One of the best ways to express your love on Valentine’s Day, or any time, is spending quality time with your significant other. So, whether you’re a couple, single, or just sick of the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, a little getaway in lieu of a bouquet of overpriced roses or dinner may be a welcome refresh.
To help you mark the day in your own special way, we’ve come up with some experiences and weekend excursions for gals, pals, bros and lovebirds.
If you have a day…
Bubbly and Cupcake on the North Fork
Toast to love or friendship at Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery’s annual sparkling wine and cupcake pairing. The vineyard’s sustainably farmed sparkling wines are produced in the traditional Méthode Champenoise. Complete the experience with a bite of comfort food just down the road at Love Lane Kitchen. (Sparkling Pointe Vineyards, Southold, N.Y., sparklingpointe.com; Love Lane Kitchen, Mattituck, N.Y., lovelanekitchen.com)
Massage and Wine Soak at AIRE Ancient Baths, Tribeca
Soak in the love at AIRE Ancient Baths. Located in the heart of Tribeca, AIRE bills itself as an oasis of relaxation designed to balance mind and body. It’s housed in a restored 1883 textile factory with original exposed brick and beams illuminated by candlelight. The Roman Bath experience features massages and soaks for singles and couples, including a 30-minute red wine bath. (New York, N.Y., baire.com)
Jazz and Lincoln Center, Dianne Reeves: With Love
Experience the power of love through the striking and stylistic voice of jazz master Dianne Reeves. Her 11th annual Valentine’s Day concert, Dianne Reeves: With Love, features familiar standards and surprise repertoire from the five-time Grammy Award-winning singer. The performance has been called an evening of enchantment for old friends, new lovers, families, and solo revelers. (Feb. 14 and 15, Rose Hall, New York, N.Y., jazz.org)
Run Your Heart Out at the Valentines Live, Love, RUN, NYC
Get that heart beating at the Valentines Live, Love, RUN. This 5K, 10K, and half-marathon event takes place on Feb. 15 on the Hudson River Trails. Race organizers say whether you run with a partner, friends, or solo, the race is all about spreading love and joy along a scenic route adorned with chocolates and fun photo ops. (runsignup.com to register.)
If you have a weekend…
Make History in Bethlehem, Pa.
The gothic revival style and gingerbread trim of the Sayre Mansion is candy for history lovers. A member of Historic Hotels of America, the restored bed and breakfast with 19 guest rooms and carriage house suites are chock full of old-world charm. Additionally, Bethlehem is home to one of the oldest colleges in America — Moravian University. It has Colonial history and a quaint cobble-stoned downtown offering shopping, dining, breweries and bars (sayremansion.com).
Calm Your Heart and Soul at SoJo Spa Club & Hotel, Edgewater, N.J.
SoJo Spa Club & Hotel describes itself as a contemporary boutique hotel with an Eastern touch. The hotel is attached to the SoJo Spa Club, a serene, multi-floor day spa with a variety of saunas, pools, soaking baths and treatment rooms. The top floor boasts a heated outdoor pool with soaring views of the Manhattan skyline (sojospaclub.com). SoJo Spa Club
A Little Bit Country at Mohegan Sun
Sway to the heartfelt songs of country pop singer Kelsea Ballerini at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Feb. 14. The Sun’s hotel package includes two premium tickets to the show and a one-night hotel stay. And if you’re feeling lucky, mosey on over to the casino for a seat at the hundreds of game tables and slot machines (Uncasville, Conn., mohegansun.com).
Kitschy Poconos Throwback
For a groovy kind of love, Cole Haven Resort, with its heart-shaped hot tubs and round king-size beds may be just the ticket. Its suites include the “Garden of Eden Apple,” the “Juliette” and the “Champagne Tower” — a four-story suite with a seven-foot champagne glass whirlpool and heart-shaped swimming pool. Nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, the resort has five restaurants along with Valentine’s weekend entertainment (Lakeville, Pa., covepoconoresorts.com).
Urban Hip in Williamsburg
Get toasty at The William Vale luxury hotel in Brooklyn and experience its fourth-floor terrace winter sanctuary. Outdoor barrel-saunas and deep-soak cedar hot tubs offer panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Top it off with fondue and craft cocktails in a private rooftop chalet. And then head over to the “Bounce Lounge,” a custom rooftop bounce house fit for all ages (Brooklyn, New York, thewilliamvale.com).
