February 14th may be Valentine’s Day, but let’s face it, romance can happen any day or night of the year. Many parents find setting aside one night a week – or even one night a month – is critical to keeping their grown-up bond alive and thriving.
Don’t rely on spontaneous planning. If you wait until a day or two before to decide on what to do you may very well succumb to inertia. Set up some real dates in advance so all you need do is show up.
Take a few minutes to review some activities you and your partner might enjoy together. It can be continuing to explore a common interest or trying something new. Sharing a meal is nice, but expand your horizons. Consider some of the ideas below and sign up so romance can bloom all year long.
Film Club
Like movies? Seeing a first run movie can be more exciting than viewing yet another Netflix show. And signing up for a movie club can be even more exciting.
The Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville offers Movie Club Subscriptions that meet once a month on Monday or Tuesday evening. burnsfilmcenter.org.
The Westchester Cinema Club screens first-run films prior to their release in the spring, fall and winter on Sunday mornings at the Greenberg Multiplex Cinema in Elmsford. In summer the screenings take place at the Alamo Drafthouse in Yonkers on Tuesday evenings. westchestercinemaclub.com.
The Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck offers a highly popular new independent film series on Wednesday evenings. emelin.org.
Art Class
Explore your creativity together by signing up for an art class. Try painting, pottery or digital photography.
The Katonah Art Center has 134 different art classes to choose from and there are specialty workshops too. Take the same class or meet after respective classes for a drink to discuss what you learned. katonahartcenter. com.
The JCC of Mid-Westchester also offers adult art classes as well as dance and theater classes that might appeal. jcc.org.
Cooking School
Stir up some romance together in a cooking class.
Zwilling Cooking Studio in Pleasantville offers a “Date Night” Cooking Class on a regular basis. Recent classes have included a Moroccan Menu, French Bistro and Japanese cooking. Prepare your meal then grab a glass of wine and enjoy the meal together – and you don’t have to do the dishes! zwillingcookingstudio.com.
Sur La Table in White Plains or Ridge Hill, Yonkers also offers cooking instruction. They too offer “Date Night” evenings such as Winter Dinner in France, Passport to Tuscany and Celebrating Chinese New Year. surlatable.com.
Shopping
It’s well known that most men say they don’t like to shop, but what if the shopping expedition included selecting the new family car – or a new piece of stereo equipment. Leave the kids at home and have fun selecting your next big purchase together.
Theater
You can travel in to the city to see a Broadway Show or check out some of the great talent in our local area.
The Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill is a Westchester County landmark and a wonderful spot for theater and music. See the likes of Dionne Warwick, Peter Frampton, the Golden Dragon Acrobats as well as comedians and salutes to ethnic celebrations. paramounthudsonvalley.com.
Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, Conn is constantly updating their schedule so be sure to check their website often. See The Commodores, a screening of Saint Joan from the National Theatre Live and The McCartney Years, a tribute band experience. ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
Music
There’s nothing better than live music to make you feel alive.
Check out the offerings at The Capitol Theatre, known as the original Rock house, in Port Chester for great music events. Hear John Fogerty, Phil Leas & Friends and Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass. thecapitoltheatre. com.
Tarrytown Music Hall always has a great line up as well. This landmark 1885 music hall offers a wide variety of performers including the Westchester Symphonic Winds, saxophonist Maceo Parker and Let it Be – A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles. tarrytownmusichall.org.
Exercise or Spa
Having trouble fitting in exercise? Do it together. Join a tennis club, a bike club, or take golf lessons together. Need a break from activity? How about a couples’ massage at one of the excellent Westchester spas where men will feel comfortable such as Oasis in Dobbs Ferry.
Ann Mc Govern is a Westchester-based freelance writer.
