If you want to forgo the typical fine-dining-and-flowers experience this Valentine’s Day, head to one of these unique events for a special date that is sure to surprise your significant other. Valentine’s Day is no longer just for people in relationships; singles, friends and families should consider trying one of the following ideas during this loving holiday.
When we think of February 14, many of us think of decadently sweet desserts, chocolates and other assorted treats. Head to Rockland, Maine on January 23, 2011 for the 7th Annual Pies on Parade Tour and see why the Food Network has nicknamed this locale Pie Town USA. People with all different food preferences will delight in the enormity of the options including pizza pies, fruit pies, Italian cakes and whoopee pies, among many others. A free trolley will be available to transport patrons who do not wish to walk between stops on the tour. Proceeds from Pies on Parade benefit the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry. For more information, visit www.historicinnsofrockland.com/pies.aspx.
Nothing is more romantic than a good love song. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts is hosting a special musical treat on February 13, 2011: The Valentine’s Day Concert: Love Songs from Broadway. For ticket pricing, visit www.mfa.org. Also on February 13, the Boston Classical Orchestra will perform A Viennese Valentine in Faneuil Hall. Find more event information at www.bostonclassicalorchestra.org.
The Hartford Symphony Orchestra in Connecticut is getting in on the festivities by hosting a special event called Valentine’s Romance! as part of their Masterworks series. Featuring music from Debussy, Elgar and Sibelius, this event will run for four days from February 10 through 13, 2011 at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. Visit www.hartfordsymphony.org for more information.
Because they are the most expected gift of the holiday, chocolates can be a little underwhelming. Avoid this trap by learning to make your own at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School’s one-day crash course, Valentine’s Day Chocolates, Truffles & More. Your sweetie will be so thrilled at the time and effort you put into your own special food presentations that it won’t even matter if the results are less than restaurant quality. This event takes place at the school’s Cambridge, Massachusetts location on February 12, 2011. For pricing information and other hands-on cooking classes, visit www.chefs.edu/Programs/Chefs-Series.
If you would rather just eat chocolate without having to make it yourself, why not bring a date or your family along to a festival of chocolate? The Fairfield Chocolate Festival in Maine promises many activities to keep children occupied. You can easily stock up on all the edible gifts you need at this event, scheduled for February 12, 2011, so you will be well prepared for the 14.
In Greenville, Maine, 35 brilliant chocolate chefs will be submitting their best decadent treasures for tasting at the annual Moosehead Lake Chocolate Festival on February 20, 2011. The price of your admission will allow you to sample 12 of your favorite offerings, and there will be an auction and activities for the kids. Visit www.mooseheadlake.org/calendar.php for more information.
Indulge in your favorite sweets and take your sweetheart to at least one of these fun events this Valentine’s Day. There are so many things to do that none of your friends or family will have to be left behind.
