For a day of love — whether self-love or for your loved ones — go beyond the usual restaurant meal or a Galentine’s brunch. Don’t be daunted by the deep-freeze of February, either. The best way to celebrate V-Day, experts say, is at an inspiring place outdoors.
Time spent in nature tends to be invigorating, inspiring, and healing. A riverside stroll might bring a sense of peace and ease, while a challenging hike can kick up those feel-good endorphins. We tend to find deeper connection with both the ambiance and company, according to Lisa A. Phillips, a West Hurley-based author who writes about mental health and relationships.
“The classic scenario for a date — being face-to-face over coffee or dinner — doesn’t always work well for many of us,” Phillips explains. “Walking side by side up a mountain or on a rail trail takes the pressure off. You can just be together and talk when you want to talk and not talk when you don’t want to talk.”
Phillips has done extensive research on intimacy and healthy connection, especially in young adults as the author of First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak. She says the nature strategy “can work for parents trying to connect with [teenagers], too, as teens often feel cornered in face-to-face mode and will clam up.”
What is it about heading outside that fosters deeper appreciation and connection with a partner, friend, relative, spouse, or even ourselves?
Couples who engage in activities together, like nature walks, report greater closeness, communication, and satisfaction, according to Brittany Speed, a clinical psychologist in the Capital region. “These shared positive experiences foster bonding and supportive interactions, which are key to romantic connection,” Speed says. “But even if we are alone, nature can inspire a sense of awe that feels meaningful and increase our feelings of connection to our world.”
Speed points to ample research supporting the idea that when people are in nature together, especially when experiencing awe or beauty, they feel an increased sense of meaning, connection, and overall belonging.
Being in nature reduces stress and improves mental well-being and feelings of positivity. “If we are feeling good, we are more able to attend to our loved ones, which may increase our feelings of connectedness,” she explains.
Also, “when we are experiencing nature, we’re more closely aligned with our values about living a meaningful life, which may foster feelings of satisfaction and connection toward our environment and those we are sharing the experience with.”
A final factor: Modern life is full of distractions. Heading outdoors cuts them. “When we escape into nature,” Speed says, “we temporarily remove ourselves from these distractions and give ourselves the opportunity to focus on one another and the experience.”
The Hudson Valley offers a uniquely vast array of open spaces that can be romantic or inspiring, whether you prefer mountain vistas like from atop Mount Beacon, the creek-lined paths of the Black Creek Preserve in Esopus, or accessible parks like Poets’ Walk in Red Hook — spaces that are “lovely, accessible, and iconic,” Phillips says.
If you have more time, Phillips urges getting into the Catskills for the fully awe-inspiring experience of mountains. She and her husband started hiking the peaks when they were dating in the early aughts — and she credits that for building a strong bond.
“Before I met him, I’d had some good hiking experiences, but didn’t value that enough to make it a regular part of my life. Together, we made hiking a priority,” she says. “Most weekends we’d take a whole day to hike, transporting ourselves away from the stresses of work and life, and from technology. We hiked Wittenberg and Cornell before we got married, because the venue we chose had a view of their peaks. The unspoken theme of our wedding was ‘to have and to hike.'”
Looking for unique outdoor locations that encourage connection? Check out these romantic spots.
Poets’ Walk Park
The rustic, romantic Poet’s Walk pavilion is famous — and popular. Farther down the park’s winding path, you’ll find a trail that leads to the secluded Summer House for a more private moment.
Black Creek Preserve
The preserve is well known for its iconic suspension bridge, which is a romantic spot to pause and watch the creek below. For a fresh discovery, though, try its sweet new pavilion.
Foundry Dock Park
This Cold Spring hot spot offers riverside seating that looks out upon the Hudson Highlands, a stunning sight year-round.
Neversink River Unique Area
The Catskills are known for their majestic vistas, but their waterfalls are just as worth the trip, and especially during winter when these powerful waters are frozen in place.
Olana Grounds
Art, history, and nature combine at the former home of Hudson River School artist Frederic Church, where you can walk the grounds (for free) and take in captivating views of the Catskills.
Irvington Park
This Westchester-based park offers paved paths, benches, and more along a rocky shoreline of the Hudson with perfect views of the Manhattan skyline.
