Why Beaches Turks & Caicos is a Dream Family Vacation

Yes, summer is over. But, if you are already dreaming about your next family vacation, I have just the right place. Right before school, my family visited Beaches Turks and Caicos and IT. WAS. AMAZING. If you have never visited a Beaches resort, it needs to be put on your bucket list. For families, the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort is a dream family vacation. It is 100% worth every penny.

Before I move on to telling you why it is so dreamy, you need to know upfront that Beaches Turks & Caicos is an all-inclusive resort. This means all your room, your meals, your drinks, and your fun activities are all included in the booking price. To put it clearly, Beaches tells guests food is “Always Included. Always Unlimited. All the Time.”

If that is not enough to get you ready to book your tickets, here are a few more reasons why Beaches Turks & Caicos is so fabulous.

Absolutely Beautiful Scenery

Turks & Caicos is absolutely beautiful with crystal clear water and white sand. Beaches Turks & Caicos takes advantage of its location by making sure the resort offers beautiful views of the beaches and gardens from rooms and restaurants. Additionally, the scenery of the resort is stunning. The resort is composed of five villages, including themes like Italy, France, Caribbean, and Key West.

Delicious Food and Drinks

On vacation, I do not want to worry about cooking or doing the dishes. At Beaches Turks & Caicos, not only do I not have to do these two things, but I also get to enjoy delicious meals whenever I want since they are all included in the booking price. Think all-inclusive means you have just a few, limited options? Wrong! Beaches Turks & Caicos has 21 restaurants with high-end cuisine and kid-friendly dishes, as well as food trucks by the waterpark.

A 12 Mile Beach and 10 Pools

I’ve already mentioned the beautiful scenery at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Let me explain further. Beaches Turks & Caicos includes a 12-mile beach. That’s 12 miles of stunning crystal-clear beaches and white sand. Plus, guests get to enjoy included water sports like scuba diving! Additionally, Beaches Turks & Caicos has ten pools and a giant waterpark.

Over-the-Top Kid-Friendly

Best of all, Beaches Turks & Caicos is designed with families in mind. There are so many fun things for kids to do at the resort that they will be begging you not to leave! You can easily fill your days and keep your kids entertained for your entire vacation. Here are some of the amazing kid-friendly features of Beaches Turks & Caicos:

• Sesame Street Fun – The resort features popular Sesame Street characters and interactive events including kid’s favorite characters from the show, such as dance parties, stage shows, Storytime with Elmo and Baking with Cookie Monster.

• Pirate Island Waterpark – The resort is home to a 45,000 square foot waterpark with eight waterslides, a lazy river, splash pads, a surf simulator, and a kids-only swim-up bar.

• Supervised Kids Programming – Beaches Turks & Caicos also offers daily Kids Camp programming, offering supervised activities from morning to sunset. Plus, they offer a special needs program including heading to a sensory-friendly location.

• Live Family-Friendly Shows – The resort is home to Voila, a set of family-friendly live shows featuring shows like The Jungle Book Live, Alice in Wonderland, and Treasure Island.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos for the next school break!

Last Minute Getaway Ideas for This Upcoming Labor Day Weekend

What better way to say goodbye to summer than a quick Labor Day getaway? This summer has flown by, and I am looking for ways to send summer off with a bang with my little family. I’m thinking a trip is in the works. Labor Day weekend begins next Friday once you clock out of work, so you’ve only got a week to make your plans. I’m here to help with some road trip destinations near NYC and some good ideas for a last-minute international flight.

The Adirondacks and Lake Placid

Drive Time = 5 Hours

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure within driving distance of NYC, look no further than Lake Place in the Adirondacks. Your whole family will enjoy the scenic views, and you will find plenty of things to do outdoors, such as hiking, paddle boarding, or golfing.

Rhode Island Beaches

Drive Time = 3 Hours, 15 Minutes

If you want to enjoy some family beach time, head towards one of the Rhode Island beaches, such as Narragansett Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, or Roger Wheeler State Beach. These quaint seaside towns cater to beach-loving families. Families will love watching the fishermen, riding bikes, and eating their share of seafood.

