Roses, chocolates and amore: 10 ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in RI
After making it through the long month of January with floods, cloudy days and seasonal blahs, February brings roses, chocolate and amore. Looking for a fun Valentine's Day event? With a sweetheart? Or a friend? Or your family?
We got you covered with 10 ways to celebrate.
Some restaurant reservation specials are for the day only, which falls on Wednesday and Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, at that. But there are Valentine's offers that begin as early as Friday, Feb. 9, and run to the day. These include rose-y dinners. A special chocolate and cheese platter is available for more than a week.
There are things to do on Sunday, Feb. 11, including two for gal pals and one for families. In case you aren't a sports fan, that is Super Bowl Sunday. So some folks might be looking for alternate programming.
Of course, you can always stock up on Sweenor's Chocolates and stream a romantic movie with your sweetheart, or watch an animated one with the kids. They sell their chocolates at two stores, at 21 Charles St., Wakefield, (401) 783-4433, and Garden City Shopping Center, Cranston, (401) 942-2720, as well as online at Sweenorschocolates.com.
Roses at Basta
Roses cascade from the ceiling, form decorative designs and fill up vases throughout the restaurant, creating an enchanting ambiance. The regular menu is offered as well as a four-course, fixed-price dinner for two for $150 that runs from Feb. 9-14. It includes choice of antipasti, salad, entree and dessert. There's a cupid soufflé for two on that menu.
Details: 2195 Broad St., Cranston, (401) 461-2300, bastaonbroad.com.
Cheese and chocolate love
A Valentine's Cheese & Chocolate Platter for two is available from Edgewood Cheese Shop from Friday, Feb. 9, to Saturday, Feb. 17. It includes cheeses, meats, chocolates, fruit, nuts and sliced baguette. The $90 platter must be preordered by calling the shop or ordering online.
Details: 1828 Broad St., Cranston, (401) 941-2400, edgewoodcheeseshop.com.
Lovers and friends, Mexican-style
There will be a Lovers & Friends party at Xaco Taco in Providence on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 6-10 p.m. There will be shareable food, drink specials, complimentary caricature drawings, music by DJ Lex Life and a Polaroid photo booth. No reservations are needed, but guests are encouraged to arrive early.
Details: 370 Richmond St., Providence, (401) 228-8286, xacotacori.com.
Two nights choice at Castle Hill
Valentine’s Day at Castle Hill Inn in Newport will be celebrated both Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 13 and 14. The Inn will be featuring a three-course prix fixe menu at $125 per person (plus tax and gratuity) along with some specialty wine pairings. A jazz trio will be playing to help set the mood for romance. You can see the menu online and make reservations online via OpenTable.
Details: 590 Ocean Drive, Newport, (401) 849-3800, castlehillinn.com.
Dave's Coffee to share
On Valentine's Day, customers at Dave’s Coffee will receive two drinks for the price of one, including brewed coffee, espresso drinks, teas, hot chocolate and matcha as well as Dave’s famous iced coffee milk. Share the love with a friend, a valentine, a galentine, a colleague, a stranger, or for yourself. The offer is available for in-person/in-store orders only. To redeem, customers simply need to mention the promotion at the counter at both the Providence and Charlestown cafes. The offer is for all drink sizes but is limited to one bonus per customer.
Details: 5193 Old Post Rd. Charlestown, and 341 South Main St., Providence, davescoffee.com.
Galentine's Day brunch
Gather your besties for a Sunday Funday Galentine’s Day Brunch on Sunday, Feb. 11, from 2-6 p.m. at the Fish Company in Providence. There will be a special menu and drink specials including bottomless mimosas and rose, plus music by DJ Dwun.
Details: 15 Bridge St., Providence, (401) 588-5158, fishcopvd.com.
Community Breakfast
The Knights of Columbus will serve breakfast at the Council Hall, 1265 Tower Hill Rd., North Kingstown, on Sunday, Feb. 11, from 7:30-10:30 a.m. The menu will include scrambled eggs, sausage, home fries, baked beans, pancakes, breakfast pastries, orange juice, coffee and tea. The cost is $10. Children 6 and under eat for free.
Road trip
In Franklin, Massachusetts, GlenPharmer Distillery is celebrating Valentine’s (and Galentine’s) Day with exclusive hand-crafted cocktails and specialty culinary offerings. But you don't have to just go on the day to enjoy a tasting at the historic property that has a distillery, tasting room and restaurant.
Details: 160 West Central St., Franklin, Massachusetts, (508) 528-4000, glenpharmer.com.
Puerto Rican-inspired couples dinner
Little Sister, Providence will be hosting a Valentine's Day Couples Dinner on Feb. 14 starting at 7 p.m. Guests will have a five-course, Puerto Rican-inspired meal along with wine and champagne pairings, all accompanied by an acoustic guitarist. The cost is $300 per couple. Reservations are required and can be made online at Resy.
Details: 737a Hope St., Providence, littlesisterpvd.com.
Galentine's Day Yoga Brunch
In Richmond, The Preserve Resort & Spa hosts a Galentine’s Day Yoga Brunch at The OH! Spa from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11. Meditate with complimentary yoga, hydrotherapy, facility usage and cap off the morning with a brunch with friends at the White Birch Cafe. The cost is $199.
Details: 1 Preserve Boulevard, Richmond, (401) 539-4653 preserveri.com.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 10 things to do for your Valentine in RI and not just on the day
