By: Crystal Wang '25
With Valentine’s Day upon us, William and Mary will be full of couples trying to find a space for themselves: a romantic space with a beautiful view. Thus we have compiled a list of the most and least romantic spots on campus.
Most Romantic
1. The Crim Dell
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
Oh, the Crim Dell, the shining poster child of William and Mary architecture. And for good reason; this bridge and the scenery around it are beautiful. Added to the appeal is the local legend that those who cross the Crim Dell together stay together forever. There have been many a proposal on the Crim Dell, making it the most romantic spot on campus.
2. Crim Dell Meadows
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
Coming in a close second is the Crim Dell Meadows. Located right next to the bridge, this meadow sits under strings of fairy lights that illuminate the whole area in the dark. The lighting itself will make this spot romantic, but add the intimate swings and close seating areas and you get one of the most romantic spots on campus.
3. The Sunken Gardens
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
The Sunken Gardens is another iconic spot on campus and a great place for a picnic. It is not often thought of as romantic but all the potential it presents is romantic. It is a great spot for a date or midnight walk.
4. Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka
Photo Courtesy of Greta Frederick Harteis '25
Of course, this amphitheatre is the perfect place for taking your partner to see a show. It is also back-dropped by a gorgeous lake and is far enough from the main campus that you can pretend you’re not on campus.
5. Matoka Lake
Photo Courtesy of Greta Frederick Harteis '25
Matoka Lake itself offers all the pros of the Amphitheatre: it has amazing scenery, you can reconnect with nature, and it can be a bit more private. The only reason it ranks lower on this list is that runners often take the trails and your chances of being interrupted can be high depending on the day.
6. Jefferson Hall Lawn
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
Two words: Nap time. This space is open and spacious but also provides areas (such as the seats) to be a little closer with your partner.
7. The Roof of Matoka Art Studio
Photo Courtesy of Greta Frederick Harteis '25
For some quality alone time, try the roof of Matoka Art Studio. It even has the added benefit of including an adventure to get there.
Least Romantic
1. The Grim Dell
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
It is only fitting that the first place prize for worst romantic spots goes to the antithesis of the Crim Dell: the lake in the trails that has affectionately been named The Grim Dell. Right next to Sadler construction and featuring a snot green color, this lake is definitely the worst spot on campus.
2. Marketplace Bathrooms
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
Any bathroom wouldn’t be ideal for a date spot, but the one near Marketplace holds a special space in our hearts. Designed to look like a psych ward and smelling very strongly of bleach, the only thing keeping this place from number one is lack of notoriety.
3. Sadler Construction
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
I’m sure that once construction has finished, this spot will look beautiful. However, as construction is ongoing, this is one of the least romantic spots on campus. First is the smell of sewage, then it is the sight of portapotties, and finally the noise of construction.
4. Caf Dish Returns
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
All of Caf is unromantic, but it is something about the dish return that adds something special. Perhaps it is the smell of wetness, reminiscent of an Asian wet market, perhaps it is the sticky floors. Whatever it is, it has earned a spot on this list.
5. All of Boswell
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
It’s Boswell, need I say more?
6. All of The Green and Gold Village
Photo Courtesy of Crystal Wang '25
As any freshman will tell you, this is the worst place to live. The mold, the lack of air conditioning, the manholes littering the ground make GGV decidedly unromantic.
7. Swem Special Collections
Photo Courtesy of College of William & Mary
There is nothing visually wrong with it, however, the vibe is giving old historians. It’s giving grad students’ tears. Definitely not the vibe for romance.