Ocean City, New Jersey

Drive Time – 2 Hours, 15 Minutes

Did you know that nearby Ocean City has been named New Jersey’s favorite beach multiple years in a row and was even named Best Beach in America in 2016 by Coastal Living? When you visit, it is easy to see why. This is a super family-friendly beach destination complete with a boardwalk, an amusement park, and beautiful beaches.

The Great New York State Fair

Drive Time = 4 Hours

If your idea of saying bye to summer involves a wild and crazy time for your kids, then head to The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, which runs from August 21st – September 2nd. This is the oldest state fair in America, and they do it big! In addition to the typical fair rides and food, this state fair also has crazy good entertainment, such as concerts by famous musicians over Labor Day weekend.

Best Last-Minute International Spots

For those families looking for a last-minute jet-setting adventure, I found some great tips on Kayak. For example, Kayak suggests, “If you’re looking for an international bargain, head north or south — not east or west. Based on last year’s data, destinations in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean shine through as affordable escapes, with median airfares barely breaking $300 roundtrip for Labor Day. Noticeably absent from the list? Destinations in Europe, Africa or Asia.”

What are you planning to do with your family this Labor Day Weekend? Let me know in the comments!

Osaka – Where to Go, Eat, and Drink

While in Japan, we made a visit to the island of Honshu to spend time in Osaka. Our visit there was full of sight-seeing and eating (of course). Osaka is known for its happening nightlife and fantastic street food, and I am happy to report that it lived up to its hyped reputation! Think of this as an introduction to all things Osaka.

Osaka Sights to See

A visit to Osaka should be composed of shopping and sightseeing. Luckily, we did both!

Shinsaibashi – A trip to Osaka is not complete without a visit to Shinsaibashi, which is entertainment central. It is a popular shopping destination known for its many high-end retailers. Additionally, it is home to several restaurants and nightclubs. Now that I’ve visited, it’s easy to see why visitors to this street number about 60,000 on weekdays and about 120,000 on weekends and holidays.

Dotonbori – Another popular entertainment of Osaka, Dotonbori is a colorful area that borders the Dotonbori Canal and is known for its many bright neon lights. It has several restaurants and bars, as well as many street food stalls.

Osaka Castle Park – The main landmark of Osaka is Osaka Castle Park. The centuries-old castle has been rebuilt and renovated many times over. When you tour the castle, you may be surprised by how modern it is inside, but they have retained the history within the castle museum. In addition to the castle, the park is beautiful with an amazing garden and 600 cherry trees.

Osaka Foods to Try

If you have been following along with my Asia travel blog series, then you know the biggest part of all our visits was the food. We love to try new foods, and Osaka is known for serving usual and delicious dishes.

Takoyaki – This is a ball-shaped wheat-based snack you can find at street food stalls that are filled with octopus. Takoyaki is also fondly known as “octopus balls.”

Okonomiyaki – Another popular dish in Osaka is okonomiyaki, which is a pancake made of batter and cabbage that is filled and topped with a variety of ingredients.

Fugu – While we didn’t try it, Osaka does have restaurants that serve Fugu – toxic puffer fish. This is a Japanese delicacy where even the smallest mistake by a chef can prove fatal to the person eating it.

Akari Soba – We enjoyed dining at Akari Soba, which serves delicious soba and tempura. This restaurant is located in the busy area of Dotonbori and made our visit here even better.

Kyoto Tsuruya Sabou – Located in the Hilton Plaza, this dessert café was wonderful! We enjoyed matcha desserts.

Why a Visit to Osaka Must Include an Izakaya

Photo: AllAbout-Japan

An izakaya is a Japanese bar, and Osaka is covered with them. When in Osaka, you must visit an izakaya to enjoy a sake or a drink. After spending the day shopping in Shinsaibashi, an evening spent in an izakaya is the perfect way to finish out a day filled with fun and food.

How to Fly Singapore Suites for Free and My Time in Singapore Suites

My recent trip to Asia became a dream come true as soon as I arrived at JFK because I knew I was about to embark on the most luxurious plan trip of my life. My husband and I had booked Singapore Suites through Singapore Airlines. If you have not heard of Singapore Suites before, prepare to be amazed. If you have heard of Singapore Suites and desperately want to enjoy them yourself, I can tell you how you can make it happen.

