We all know how picturesque and unique Central Park is, and I'm pretty sure every other Hollywood romcom a twenty-something girl has watched features a dreamy and ideal date set to the backdrop of a winter kissed Central Park. The ice skating in Serendipity, the autumnal stroll in When Harry Met Sally, and how many Sex in the City scenes. We swoon and while scoffing at how ridiculusly cliche such a date would be, many a girl secretly hopes that one day she should be so lucky.

 

Well one girl was, and it wasn't me and it wasn't you.

 

During my casual Sunday afternoon Central Park rendez vous with friends, we were called upon to bare witness to an extremely flambouyant, expressive and dare we say it romantic, show of love.

 

While anxiously preening her hair and playing the perfect date, an unknowing female was sat net to her beau on a boat at the Central Park lake. So cliche we know but still very cute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The young man, showing off the guns, rowed his sweetheart under the Bow Bridge (hitting another romantic hotspot on the list) before rowing her to the other side where lay a pretty obvious display of affection.

 

"Will you be my girlfriend?"  was painted on what looked like some stained and probably used bedsheets and hung over the bridge for the small Sunday world of Central Park to see.

 

Due to the round of applause and screeches that followed we can assume that she said yes.

 

While this probably marked a 'most romantic moment' in her life and a onslaught of envious sighs from many a bystander we have to wonder what this guy has set himself up for.

 

He conciously decided to throw out any subtle facebook relationship invite or innocuous dropping in that she was his girlfriend and he opted for the ultimate show. 

 

So what follows? How does a guy whose already hit many of a girl's most dreamy moments in one afternoon top that. I wish we could see the proposal...

 

Here are a few ideas for spicing up your Central Park dates.

 

1)  Rent A Rowboat

 

From The Loeb Boathouse a small rowboat can be hired for $15 an hour. With picturesque views and a tranquil setting it’s easy to grab your own Notebook moment with your date.

 

 

2)  Make A Picnic At The Pool

 

Sometimes it can be nice to abandon the glaring lights and tres chic ambience of a trendy restaurant and take it back to the basics on a comfy blanket with a bottle of wine, an interesting array of cheese and a container of strawberries. The waterfalls and willow trees can create a relaxed and intimate setting for you to get to know your date better.

 

3)  A Carousel Ride

 

Bring out your playful side by taking a ride on the Friedsam Memorial Carousel located right in the middle of the park. The twinkling music and onset of DIZZINESS easily lightens the mood and shows your fun side. Who said rides were just for kids?

 

4)  Take A Stroll Over The Bow Bridge

 

While there are many bridges you can opt to wander across with your date, Bow Bridge is a favorite of mine. Spanning 60 feet over the lake it allows for stunning views and intimate moments.

 

5)  Ice Skating

 

Come December and the arrival of those cold winter months, ice skating in Central Park is the epitome of a perfect date. It allows for banter with intimacy to a backdrop of twilight cityscapes.