Make This February Your “Single” Best Yet

Living in Astoria can truly turn your frown upside down. With so many different cultures, cuisines and ever-changing scenery in just one neighborhood, you’d actually have to try not to have a good time. So, if you’re feeling blue about flying solo this Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at how Astoria itself can be the Valentine you didn’t know you needed.

We’ve all been cooped up for quite a while now, so let’s start with Astoria’s marvelous parks. Whatever the weather, the parks’ grounds, views, open spaces and features are great places to spend time, whether you just want to stretch your legs, take a stab at your photography or art skills or just lose yourself in a book.

Speaking of, if you have any interest at all in the art world, Socrates Sculpture Park (32-01 Vernon Blvd.) is the place for you. Filled with intriguing outdoor art created by local artists with a spectacular view of the river, Manhattan and Roosevelt Island, it’s the perfect atmosphere for a picnic, some meditation and best of all, some puppy therapy.

Gaze at the colorful beaded installation piece; it’s whimsical and a tribute to both color and craft. And who can resist the little, orange, “Take A Book, Leave A Book” box?

Next stop: Astoria Park (19 19th St.), where you can admire the massive Triborough (Robert F. Kennedy) and Hell Gate Bridges while you overindulge in whatever Mister Softee has that day. Or, on the flipside, stay true to those New Year’s resolutions and hit the park’s beautiful track.

Pay a visit to Rudy’s Hobby Supplies (35-16 30th Ave.). This old school shop is quite the charmer, with an intriguing inventory to explore. They have a wide variety of model cars, trucks and aircrafts as well as accessories for displays such as religious figurines, crafting tools and more. The whole store is vibrant with an impressive collection of miniatures.

Got your solo food cravings? As the kids say, “treat yoself” and give into them!

Feeling exotic? Head on over to Copacabana (31-13 36th Ave.) where their massive Brazilian buffet will satisfy even the most insatiable appetite.

Hear the siren call for pizza? Grand Avenue Pizza (34-24 30th Ave.) is a fine place to indulge. That creamy artichoke slice is really nice, and I won’t scold you for trying a Nutella slice.

Still have that sweet tooth? Indulge in a cupcake at Il Fornaio Bakery (29-14 30th Ave.), or walk down to Ample Hills Creamery (34-02 30th Ave.) and get seduced by their endless array of ice cream flavors. If that still doesn’t cut it, you can’t go wrong with a mini cheesecake from Omonia Café (32-20 Broadway Ave.).

Or maybe you need a healthy beverage to balance out those treats; then a drink at Apple House Juice Bar (32-16 30th Ave.) will surely do the trick.

Treat yourself to a nightcap on your walk home with a cocktail to-go. A Spiced Hot Apple Cider from Diamond Dogs (34-04 31st Ave.) or a Hot Toddy from Mosaic (25-19 24th Ave.) will warm you up better than a blanket could.