Why Singapore Suites Should Be On Everyone’s Bucket List

When you are traveling across the world in a plane for several hours, the last thing you want is to be in a small cramped airplane seat. Even the standard first-class seats just aren’t enough to make a long journey enjoyable. That’s just the start of the beauty of Singapore Suites.

Singapore Suites are luxury suites in the sky – complete with privacy walls and double beds for couples. Think of the most extravagant way to fly – and that’s Singapore Suites. Each spacious suite has a comfortable, plush chair that converts into a bed. Since I traveled with my husband, we booked two suites that allowed us to form a double bed between the two suites.

In addition to the amazing sleep options, the suite is also designed for you to have everything you need to have an amazing flight. Think of the amenity kits you may have received from a different first-class trip – now up them about a hundred. Each suite has a tv with plenty of options, and you have a pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones to enjoy it. Plus, the cabin crew will make you feel like an esteemed guest. We felt like royalty as they served us Dom Perignon champagne and hot towels.

The Finest Dining Experience in the Sky

My readers already know how much I love food, so it should be no surprise that one of the main reasons I believe you should fly Singapore Suites at least once in your life is because it will allow you to eat luxuriously in the sky. A dinner table forms from the center console, which allowed us to enjoy this fine dining in the sky together. And, when I say, “fine dining,” I mean it. Caviar, lobster, and an in-flight wine-sommelier who will suggest wines that work best with your meals and the altitude. Amazing!

Yes – You Can Fly Singapore Suites for FREE

Now I am sure some of you are reading this have already started to think this is impossible for most people. You’re wrong! You can fly Singapore Suites for free – no lie! By saving up points and miles, you can also enjoy this luxurious flight. Here are some things you need to know if you hope to one day use your points to fly Singapore Suites for free:

• Singapore Suites are only on the Airbus A380s. In the US, JFK is the only place in the US that operates an A380. (We flew from JFK to Frankfurt to Singapore – a Singapore airline suite route.)

• You can only use points through Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer Program. This means you cannot use Mileage Plus or Aeroplan miles to book this trip.

• However, you CAN transfer points from the following reward programs: American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG).

• These reward points transfer 1:1, with the chance to earn a 5000-mile bonus for transfers over 20,000.

• Current miles needed range from 76,000 miles to 135,000 miles depending on your route.

• Because JFK is the only place operating a flight with a Singapore Suites A380, you MUST book your trip as far in advance as possible – especially if you plan to travel with someone else and want to book the suites like ours that can be turned into a double bed.

One final note about this dream flight – We were in the “old” Singapore Suites, which as you can see were incredibly, but there are “new” ones that are even more amazing if you can believe it.

How I Make Kid-Free Travel Easier for Everyone

It’s no secret that I love to travel or that I love my girls. It is also not a secret that I strongly believe parents should take kid-free vacations. You can read all my reasons why I am so pro kid-free vacations here. However, I realized that while I have told my readers the importance of heading away with their spouse and leaving the kids behind that I haven’t explained what I do to make it easier.

Mom friends, I am here today to make it easier for you to leave the kids at home. Whether you are worried about the logistics or the guilt, there are a few things you can do that will instantly make you and your kids feel better about your upcoming kid-free vacay.

I Leave Them with People I Trust

First things first – I always leave my girls with people that I trust. Who these people are is going to be different for everyone, but here are some things that I think make it easier.

1. Choose people your kids know. It is even better if you choose people your kids love.

2. These people should know your kids. They should know your kids’ routine and their quirks.

3. Pick people who will keep them safe but will also help them cope with you being away by filling their days with fun and happiness.

I Prepare Them in Advance

My girls are old enough now that I can prepare them in advance for an upcoming trip. For example, I put it on the family calendar so they can countdown. I tell them where they will be staying and who they will be staying with. I also tell them the basics of where I am going and how they can reach me if they need me.

I Keep in Touch

Today’s technology makes it so easy to stay in touch while you are away. You can even keep in touch while you are in the middle of the sea on a cruise! I know some parents worry that if their kids talk to them while they are away, then they will get more upset. This hasn’t been the case for our family. We call them and use video chat to stay in touch. We also send and receive pictures from their caregivers the entire time we are gone.

PS. A good cell phone call makes all the difference –, especially for international travel!

I Leave Them Notes

I also like to leave my daughters little notes in their luggage for the days while I am away. Just like how I will leave a note in their lunchboxes, these little notes are sweet reminders that mommy is thinking of them even while I am away.

