Is your valentine outdoorsy? A culture buff? Big-time foodie? Or hopeless romantic? Why not personalize the fun with a wonderful adventure tailored to your special someone’s personality? Valentine’s Day is on a weekend this year (guys, mark your calendars—it’s Sunday!). So skip the typical, get creative, and take your dear one out and about to some of the fabulous goings-on right here in Connecticut…check out these great ideas to suit every valentine style!
OUTDOORSY
On Valentine’s morning, take a drive to Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden. On your way, stop at Neil’s Donuts in Wallingford and pick up Meltaways and Hot Chocolate, then take a romantic hike. Find a quiet spot with a pretty view and say something super-sweet to your sweetie!
For trail maps, directions and more information, visit http://www.sgpa.org/
Neil’s Donuts http://www.neilsdonuts.com/
CULTURE BUFF
Check out the Connecticut Film Festival at The Kate. It runs from Friday February 12 through the 14th, and features great films all shot in Connecticut.
Make a dinner reservation for after the show at Aspen Restaurant right in Old Saybrook (they’re running special menus all weekend), or stop in for Paninis and Wine (and brownies!) at Frankie and Gianni’s. Extra points for writing “Will you be my valentine?” or lines from any great love poem on a cocktail napkin while she’s in the ladies’ room!
Aspen Restaurant: http://www.aspenct.com/email/aspen/valentine2.html
Frankie & Gianni’s Panini & Wine Cafe 162 Main Street in Old Saybrook (860) 388-9155 (their website is not up and running, so call for more info)
FOODIE
Spend a food-and-wine filled evening in New Haven, making stops at a few great places. Start with drinks up high at Top of the Park in the Omni Hotel. Then head downstairs and next door to sexy, sultry Barcelona for tapas and wine for two. If, like me, your valentine happens to love cigars, a late-night stop at the Owl Shop for scotch and a smoke is de rigeur. And if you really want to take it to the next level, have a decadently delicious box of chocolates from Chocopologie in Norwalk waiting for her when you get home!
Top of the Park at the Omni New Haven http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/NewHavenYale.aspx
Barcelona Wine Bar http://barcelonawinebar.com/newhaven.htm
The Owl Shop http://owlshopcigars.com/
Chocopologie http://chocopologie.com/
HOPELESS ROMANTIC
Greet your darling valentine with a lovely bouquet of local blooms from Connecticut rose farm Roses for Autism. You’ll be supporting a great cause and getting gorgeous flowers, which are available online or at Whole Foods and other retailers (check the link below for details). Then head straight to one of the most romantic spots in the state—the Bee and Thistle Inn, where Innkeeper Linnea Rufo infuses the whole place with magic and romance and beautiful music and style…I suggest dinner and an overnight stay, but make your reservations now because it will definitely sell out.
Roses for Autism http://rosesforautism.com/
Bee and Thistle Inn http://beeandthistleinn.com/events.htm#valentines
LITERARY LOVER
Take your favorite reader to Madison’s beautiful bookshop, RJ Julia, and treat them to a sexy and smart gift from “Just the Right Book.” It’s a collection of 5 love-themed books, artfully packaged and accented with a box of fine chocolates. You can pick it up in the store all weekend, or order it online. Then head straight home and read a few passages out loud to each other as you sip the bubbly you have chilling on ice!
Just the Right Book http://justtherightbook.com/product/library/detail/5372
RJ Julia http://www.rjjulia.com/
Related posts:
- Three “OG” Mom’s Hitting The Shoreline “OUT AND ABOUT”
- In Our Backyard
- The Road Less Nibbled- Out And About In Connecticut
- The Bee And Thistle
- Destination Guilford
