We all love a nice dinner but why not try something different this year in honor of Valentine’s Day? Here are some next level ways to celebrate your love:
Appreciate Art in the Great Outdoors
Bundle up and explore the nearly 300 contemporary works dotting the exquisitely landscaped 40+ acres comprising Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton. Warm up by visiting the rotating indoor exhibits showcasing both known and emerging artists, then head to this museum/sculpture garden/arboretum’s on-site restaurant Rat’s for a delightful French repast prepared for the holiday de amore.
Take a Romantic Cruise
You’ll look beautiful among the glow of city lights as you sail down the Hudson River on a dinner bruise. Leave from Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken aboard one of the Valentine’s Day Cruises offered by City Cruises; or opt for a bottomless mimosa brunch cruise on Sunday.
Have a Good Scare
According to psychological studies, feelings of fear also spark adrenaline and excitement. Take advantage of this phenomenon by visiting horror houses Brighton Asylum, a massive walkthrough dark attraction filled with terrifying live actors and special effects in Passaic and 13th Hour, a spooky escape room in Wharton—both offering special Valentine’s Day-themed events sure to scare up a night to remember.
Throw Caution to the Wind
Savor the rush of hatchet hurling at one of New Jersey’s many axe-throwing venues. If you’ve never tried it, axe throwing is easy to learn and lots of fun. Stumpy’s Hatchet House opened its first location in Eatontown in 2016 and has since expanded in NJ and across the country. Bury the Hatchet also has locations throughout NJ and beyond. Both invite visitors to picnic and BYOB for a fun night out.
Go Gaming
Recapture the sheer fun of gobbling ghosts in Pac-Man and trying not to tilt at YESTERcades, one of Jersey’s favorite retro arcades (locations in Red Bank, Somerville and Westfield). Silverball Museum in Asbury Park is perfect for kicking off the night before taking in a show at The Stone Pony. You can also hit Barcade in Newark or Jersey City for top-shelf drinks, exclusive beers, savory bar bites, more than 70 video and pinball games and best of all, it’s adults only.
Gaze at the Stars
Feast your eyes on something truly spectacular: The Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College will host several loved-themed shows including Laser Love (love songs + lasers = awesome) on February 1, 8 and 14. Don’t forget that the Garden State is also has home to the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere located at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. On Thursday nights, LSC opens its doors after hours for the 21+ crowd. LSC After Dark includes dance parties, special laser shows, activities and access to all the exhibits.
Plan a Spa Day With a View
Where can you go to experience water-filled wonderlands where guests can soak, swim, steam, and enjoy hot, cool, and salty saunas, as well as traditional full-body scrubs? If you haven’t been, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to suss out the fuss. Get a sitter—you’ll want to spend the whole day. Along with its vast array of classic amenities, the super swanky SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater offers a decadent couples massage to get the kinks out plus magnificent rooftop views of Manhattan. The Wave Resort & Spa in Pier Village in Long Branch overlooks the Atlantic, so relax during a deep tissue, sports recovery or classic massage; or try a marine replenishing body scrub or black sand & pumice scrub.
Make Dinner An Experience
If you love sushi and hibachi, plan a trip to Mt. Fuji Steakhouse in Hillburn, NY, and you’ll be treated to an architectural splendor on a 45-acre mountain that’ll make you feel like you’re in Japan. Skilled master chefs will show off their artistry and comedy as they prep your meal. For another unique dinner out, head to The Madison Hotel in Morristown, where you can eat inside one of two luxurious 1890s parlor cars. Make it an overnight at The Madison Hotel and you’ll be treated to equal parts glamour and history. There are hundreds of restaurants throughout New Jersey where you can make a reservation for a beautiful night out; Blu on the Hudson in Weehawken has sweeping views of NYC while you dine on New American Mediterrenean food with Asian accents.. Princess Cruises is introducing Love by Britto at Current at Pier 59 in NYC on Thursday and Friday, with proceeds benefiting Save the Children. This limited-time event offers you an elevated Valentine’s Day experience featuring a chef-curated five-course menu, heart-inspired cocktails, and the iconic artistry of Romero Britto. Or after your four-course prix fixe dinner, try a pink Baked Alaska at Delmonico’s in Manhattan, dyed for Valentine’s Day but still made with its original flavors of banana gelato, walnut cake and apricot jam.
Heat Things Up
If the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, a cooking class for two is surely the ultimate love lesson. Under the expert guidance of Shelley Wiseman (formerly of The Farm Cooking School), Shelley’s Table will host a Couple’s Night making mushroom tortellini and spaghetti bolognese together on February 15. Stay overnight at the B&B, and roll yourself into bed stuffed and sated. Rat’s Restaurant in Hamilton, which is located at the beautiful Grounds for Sculpture, will teach you how to prepare a not-yet-announced menu on February 14. Other places you can take a class include Montclair Culinary Academy, Hudson Table in Hoboken, and the Cooking School at Natirar, a luxurious country estate in Peapack. Sushi School at Kuro at Hard Rock Resort in Atlantic City will be a one-night class on February 13 led by Executive Chef Leslie Daniel and Master Sushi Chef Shingo Inoue, teaching you the delicate techniques behind crafting perfect sushi rolls, hand rolls and nigiri. Taste & Technique in Fair Haven has a cooking studio for adults where you can make seafood dishes, bake cakes or go for a wine tasting.
Go For a Ride
Soar high above the American Dream complex inside a private gondola aboard the iconic observation Dream Wheel. After viewing the NYC skyline, you’ll get food and a drink at Deep Fried Love.
Burn Up Some Energy
Big SNOW American Dream has real-snow ski and snowboard courses so you can challenge each other to friendly competition. After you go skiing outdoors at Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, you can warm up by the fireplace or have a romantic dinner at the Hawk’s Nest in the Red Tail Lodge.
Carry a Torch
A two-hour glassblowing or bead-making workshop at GlassRoots, a non-profit studio located in Newark, offers participants a hands-on opportunity to learn the basics of shaping molten materials using traditional flamework or blowing techniques. Each guest takes home a hunka burning love (their own glass creation). However, a trip to the gift shop may result in a far more beautiful souvenir, one that helps support the organization’s mission to ignite creativity and economic vitality among underserved local youth and young adults.
Plan a Romantic Escape
Nothing says romance more than a weekend away from the kids. Seaview Hotel in Galloway will offer two Valentine’s Day packages and a romantic six-course Valentines Day dinner for those who want to be pampered. You’ll get an overnight stay, Prosecco in your room along with two keepsake glasses, a box of signature chocolates and dinner – with options to add on breakfast and an upgrade to a suite. Pendry Natirar in Peapack is an elegant estate with upscale guest rooms, the popular Ninety Acres restaurant and a full-service spa. Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg has the Grand Cascades Lodge that features the award-winning Latour restaurant, the crystal-filled Reflections Spa, and the Biosphere pool. In nearby Philly, why not spend Valentine’s weekend in the City of Brotherly Love visiting the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Penn’s Landing while booking a stay at Kimpton Monaco Philadelphia.
Check out a preview of the Kiss & Tell Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Bar at The Bistro at iPlay America.
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Read More:
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Things To Do For Valentine’s Day in New Jersey
Take Your Valentine’s Day to the Next Level
Valentine’s Day In and Around NJ
Beyond Dinner + Drinks: Fun Things to Do For Galentine’s Day
