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6 “Heart Spots” in NYC: The Perfect Place for Valentine’s Day Photos

Writer: goldenstateservicesj
goldenstateservicesj
Feb 3, 2022
4 min read

Happy February everyone! Are you spending time in NYC this month? Are you looking for free/low-cost activities to do for Valentine’s Day, aka Single Awareness Day aka Galantine’s Day? Is photography a passion of yours? If you answered yes to any of these questions, scroll down! Read all about the perfect NYC places for Valentine’s Day photos that I found! Either bring your significant other, a friend or just go solo! In my quest to find hearts in NYC, I found six spots that wholeheartedly recommend!

  1. Heart Mural by James Goldcrown – Randolph Beer DUMBO, 82 Prospect St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

A picture in front of Randolph Beer in DUMBO. This was captured by my selfie stick.

The only thing better than one big heart is a group of small hearts! On the exterior of Randolph Beer in DUMBO is a mural of hearts painted by James Goldcrown, a self-taught artist from West London. Goldcrown has several variations of this style in different cities including LA, London, Tokyo, Miami, and more. If you are in the mood to treat yourself, it is worth stopping in Randolph Beer to check out their menu and grab some food and drinks. This heart spot is a short walk away from the waterfront.

2. Empire Love by Bednark Studio – Empire Stores, 53-83 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

The Empire Love heart sits in front of the Empire Stores! This was taken by a group of visitors who volunteered to take a few pictures of me!

Along the waterfront of DUMBO and in the courtyard of the Empire Stores sits another “heart spot”. This heart was designed and created by Bednark Studio. On Saturday, February 12 from 12-4pm, visitors can get their photos taken by the Self Portrait Project and a free copy of individual self-portraits. The first 250 people to get their photo taken will receive $14 Dumbo Dollars that can be used at a selection of restaurants. Check out more information online!

3. Peace, Love & Happiness by Scott Gerber – Pier 17, 89 South St, New York, NY 10038

In front of the “Heart” with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background. This was taken with my selfie stick.

Previously located on South Street Seaport, a trio of sculptural symbols, created by Scott Gerber, now sits on Pier 17 with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge in the background. The middle piece of this artwork is “Heart” which serves to remind people to be kind to each other, especially in times of hardship. In addition, the “Peace Sign” encourages everyone to remain calm in a busy world while calm amid all that is going on in the world. The “Smiley Face” is meant to evoke happiness and positivity. Pier 17 is a simple ferry ride from Brooklyn so if you have the time, consider popping over to Manhattan after you are done exploring.

Peace, Love & Happiness

NOTE: Please remember that while these sculptures are great places for photos, be respectful and refrain from climbing on them.

4. I Choose Love Mural by Hektad – 121 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

The

Located next to J & J Beauty & Gift Shop in Chinatown, the vibrant colors of the I Choose Love mural are eye-catching. This mural was painted by Bronx artist, Hektad who strives to inspire the world to love art. While Hektad has several art displays all over the streets of NYC, this one stood out to me as a great “heart spot” for Valentine’s Day. If you are in the area, consider visiting a few restaurants and supporting businesses in Chinatown and Little Italy.

5. Unnamed Floral Heart by Popaesthetic – Arbuz Cafe, 1706 Sheepshead Bay Rd, Brooklyn, NYC 11235

The Floral Heart that is at the entrance of Arbuz Cafe in Sheepshead Bay. This was taken with my selfie stick.

At the entrance of Arbuz Cafe, a Russian cafe in Sheepshead Bay, sits a colorful floral heart. Not only is it a unique backdrop for photos but it also functions as storage space. This work of art was installed by Popaesthetic, a collaboration of artists that focus on personal installations for businesses.

While it is acceptable to take photos, be respectful of the artwork and the location. Show respect by making a small purchase from the Arbuz Cafe’s menu. They offer crepes, waffles, smoothies, coffee, and all kinds of treats for dine-in and takeout. For dine-in options vaccination cards are required.

6. The Hero Monument by Sergio Funari- Hunter’s Point South Park, Long Island City, NY 11101

Located at Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City. This was taken by a nice pedestrian walking around the park.

In the words of the Italian artist, Sergio Furnari, the Hero Monument is “dedicated to health care workers and their acts of heroism around the world”. In 2020, this heart-shaped COVID-19 sculpture was placed in Central Park but was quickly removed due to being installed without a permit. This “heart spot” now stands in Long Island City overlooking the skyline of Manhattan. While admiring this piece of art, take a moment to appreciate the frontline workers. Although it is free to visit Hunter’s Point South Park, parking is limited, and with availability comes a price. Fortunately, we only spent $1.50/hour which was plenty of time for us to take pictures and grab a quick bite.

I hope that my quest for “heart spots” in NYC has inspired a few of you to plan some photoshoots around the city. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my blog for more updates shortly. In addition, I welcome any comments and questions of even suggestions of what you would like to read about in the future.

 
 
 

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