By Brooke Geery
This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday, which following holiday logic means you can celebrate all weekend long and Monday. For the hopeless romantics, it’s a dream come true! For everyone else, well, we’ve come up with a few more fun ideas for how to celebrate that go beyond the classic dinner with a nice bottle of wine.
Go ice skating
The lakes of Vermont are finally covered with a thick shell, and if you own skates, you’re welcome to slide on any of them. At Star Lake (2347 Belmont Rd, Mount Holly) they’ll be having a special Valentine’s event on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. with a bake sale, hot cocoa and other games, too. If you’re looking to rent skates, you can find them when you skate during public hours at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center in White River Junction or Spartan Arena Arena, located behind the (now closed) Diamond Run Mall off Route 7 South. Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden is also a picture-perfect option for a romantic skate date, and you may borrow skates from the Inn (while supplies last.)
Go on a blind date with a book
If you’re single, or just like to read, the Chittenden Public Library (223 Chittenden Road) has the perfect plan for you. During Valentine’s week (Saturday Feb. 12- Thursday, Feb. 17) they’ve selected a variety of books for you to choose from. Find the potential “dates” in the library foyer and receive a special treat from Dream Maker Bakers to indulge while you read. Will it be a perfect match? If not, just return the book to the drop, no hard feelings. Easiest date ever!
Take a couples yoga class
Relax and unwind with the one you love using massage, breathing and other techniques sure to bring you closer together. On Saturday from 5:30-7 p.m., Perkinsville Community Church (35 Church St., Perkinsville) has space for eight at its yoga and partner-administered Thai massage event. The cost is $40 and you must pre-register by Feb. 10. Email lisa@withinreachyoga.com. On Monday, Feb. 14, Upper Valley Aquatic Center (100 Arboretum Ln., White River Junction) is offering a couples class for $30 per couple. Spots fill quickly, so register now at the welcome desk and contact Erin (ebuck@uvacswim.org) or call 802-296-2850 ex 112 with questions. Or you may choose to just be pampered together, which you can accomplish at A Signature Day Spa in Rutland. Call (802) 747-7726 to make an appointment.
Find hearts in the park
From Feb. 11-15, visit the parks of Hartford for a community scavenger hunt. Each heart you locate will have a riddle you need to solve to find the next. Take your time or do it all in one day — locations include Lyman Point Park, Veteran’s Park, Maxfield Outdoor Sports Complex, Frost Park and the Hurricane Wildlife Refuge Pond loop — and submit your results to win. Find the official worksheet at bit.ly/335w7J9.
Grab a nice dinner
Everyone loves a good meal, but unless you want fast food, you’re gonna need to plan ahead! The Killington area is full of restaurants offering great food and ambiance. The following are just a few of the “most romantic,” according to me: Liquid Art in Killington (offering a prix-fixe menu to dine-in or to-go), Wobbly Barn in Killington (try the salad tower and indulge in a great steak), the Foundry in Killington (fine craft cocktails and food). Other regional greats include: Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden (a truly breathtaking location), Baxter’s at the Rutland Country Club (open to the public Saturday night from 5-8 p.m., $75), or the Woodstock Inn’s two restaurants in Woodstock (a town built for romance novels).
