An Italian explorer, Giovanni da Verrazano, first discovered Manhattan in 1524. He was working for the king of France. He raised the French flag, claimed the land for the French, and founded a small village. One hundred years later, the Dutch defeated the French rivals when they took Manhattan in the early part of the next century. After this victory, the Dutch held the colony until the English took it from them in 1664.
According to one story, it was as a result of the Dutch presence that the city had become known as The Big Apple. The governor of the Dutch colony, Peter Stuyvesant, began planting apple orchards, and, in due course, the state of New York became famous for the quantity of its produce. In the 1920s, jazz musicians began to call the city by this colorful name because it was the biggest and the best thing New York State had to offer.
Even in the 17th century, when there were only a few hundred settlers in the city, 18 different languages were spoken. The first large groups of immigrants after the Dutch and English settlers were the Italians, who began to arrive in the early 1800s. People from all over the Europe followed. The Irish came to the city in their hundreds to escape starvation when the Irish potato crop failed in the 1840s. The greatest numbers came in 1907, when 1,004,756 people poured into the country.
Today, about the fifth of New York’s seven million residents were born outside the USA. Among these present-day inhabitants are Italians, Russians, Irish, Greeks, Canadians and Puerto Ricans. About 14,000 of Native Americans from all over the USA live in New York City, and the population is growing all the time. But where now are the people whose ancestors were the city’s first inhabitants? Two surviving groups of these early settlers do still have a connection with Manhattan. They are the Delaware, who now live over 2000 km away in Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Ontario; and the Ramapough, a community living on the border of New York and New Jersey, direct descendants of Manhattan’s original inhabitants.
When the Dutch first settled on the island, groups of Native Americans came every year to settlements in the south and north to hunt, fish and grow crops. But by the 1740s disease, the spread of European settlers and warfare had emptied the island.
However, other Native Americans and New York’s most eye-catching modern feature, the skyscraper, are closely linked.
As these giants began to rise over Manhattan, the heroic descendants of New York State’s Iroquois became famous. They gained a reputation as being extremely skilled steel workers in the construction industry. Without them, New York’s most impressive skyscrapers would never have been built and New York would not have had the city skyline it has today.
Fender Big Apple Stratocaster
When we think of romantic cities several come to mind. Being serenaded on a gondola in Venice, looking out onto the illuminated city of Paris from the Eiffel tower or cruising along the River Vlatava in Prague.
Out of all the romantic cities in the world New York really stands out because of the overwhelming variety of romantic settings, vistas and attractions. While Valentine’s Day may only come around once a year New York celebrates romance all year round.
Spectacular Views
Offering some of the best views of the New York City skyline the Empire State Building is a favorite of couples craving a bit of romance. Perhaps New York’s City’s most famous romantic spot, the Empire State Building was described by a character in the movie An Affair to Remember as “the closest thing to heaven in New York."
If it’s magnificent views that you’re after a trip to the Top of the Rock is highly recommended. Located on the 70th storey of the Rockefeller Centre the only thing between you and the 360 degree views of the city are panels of glass – a truly breathtaking spot for those looking to turn up the heat on the romance front.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a favorite amongst New Yorkers and affords spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyline. Once you have strolled across this Neo-Gothic structure visit one of the many restaurants at the base of the bridge on the Manhattan side for a romantic meal.
Romantic Restaurants
There are too many romantic restaurants in New York City to even try to mention them all. There are a few that really stand out and the Candela Restaurant is one of them. The menu is an exquisite mix of Mediterranean; Italian and Asian dining offering eclectic dished ranging from sashimi to cavatelli served in cream sauce. The bar staff’s romantic recommendation is the decadent white chocolate martini, made with Godiva white chocolate liquor. The candlelit atmosphere of the restaurant combined with the excellent food and service makes it a hit amongst couples looking for romance in the Big Apple.
The Water’s Edge Restaurant in Queens is another favorite amongst couples – the views of the Manhattan skyline and East River are sublime. Paris Commune in the West Village is the epitome of French romance and the cuisine is to die for.
Shopping
Nothing says I love you like a shopping trip to one of the many gorgeous stores in New York City. If your relationship is new why not treat your partner to the delights of the city’s many fine chocolatiers. Jacques Torres Chocolate and Li-Lac Chocolates will provide one of the most heavenly experiences of your life.
If things are a little more serious what could be better than a romantic trip to Tiffany & Co where diamonds sparkle from display cabinets in every direction. The magical play of dancing light will make this the perfect place to buy that very special ring.
Romantic Hotel Getaways
What better way to indulge in true romance than to book into one of the magnificently amorous hotels in New York City. Whether you prefer the surreal nature of the luxurious Dream hotel, the understated elegance of the Alex Hotel, the overwhelming opulence of the Trump International Hotel & Tower or the intimacy of the Elysee Hotel; New York City hotels will not disappoint.
Natural Beauty
If it’s gorgeous natural settings you’re after don’t miss out on Central Park’s Conservatory Garden and the New York, Brooklyn and Staten Island Botanical Gardens. Take a romantic stroll round the gardens, stop for a bit to eat or just sit on a bench and let the world pass you by.
Find Romance
What could be more romantic than a carriage ride through Central Park? Snuggled up in the back of a gorgeous horse draw carriage brings back romantic sentiments from decades gone by – an absolute must for those looking for romance in NYC.
Couples from all over the city descend on the ice skating rink at the Rockefeller Centre when they’re in the mood for a bit of whimsical romance. After skating you could take a trip up to the Rainbow Room on the 65th floor of the GE building to take in the magnificent city views.
An awesome way to finish of a romantic day in the big Apple is with a Broadway show or a trip to the Opera.
All in all New York City is undoubtedly one of the world’s most romantic cities, if you really want to spoil that special person in your life take them on holiday to this fanciful, exciting and eclectic destination.
Both Sharon White & Southern Sun Southern Sun are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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Southern Sun Southern Sun has sinced written about articles on various topics from Adventure Travel, Health and Christmas Gifts. At we have developed an informative, up-to-date directory of romantic New York attractions and fantastic New York Hotels. There are also several New York sightseeing tours availabl. Southern Sun Southern Sun's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.
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