There’s only so many times you can make out under the Elephant Tree or split a smoothie at the hub. Sometimes, you just need to get off campus for that special date. It’s easy to forget with all of Purchase’s modern art and progressiveness, that it sits in the middle of Westchester County, which has dozens of little date spots that are fun, historic, and of course, romantic. So make Valentine’s Day special and check out these dreamy spots.
Lyndhurst, Tarrytown
Westchester County is brimming with tidbits of American history, but this Gothic Revival manor definitely earns its place on this list. Gardens and views of the Hudson River make Lyndhurst seem poetic. It looks like a medieval palace and gives the feeling of being transported centuries back in time as you wander the narrow corridors. Art majors should check out the gallery. Watch the winter light filtering in through the stained glass windows, but if you’re willing to brave the cold, the gazebo in the gardens is a perfect romantic spot.
Playland, Rye
If either of you are cinema studies majors, then Rye Playland is just the place. Playland is where Tom Hanks’s character in Big made a wish through a fortune-telling machine. It was also used for other films, plus it has notes of history too; the national landmark opened in 1928. There’s certainly something dreamy about wandering the pier with the snowy, silent amusement park in the background. And if you get bored, you can hold hands with your sweetheart at Playland’s ice skating rink. For Valentine’s Day weekend, you can either go to the rink Friday/Saturday night from 8:45 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. or take a daytrip and skate on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Muscoot Farm, Katonah
Maybe you’re among Purchase’s vegetarians or animal rights supporters. Then go to Muscoot Farm, where the animals are cozy in their turn of the 20th century stalls. You can take a self-guided tour of the picturesque farm and feel like you’re transported back a hundred years. If you want more privacy, escape for a walk down any one of Muscoot’s numerous hiking trails. If you go on Sunday, Feb. 13, then you can take part in making a Victorian Valentine’s Day card. In winter and early spring, the farm also harvests from the maple trees and welcomes visitors. Talk about being sweet for Valentine’s Day.
Pepsico Sculpture Garden, Purchase
If you haven’t been here yet, why not take your Valentine’s Day outing here? There are too many sculptures to see in one go, but you can try as you wander around the snow dusted gardens, ponds, and art. It’s a great backdrop for pictures, photography aficionados. There are countless little paths to get lost in and the lily pad garden is a must-see.
Castle on the Hudson, Tarrytown
We end our Valentine’s journey back in Tarrytown at another architectural wonder. You don’t have to travel to Europe to see a castle when there’s one just twenty minutes away. The castle looks like it was plucked right from the Irish countryside; perfect for imagining your romance is the stuff of fairytales. But save your appetites and your pennies for eating somewhere else. The restaurant inside is more for executives’ wallets than the Purchase student’s.
Sources:
http://www.sirpepsi.com/pepsi1c.htm
http://www.muscootfarm.org/
http://www.castleonthehudson.com/
http://www.westchestergov.com/playland/
http://lyndhurst.wordpress.com/
Photo Credit:
James Bleecker Aerial Shot of Lyndhurst