Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get away with your significant other. But who says it has to be limited to one day? Celebrate romance and love anytime, anywhere throughout New England. From beautiful mansions and snowcapped mountains to your own special teddy bear, you can mix it up and create multiple, one-of-a-kind romantic adventures.
For a romantic weekend getaway, head to Salem, Massachusetts, where the city’s rich history and heritage will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There is the historical Hawthorne Hotel, which offers a relaxing place to spend time with your special someone. In addition to 93 guestrooms, there’s the Suzannah Flint House bed and breakfast, a four-bedroom guesthouse that offers all the same amenities and services of the hotel. Dine at Nathaniel’s and enjoy gourmet dishes and rich desserts – all you have to do is head downstairs. If that dining room is full, try the Tavern, an intimate spot complete with a fireplace. The Tavern also offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes including two pan-seared and roasted niman ranch pork chops, New England seafood, steak and more. For more information, visit www.hawthornehotel.com. And while the city is known for the infamous witch trials of the 17th century, there are many other historical sites to explore including Nathaniel Hawthorne’s home, The House of the Seven Gables and Pickering Wharf, as well as shops and restaurants. For more information, visit www.salem.org.
Even though you can’t spend the night inside, you can get swept away by the romance and elegance of the Newport Mansions. Explore the 11 historic properties including Rosecliff – the setting for the movie The Great Gatsby – the Breakers and Marble House, which are all beautifully decorated and have unique stories from their pasts. After touring these majestic homes, dine at one of the amazing restaurants Newport has to offer. For that special night out, you’ll find upscale cuisine, extensive wine lists and delicious desserts for an amazing dining experience. For more information, visit www.newportmansions.org.
If your loved one would like a fuzzy treasure to commemorate time spent together, take the stuffed animal route and make a custom teddy bear! Spend the afternoon at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Waterbury, Vermont. Here, guests are invited to take a tour of the factory and then create their very own special teddy bears for their special someone. If you can’t make the trip, you can still create a bear online and have it delivered as a Bear-Gram that comes complete with the bear, candy and personalized gift card. Some love-themed bears include Prince Charming, Kiss Me I’m Irish, Huggable Hunk, Knight in Shining Armor and the Love Bandit. For more information, visit www.vermontteddybear.com.
It’s never too cold for a hot air balloon ride! ViewPoint Balloons offers rides in eastern and central Connecticut. Rides are offered year-round, even during the winter. You might think it would be too cold, but as you float up above the clouds, the sun’s rays keep you warm. It’s a unique opportunity to take in the snow-covered land. For more information, visit www.cthotair.com.
When it’s time for some one-on-one time with your special someone – with a little bit of relaxing and pampering, too – indulge yourself at the Mount Washington Hotel. Located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, the hotel offers a winter escape for those seeking a break from their crazy schedules. With 25,000 square feet of spa at your disposal, you’ll receive the ultimate in treatments while taking in the gorgeous views of Mount Washington, Crawford Notch and the Presidential Range. There are a variety of packages that include facials, massages, manicures and pedicures – pick your pleasures, then just sit back and relax! Spend the night and enjoy four-diamond cuisine, top-shelf drinks and live entertainment at one of the many fine establishments found throughout the estate. For more information, visit www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/BrettonWoodsMountWashington.aspx.
With so many options available, do not limit yourself to a one-day celebration. Make memories the whole month long.
