Best Romantic Valentine's Day Things to Do in New England

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it’s time to plan something special for you and your sweetie! Whether you make a day of it, head out at night, or spend it curled up on the couch, we’ve got plenty of ideas for the Best Romantic Valentine’s Day Things to Do in New England.

Candlelight Dining
What could be more romantic than gazing into each others eyes surrounded by the flattering, flickering glow of soft candlelight? If you’re heading out, we suggest 2012 Editors’ Pick Old Inn On The Green in New Marlborough, MA. There’s no electricity in the dining rooms of this 200-year-old former stagecoach inn, but candlelight makes the setting all the more romantic.

Old Inn On The Green
134 Hartsville/New Marlborough Road (Route 57), Village Green
413-229-7924; oldinn.com

Snowy Shenanigans
Heading out into the snow armed with snowshoes, skis, ice skates, or even the keys to a snowmobile guarantees an action-packed winter day where you can hold hands, snap photos, make memories, and then head inside to warm up by the fire.

Cozy Hot Cocoa
What could be more romantic than snuggling up with your sweetie and a steaming cup of hot chocolate? Whether you prefer to get yours on the go and stroll the streets, or cozy up at home on the couch, this cold-weather favorite will warm you both from head to toe! Want to know how to make the best cup of hot chocolate at home? Michael Klug, head chocolatier at L. A. Burdick in Walpole, New Hampshire tells you how! Read Best Hot Chocolate in the World.

Escape to the Cape
If fighting the summer crowds on the Cape and the islands gets you down, why not take advantage of the quiet season and enjoy a romantic winter getaway this winter? With many inns and restaurants offering bargain rates and prix fixe menus, you’ll be giving both yourself and your wallet a break.

Check out our 2012 Editors’ Pick Belfry Inne & Bistro in Sandwich, MA. A restored Victorian manse and a pleasingly formal Federal-era house are part of the bustling B&B complex, but the most dramatic rooms are found in “the Abbey,” a converted Catholic church on the edge of Sandwich village. A few even have stained-glass windows depicting archangels Michael and Gabriel, and most have church-pew beds. The bistro occupies the Abbey’s ground level.

Belfry Inn & Bistro
8 Jarves St. Sandwich, MA
800-844-4542, 508-888-8550; belfryinn.com

Oyster Indulgence
One of the great alleged “aphrodisiac” foods, a plate of oysters will supposedly help you find luck in wooing the object of your affection. Planning on preparing them at home? Check out our tips for How to Shuck Oysters!

Crazy for Chocolate
Why mess with a classic? The bouquet of roses and box of chocolates are still a Valentine’s Day favorite, so why not make sure you’re getting the best? Check out our picks for Best Chocolate Makers in New England and skip the last-minute visit to the drug store this year (or let your honey know where you’d like them to go instead).

Smooth Jazz
It’s hard to imagine a more finger-snapping place anywhere in New England than the 2011 Editors’ Pick Acton Jazz Cafe. Music’s almost always in the air: six nights a week, including sunset and starlight jazz jams on Sundays and blues jams on Thursdays. A light menu of pastas and salads and not-so-light desserts rounds out the offerings.

Acton Jazz Café
452 Great Road. Acton, MA
978-263-6161; actonjazzcafe.com

Romantic Retreat
We all know this truth: If you’re with a person you love and you’re loved in return, anyplace that’s warm and clean can create a romantic getaway. But there are a number of special places that define “romantic.” With so many candidates for New England’s “most romantic,” we offer a short list of our picks for the Best Romantic Inns in New England that will be sure to thaw hands and hearts.