The Planetarium Date:
My husband suggested that we go to a laser show for our date night at a place that he had just heard about called The Vanderbuilt Planetarium. It was in Long Island so the drive turned out to take us quite awhile during rush hour but the areas we went through were quite pretty. Also this planetarium was a bit cheaper, with free parking, compared to the New York one.
When we arrived at Centerport (where the planetarium was) we were starving so we drove to the next town called Northport to eat dinner. We ended up randomly at this place called Nocello’s Ristorante and we were pleasantly surprised. It was a nice looking restaurant with great food, a large dance floor and a band that played classic romantic music. The food was good and it was not that expensive. I ordered a steak and mashed potatoes and split it with my husband. He also ordered an appetizer of chicken wings (which was quite plentiful) and we both got house salads and two ginger ales. Our total tab came to $38 before tip. This also included the music and dancing which was a nice surprise. The place seemed to draw an older crowd so it might be a good place for singles over 40 to go there to meet people. They also have a large bar area. I think it would also be a nice date spot for dinner and dancing for couples of all ages, particularly if you are in the area and are going to the planetarium afterwards. Lastly, they have an area of this restaurant which seems condusive to hosting parties like brunches or even small weddings and birthdays. They are reasonably priced with a dance floor so it might be a good idea to check out this place for your upcoming occasions. We enjoyed it!
Afterwards we drove next door to the Vanderbuilt Planetarium. We were supposed to see a laser show there but the laser was temporarily broken so we saw a planetarium show called ‘The Solar System’ instead. Admission was $7 each for a 40 minute show (for laser shows the admission price is $10 each). The grounds there were lovely and the show was educational and fun. Personally I love planetariums. Looking up at a sky full of stars is so peaceful. I used to imagine having a dome shaped ceiling in my bedroom where I could project all the stars…but there is something spacious and magnificent about the planetarium. It is definitely a romantic original date for a change of pace and it’s cheaper than going to the movies! So check it out and you will have a great time. Visit their website for show times and directions. I’ve posted contact info for both the planetarium and the restaurant below. Enjoy!
My Best in Love,
Paulette
Author of ‘Dating from the Inside Out: How to Use the Law of Attraction in Matters of the Heart’ published by Atria Books.
CONTACT INFO:
Nocello’s Ristorante
843 Fort Salonga Road
Northport, New York
11768
631-262-8565
Suffolk County Vanderbuilt Planetarium 180 Little Neck Road
Centerport, NY
11721
631-854-5555
Related Links: http://www.yelp.com/biz/vanderbilt-museum-and-planetarium-centerport
http://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/26/nyregion/dining-out-a-standby-takes-an-adventurous-turn.html
http://www.zagat.com/Verticals/PropertyDetails.aspx?VID=8&R=100535843