Romantic Destinations In NYC (TOP 5)

Top 5 List

By Vicks

Yes, it’s a completely commercialized holiday, popularized by companies

that want to sell you greeting cards. Yes, it’s sentimentalism at its most noxious. And yes, if you don’t pony up on for your girlfriend/fiancé/wife, you are busted. But if you’re in New York City (or have the private jet handy), we’ve outsourced your planning to a couple cupids who know a bit about being wooed in the Big Apple: Candace Swanepoel and Erin Heatherton, Victoria’s Secret Bombshells (apparently, that’s a job title now). They look good in underwear. Which makes them experts in -- sorry, what were we talking about? They look really good in underwear.

We headed down to the Victoria’s Secret store in SoHo to chat with the Bombshells about their favorite romantic spots Valentine’s Day in New York City. In case you ever find yourself planning a date with Erin or Candice, or really any other woman who occasionally hangs out in her underwear in your presence, here are the Bombshells’ picks.

No.5 - Bowery Ballroom

If music is the food of love, this indy Lower East Side venue is seriously good eating. “Nothing brings you together like seeing a band you both love,” advises Erin. And if said band is responsible for “your song,” even better (fingers crossed for a Warrant reunion). Alas, the Ballroom’s Valentine’s Day concert, Citizen Cope, is sold out. But there’s still Craigslist. And plenty of other acts across the city, all poised to provide the score to your romantic exploits.

No.4 - South Street Seaport

Often overlooked by natives, touristy South Street Seaport, as Candace (blonde, accent) reminded us, is a lovely place for a stroll. After the sun sets, the water sparkles with the lights of lower Manhattan, and the walkway offers plenty of places to steal a smooch. Bring a bottle of bubbly and a couple of paper cups (technically illegal, by the way) and you’ve got Valentine’s Day gold.

Often overlooked by natives, touristy South Street Seaport, as Candace (blonde, accent) reminded us, is a lovely place for a stroll. After the sun sets, the water sparkles with the lights of lower Manhattan, and the walkway offers plenty of places to steal a smooch. Bring a bottle of bubbly and a couple of paper cups (technically illegal, by the way) and you’ve got Valentine’s Day gold.

No.3 - The Boom Boom Room

Opened in the fall of 2009, the swanky scene atop the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District is catwalking toward its first Valentine’s Day, giant hot tub and all. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, snowflake chandeliers, A-listers, Lindsey Lohan -- this is where the party people party. And if you can get in, you don’t need us to tell you that.

No.2 - Brunch at Cafe Cluny

St. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, and Erin (blonde, freckles) -- at the risk of pissing off Mother’s Day -- suggests kicking things off with brunch. Café Cluny, the cozy West Village bistro with French Colonial flair, serves well-prepared standards (brioche french toast, Cluny burger) in a charming setting. Hint: Don’t get caught peeking at the Victoria’s Secret model to your left. Eyes front, partner.

No.1 - Silk Day Spa

This exclusive, East-meets-West spa in Greenwich offers a selection of indulgent packages to pamper you and yours. Their “Urban Vacation” for two, featuring a body scrub, eastern hot stone massage and papaya mango wrap, will earn you big points while also unblocking your chi. (Which may pay off later.) For Valentine’s Day, Silk is rolling out the chocolate fountain, and $50 coupons toward future couples visits.