I Buy Them Souvenirs

Like most moms, when I am away from my girls, I spend countless minutes of my time away thinking of them, looking at pictures on my phone of them, and shopping for them! How can I not, right?! It makes my heart happy to find gifts I know my girls will love while I am away and helps me when I am missing them.

What tricks do you have making travel without kids easier? Let me know in the comments!

Why Kids Should Travel the World

It’s no secret that we love to travel, but what you may not realize is that we are deliberate about traveling the world with our girls. I believe wholeheartedly that traveling is important. My travels have taught me so much about the world and myself. I want my girls to have those same kinds of eye-opening experiences.

Someone asked me why I think it is important for kids to travel the world rather than just taking vacations nearby. I hadn’t been asked my reasons before, but once I thought about it, I came to realize I have good reasons for choosing to expose my girls to places beyond the USA.

Traveling is fun.

First of all, traveling is fun! As a family, traveling is a great way to have fun and bond. Nothing says family bonding like having to patiently wait to board a long flight and successfully making it to your destination with everyone still loving each other. Ha! But, seriously, when we travel, we get to do fun things we don’t get to do at home.

Travel teaches kids about languages, history, and geography.

My girls are lucky enough to receive a great education at the hands of their teachers in their classrooms. However, I believe learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. If you want hands-on learning, traveling the world is a great way to do it. Without even meaning to, your kids will learn about new languages, history, and geography.

Travel allows kids to experience other cultures.

All children need to learn about cultures other than their own. While we can attend cultural festivals in NYC, it is something entirely different to expose your children to another culture by being immersed in that culture.

Travel helps kids put down the toys and gadgets.

I am not anti-toys or anti-electronics – they are lifesavers for most days! But, there is something pretty magical about your kids having fun simply by experiencing a new world. When we visited other countries, my girls get to do activities that are so much more enjoyable than playing on a device. They are having real-world fun in real-time.

Travel breeds compassion and understanding.

When we travel, I try my hardest to teach my daughters to respect the people and the culture. Traveling is a great opportunity for kids to learn about differences, but it is more important for kids to learn the similarities they have with the kids they encounter in other places. By exposing them to a world that is bigger than our NYC home, my daughters are learning to think about others more. They learn that the world is a big place and that we need to respect one another.

Travel inspires curiosity.

Watching my daughter’s eyes open wide in amazement as we tour new places fills me with joy. Each new place gets stored away in their little brains and inspires their curiosity. As they grow older, I hope their curiosity about other countries inspires them to travel the whole world.

Why I’m Choosing Choice Vacation Rentals This Spring Break

It’s cold right now, but before you know it, it’s going to be Spring! Like every other family living up north, we look forward to spring break all winter long. And, now that it is March, it is time to start planning my family’s spring break trip. All I know at this point is I want to go somewhere warm and sunny. I want to put all the new sunny vacation goodies I recently splurged on at T.J. Maxx to good use!

Why a Vacation Rental Over a Hotel

Because this ^^^ (PHOTO: Choice Vacation Rental in Destin, FL)

Another thing I already know is that this spring break we will opt for a vacation rental over a hotel. Don’t get my wrong – I love a nice hotel! I love resort vacations! But, every now and then, I want to escape to a new locale and still have as much space as I would at home. I want bedrooms and kitchens of my own. With a vacation rental, I get to magically pretend someone else’s home is mine for just a week. It’s a nice change of pace.

Choosing Between Vacation Rental Companies

Clearly I am not the only one who feels this way as vacation rentals are more popular than ever! Not only are people choosing to book a vacation rental rather than a hotel for their trips, but people are also making a second income by renting out their homes through AirBnB, VRBO and Homestay. The vacation rental industry is booming!

Given that sudden popularity, there are many people jumping on the bandwagon and renting out their homes. While this sometimes works out well for both the homeowners and the vacationers, there are also tons of horror stories. Imagine thinking you are renting an extravagant vacation home and arrive to discover a dump.

Choice Vacation Rentals Gets My Vote

Honestly, this is the biggest reason why I start my vacation rental hunt with Choice Vacation Rentals. Choice Vacation Rentals offers beautiful homes, private residences, townhomes, and cabins as a part of the trusted Choice Hotels Brand. Instead of dealing with individual homeowners, Choice Vacation Rentals are professionally managed ensuring your rental is of clean, well-maintained, and fully furnished.

