cul-de-sac happens to be a favorite make-out spot for our friends at L Magazine. We suggest topping it off with a lovely brunch at Vinegar Hill House.
Brooklyn Bridge
Generations of lovers have scaled the pedestrian footpath of the Brooklyn Bridge and declared their intentions.
Want some proof?
Check out all those obnoxiously engraved locks bolted to metal rings on the bridge’s east side stanchion.
Valentine’s Day may not exactly be the best time to tie the knot, or in this case lock it down, but if your date is willing to follow you onto what is likely going to be the coldest, windiest place in the borough, for no good reason whatsoever, then you’ve probably got yourself a keeper.
Reach reporter Aaron Short at ashort@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2547.
