Valentine’s Day is in the rearview, but why can’t we celebrate love all year long? No matter the season, the Capital Region has some of the most romantic spots for a date night with your special someone!
Schenectady Central Park Rose Garden
While you may think of this as a strictly summer activity, the Central Park Rose Garden is truly a place you can visit all year round. Roses may only be in bloom certain months of the year (June-October), but the park is a place of serenity and peace all year long. Formerly maintained by the city’s park department, the rose garden is now consistently enhanced and maintained by a non-profit organization called the Rose Garden Restoration Committee.
If you find giving back to your community together a romantic activity, there are volunteer opportunities to help with garden clean up on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Just walking through you can see how much care is put into the over 4,000 rose bushes. In the center of the garden is a beautiful fountain and you’ll be sure to see some cute creatures hopping around by the pond. Date enhancement: stop by Gershon’s Deli for some fresh sandwiches on your way to the garden. Picnic among roses? Talk about romance!
The Berlin
If you’re looking for a reason to dress up and step out, The Berlin is the perfect cozy spot to snuggle up to a loved one while drinking a delicious craft cocktail (we recommend their espresso martini). It’s hard to find many spots across the capital region where you can get dressed in a sexy outfit, but at The Berlin it is definitely the norm. We’re talking velvet couches, dim lighting, and tables for two nestled in the corner for extra privacy. With their craft cocktails and sexy speakeasy vibe, you won’t only fall in love with your date but also the atmosphere! Be sure to check their Instagram for nights with special guests like jazz bands or pianists.
Note: they do not serve food in this space, but the Troy Beer Garden is right below the space and run by the same owner. Here they have great small bites, pizzas and even a Wednesday night grilled cheese board special perfect for two! Looking for something to do before drinks? Troy has the perfect small city feel with a unique city square and waterfront pathway where you’ll see unique art, string lights, and music is always coming from some direction.
Cafe Capriccio
Nestled in the heart of Albany, Cafe Capriccio is sourcing their restaurant with local organic products to pair with their freshly made Italian fair. If you want to feel like you’re stepping into your old school Italian grandmother’s house for dinner, that’s what you’ll get here. The steak and gorgonzola gnocchi is a dish you’ll be dreaming about for days after leaving. All the comfort of a home cooked meal but in an intimate and cozy setting. Each booth is spacious and the tables are perfectly placed so that you can enjoy your surroundings while taking in all the unique features of the restaurant.
They also offer what they call “The Chef’s Table” which is a private dining space for groups of 10-16 people to have a specialized menu and experience. Our favorite part of this place (and the most romantic in our humble opinion)? The Tuscan Garden. This is a small outdoor space with only a few tables surrounded by their urban garden under dim lighting. Only an option for warmer nights, but great to plan ahead for if you’re looking for a unique and special experience for your special someone! Enhance your night: The MVP arena is a short walk away where there are different artists, performers, and events happening on a frequent basis!
June Farms
Who doesn’t love doing some yoga amongst baby goats? Okay, maybe it’s not for everyone, but it’s one of many fun things going on at June Farms. We’re talking food truck nights, barn crawls, clam bakes, there is truly something for everyone no matter what you’re into. A trip to June Farms can really be whatever you want it to be. Want to make it a double date? They have a giant line up of events perfect for bigger groups. Rather it just be a night out for two? You can do that too! Just walking around the farm is breathtaking in itself and the perfect opportunity to hold hands while taking in the views. The best part of all the fun happening here is they have cabins right on the property where you can stay to relax and enjoy the beautiful grounds. All of the cabins have a different theme so you can pick your level of romance or even pretend you’re in a big city. One of the cabins is NYC apartment style. Use your imagination to create a day or night(s) of romantic bliss!
The Chateau on the Lake
This last spot was actually featured in the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. We’re basically famous here now! In the heart of downtown Bolton Landing you will find this adorable white house turned restaurant sitting right on Lake George. Their menu is frequently updated based on local fresh food and quality. It shows when trying to make a reservation how great this spot is…book in advance! From the atmosphere to the food to the gorgeous view of the lake, this is the ultimate romantic evening for two. This spot is only open seasonally, but it’s worth the wait over the winter months. Dine inside and then grab a seat by one of their outdoor fire pits after dinner to gaze at the lake while engaging in conversation with your special someone. Craving dessert? The beloved ice cream of Stewart’s (a staple here in CapNY) is right down the road.
Written by: Kristen Suraci
Kristen is a writer, traveler and full time foodie. She enjoys being the ultimate wingwoman for Micropolitan Matchmakers and showing all her friends the amazing food the Capital Region has to offer through her instagram page, Saucy Suraci.