Plus, Choice Vacation Rentals offer stunning vacation homes in the most popular destinations in the US. No matter where you plan to book your family’s spring break trip, you will find a vacation home rental you love on their website, which is super easy to navigate.

Finally, Choice Vacation Rentals gets my vote because you can earn Choice Privileges Points for every hotel or vacation home stay. Since my family loves to travel, I look for any opportunity to save money. As your points add up, they can be redeemed for free nights, free hotel stays, digital gift cards to popular restaurants and retailers, and exchange points for airline miles and cruises.

Now, it’s time to decide which spring break vacation destination my family will visit this year!

A Winter Weekend Getaway to Pocono Mountains

My family likes to escape the city often. Since I love a good weekend trip, I am always happy to explore places that are a short drive away. Recently, my family decided to take the two hour drive from new York City to Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania.

Pocono Mountains is a wonderful family-friendly destination – especially in the winter time. In addition to all the fun winter sports you can participate in, there are also indoor waterparks allowing you to experience a little bit of summer in the winter. This trip we did our best to experience the best of both.

Play in the Snow

Both of girls are now old enough to experience the thrill of snow tubing in Poconos Mountains. There are several places where you can take your family snow tubing. Speeding down the hills on the tubes is always a blast and something we look forward to each winter.

Photo: visitpoconos.com

While snow tubing is fun period, it becomes even more fun when at night as galactic snow tubing is now a thing. How cool is this?

Enjoy Kalahari Indoor Waterpark

Another popular reason to visit Poconos Mountains during the winter is to check out one of the indoor waterpark resorts. This trip we stayed at Poconos Kalahari, which is America’s largest indoor waterpark. This huge waterpark facility is kept a warm 84 degrees all day every day. The resort tricks you into forgetting about the snow outside!

The waterpark has several water slides and kids play areas. There is enough to do in the waterpark are of the resort to fill up a whole day. My girls had a wet and wild time!

If you want to visit Poconos Kalahari but don’t plan to stay at the resort, they do offer a limited number of day passes.

Tons of Indoor Fun

In addition to the awesome waterpark, Poconos Kalahari is indoor fun central. They have everything to make your kids have the time of their lives. For example, they have a game room, virtual reality, escape rooms, mini golf, and mini bowling. That’s not even including the kid-friendly dining options.

Rest and Relax at the Spa

Photo: spaweek.com

Last but certainly not least, Poconos Kalahari has an outstanding spa. When I have spent the weekend snow tubing and riding water slides, I need a little time for relaxation. I also need a small break from loud children. So, I head to the spa which is for guest 18 years old and up.

And, it was heavenly! On top of offering traditional spa services, they also offer a halotherapy room (where pure salt is vaporized into the air) and a hydrotherapy room which includes a steam room, a sauna, a relaxation sanctuary and more.

Now, before you judge me, they also have Spa Kalahari Junior where your little ones can be pampered, too. Spa Kalahari Junior offers manicures, pedicures, facials, and make-up application.

After seeing all the fun we had in just a weekend, don’t you see why the Poconos Mountains makes a great winter weekend escape?

I’m Dreaming of a WARM Winter and an Escape from NYC

Alright, Santa, you want to know what I really want this Christmas under the tree? Plane tickets. I want plane tickets to someplace warm and sunny so that I can escape the cold of New York City this time of year. Please, Santa, I’ve been good this year.

But, for real, Christmas break is an awesome time to travel to sunnier climates. While traveling takes planning, if you already have the days off work, why not be spontaneous and choose to celebrate the holidays on white sandy beaches instead of a snow-covered city? If you can’t make it happen this year, there’s always next year. It’s never too early to plan!

Here are a few warm weather destinations for your family vacation during the holiday season:

Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Disney World at Christmastime is even more magical. Everything is dripping in festive lights and colors. With an average high of 73 degrees, it is a safe bet you will enjoy much warmer weather in Orlando than back home in New York.

Hawaii

Hawaii is a hugely popular Christmas vacation destination. Not only is it warm, but it is also stunningly beautiful. Plus, celebrating Christmas at a beach luau sounds marvelous! No wonder so many people head that way during the winter season.

