The Juice & the Squeeze

The end of summer in the Big Apple: it’s like Mother Nature can’t decide whether to give us one last sizzling summer fling or unleash an out-of-nowhere downpour. The struggle is real, and when you’re out on the dating scene – between the makeup meltdowns that leave us looking like a Picasso painting and sweat patches the size of Central Park – it’s like dodging metaphorical raindrops. But hey, this is NEW YORK CITY. It’s not just a city that never sleeps, it also has a ton of tricks up its sleeve to help us have a great time and not let weather get in the way. So here are five sizzling-cool NYC date ideas to crank up the heat on your romance while keeping your cool vibes.

1. Explore low-key gems on the Lower East Side.

Ready to dazzle your date? Start by unlocking the secrets of the LES. Looking to impress? Parcelle is your golden ticket, renowned as the “cool kids’ wine spot” by none other than Vogue. Get ready to raise a glass (or two) of natural wine that’ll have you sipping in style. But that’s just the beginning. Keep the momentum rolling without breaking a sweat. There are all sorts of spots very closeby. After the sun goes down, you can sit outside at Reception Bar, Le Dive, or Casetta, grab a bite at Kiki’s, or catch a film at the Metrograph.

2. Make Museum Magic for a Friday Night Date.

Looking for a Friday night date idea that captivates your date’s artistic and cultural side? Museum Fridays are your jam. While it’s no classified information that The Whitney welcomes you for free from 7pm to 10pm, we’re taking you beyond the obvious. The Morgan Library in midtown, however, is a lesser-known (and bite-sized) gem. The perfect size museum for a date, the Morgan Library offers a variety of historical and art exhibits, and can be conquered in an hour so you can scurry off to drinks. Its discounted hours are 5pm-7pm on Fridays.

3. Indulge in a Bookworm’s Paradise.

Let your literary desires run wild at Book Club, nestled in the heart of the East Village. Beyond the charming façade lies a haven for bookworms where pages of potential love stories await. Snag a coveted garden spot if you can, and let the discussions flow as freely as the drinks. It’s a match made in bookish heaven – and if you’re feeling peckish, they’ve got you covered. Trust us, there’s nothing cooler than bonding over a shared love for the written word.

4. Savor Indoor Market Delights.

When you want to feel like a date night filled with culinary adventures, turn your attention to the city’s plethora of international food-markets. You’ll feel transported to their European equivalents but with the bonus of air-conditioning. Take the plunge at TimeOut Market in Dumbo, soak in the flavors at Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards, savor the diverse delights at Market 57 Food Hall, or embark on an Italian escapade at the original Eataly. Pro tip: dive into a delicious challenge by having you and your date picking three delectable dishes each. Your taste buds will thank you.

5. Ditch the Latte and Go for the Gelato.

Enough with the coffee dates and take advantage of the last few weeks of the official ice cream season. Treat yourself and your date to ice cream at your favorite spot. Dive into dairy-free indulgence at Van Leeuwen  or explore the tantalizing treats at Caffe Panna, Caleta, or iconic spots like Morgensterns, Emack & Bolios, and Sugar Hill. Not an ice cream enthusiast? Fear not – Matha’s Bakeshop in Williamsburg awaits to serve up a different kind of sweetness late into the night.

So there you have it – a whirlwind of August adventures that won’t leave you dripping, but certainly drenched in the thrill of romance and NYC adventures.