PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWPORT SKATES
V-Day on the brain? Check out our fave February date night ideas.
Take Aim at the Country's First Hatchet House
The name doesn’t exactly scream romance, but you and your sweetie can bond over your ability (or lack thereof) to throw small axes at Stumpy’s Hatchet House (watch our video!). It’s super high-energy, has rustic charm and is BYOB. Better yet, grab some pals and make it a double date.
Throw It: 22 Meridian Rd.#5, Eatontown; 732-544-5069
Tango as Two at a Dance Studio
Dance classes are a fun way to score some up-close-and-personal time with your mate. You’ll bond while learning the basics from pro dancers at the Authentic School of Argentine Tango. Sign up and you’ll get six weekly date nights sans kids.
Move It: 214 Springfield Ave., Summit; 908-918-9790
You don’t have to travel all the way to Napa Valley to indulge in a primo wine tasting. At Laurita Winery, you can sample local offerings and soak up gorgeous scenery. The winery hosts food festivals, yoga classes, dance parties and themed dinners and brunches.
Sip It: 85 Archertown Rd., New Egypt; 609-752-0200
Ice Skate Outdoors for Epic Views
Most of us have skating at Rockefeller Center on our bucket list, but we’d argue that hitting Newport Skates, a rink with stellar views of the NYC skyline in Jersey City, is even better (and way less crowded). Afterwards, warm up with some hot cocoa at the nearby bwè kafe. Want to skate closer to home? There are great NJ options.
Spin It: 95 River Dr. S., Jersey City; 201-626-7465
You may love it when he brings you a box of truffles, but why not make some yourself at 2 Chicks with Chocolate? Satisfy your sweet tooth and pair treats with tea, coffee, craft beer or wine. Then kick back with some chocolate fondue.
Sample It: 19 New St., Metuchen; 888-896-2449
Sample Local Beers
Craft breweries are popping up all over NJ. Depending on your location, we recommend Kane, Twin Elephant, Jersey Girl or Alementary. They all offer flights of beer (aka 4-6 little 4 oz. samples) of their brews. Share or swap with your date.
Pour It: Kane, Ocean Twp.; Twin Elephant, Chatham; Jersey Girl, Hackettstown; Alementary, Hackensack