San Antonio, Texas

Head South to San Antonio, Texas for warmer weather and friendly people. San Antonio also turns its historic Riverwalk into an amazing light spectacle that will amaze everyone in your entire family. Plus, the city offers fun holiday events.

The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida

The average December temperature is 77 degrees in Palm Beach, Florida making it a great place for some warm weather celebrations in the sun. The Breakers Resort is my pick for a family-friendly vacation over Christmas break. It offers tons of activities for both kids and adults.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan has unique Christmas traditions and festivals that make it a fun place for families to visit over the holiday break. In addition to the festive holiday stuff in the city, there are also beautiful beaches offering just the right amount of sun, warmth, and relaxation.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is home to the mega Atlantic resort which will have your kids mesmerized. Even if you don’t stay at Atlantis, Nassau has several family-friendly resorts and tons of attractions the whole family will love.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Want to celebrate Christmas with a fiesta and a siesta? Then, head to Mexico for the holidays! Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination because of its beaches, attractions, and numerous all-inclusive resorts which cater to families.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is another fantastic place to visit over the holiday break. Offering beautiful beaches and scenery, Punta Cana is an all-inclusive playground. Families have their pick of resorts with excellent dining and entertainment options.

A Cruise to Anywhere Warm

Feeling super spontaneous? Look for last-minute cruise options! Cruises are great for families, but they also do a great job of making being on a boat at sea for a holiday an exciting adventure.

While you’re dreaming of a warm Christmas this year, go ahead and start planning a trip to Australia for next year’s Christmas vacation.

10 Festive Christmas Dates for Couples in New York City

During the busy holiday season, I think it is super important to spend time with my husband. It is too easy to get caught up in all the holiday busyness and stuff with my girls before I realize I haven’t had any good quality time with my man. Plus, the holiday season is romantic – why not take advantage of the added twinkling lights this time of year? I’ve gathered up ten wonderful Christmas date ideas for couples in NYC that will have you hunting for places to kiss under the mistletoe.

Go Ice Skating

There are several places to go ice skating in New York, but my favorite place to go ice skating this time of year is The Rink at Rockefeller Center below the giant Christmas tree. Yes, it is a tourist trap, but that just means it is perfect for people-watching!

Shop Til You Drop

Christmas means shopping. Why not turn one of your favorite activities into a date with the one you love? You both have to buy gifts for the people in your life, so enjoy spending time together while you check off your lists.

Marvel at the Holiday Window Displays

If your man claims he hates shopping, then take him window shopping instead. Trust me – this is a date you both will love. The holiday window displays at New York City stores is something to see. Take your time to hold hands through the city streets and talk about which holiday window displays are your favorites.

Watch a Broadway Show

For theater-lovers, there is always a show to see in NYC. These make some of the best date nights because you get to experience it together.

Enjoy Holiday Menus at Restaurants

Dinner dates are always my favorite types of dates, but I love them, even more, come Christmas time. Why? Well, many restaurants in New York City rollout special holiday menus so you and your date can try new dishes and holiday-themed drinks.

Cheer at a Basketball Game

If you are a basketball fan, a date to cheer on the New York Knicks is a must. While the weather outside is frigid, the atmosphere in the arena is on fire!

Play Like a Kid at FAO Schwartz

Yes, you are a grown up. But, I promise you, something amazing happens to adults when they visit FAO Schwartz! You become a kid again! Let go of some of your holiday stress by trying out toys with your guy and shopping for the little people in your life.

Tour Dyker Heights

Photograph: Teddy Wolff

For a truly festive date, take a tour of the Christmas lights in the affluent Dyker Heights neighborhood. This neighborhood goes all out with illuminating their homes – some even hire professional light decorators! If you want to do it right, take the Slice of Brooklyn Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour.

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

During the Christmas season, the Metropolitan Museum of Art adds some festive art to the museum. For those who love to explore museums for date night, this one is a must. In addition to beautiful Christmas trees, you will also see an eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene.

Take a Carriage Ride in Central Park

Those of you looking for romance straight from the tv screen, look no further than the carriage rides offered in Central Park. Cuddle under a warm blanket, drink a hot beverage, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city during this special time of year.