discreet dates
SAILING - What could be more private than being out in the middle of the water?
SPAS - Depending on the spa or service, this activity can be private or semi-private. See my list of favorite spas here.
FILM - We can sneak in at the back after the opening credits, pretend we’re teenagers again, and be the first to slip out as the closing credits roll. Since tickets are usually released week by week, it’s also a perfect activity if your schedule is often in flux. I’m partial to the Metrograph, Film Forum, Film at Lincoln Center, IFC Center, MoMA’s Film Series, Quad Cinema, Museum of the Moving Image, and Skyline Drive-In (for an extra-private experience).
PRIVATE TABLE - The Skybox at Daniel (seats four), Le Crocodile Upstairs, Shuko, Zenkichi, and Nona Beppa all have fully private small dining rooms that allow for separate entry and exit.
A BOX AT THE OPERA OR ABT - The NYCB and Philharmonic don’t have private boxes, but the Metropolitan Opera House does. If you’re not a fan of opera, we can catch the American Ballet Theater there during the summer months. Each box has its own connecting chamber so we can enter and exit separately as the lights go down.
HELICOPTER TOUR - The only place further from prying eyes than the sea, is the sky.
COOKING CLASS OR WINE TASTING CLASS - A creative alternative to a dinner date or cocktails. While I generally don’t cook for myself, it could be fun to cook together.
MUSEUMS - At first glance, this might seem like one of the most public activities possible. The trick here is a sizable contribution which will grant you early hours access, a tax write-off, and the occasional private tour outside public hours. Or, we can just maintain a safe distance from one another during public hours and blend into the crowd.
TENNIS - I just so happen to know of a centrally-located club in Manhattan with a single private court where the pros practice during the Open. Maybe it’s close to your office?
HORSEBACK RIDING - This may require a slight jaunt out of Manhattan, but is a great activity for longer dates (or if you’re located outside of Manhattan).
DIRTY DANCING - I’ve taken ballet, but never learned to dance with a partner. Shall we sign up for Swing, Salsa, or something else?
LANGUAGE LESSONS - What could be more romantic than learning a romance language together? I’m already started on French, but Italian and Spanish are on my list to master, or we can compare the rest of our lists. Added bonus: you’ll have your progress to point to and how is anyone to know what pace you’re learning at?
MUSIC LESSONS - Similar to the above, I already play the piano, a little flute, and took voice lessons for several years, but I’d love to learn a stringed instrument.
PRIVATE LESSONS - Just about any skill or hobby you can think of can be done privately, with the added bonus of providing a legitimate alibi. What have you always wanted to do, but never had the time or opportunity? Fencing is on my list, what’s on yours?