Winchester knows the way to a Valentine’s heart (or Galentines and Palentines) is through their love of adventure, fun and original activities and, dare we say it, personalized gifts. And Winchester has plenty of each.
Here are 11 ways to celebrate:
- Join event host Eve’s Uniques for A Valentine Making Party at The Hall Coffee & Social Club, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. Create and decorate with supplies from Fusion Mineral Paint, Amy Howard at Home, A Makers’ Studio and Iron Orchid Designs plus blank cards and hearts—all supplied by Eve’s Uniques. Tickets: $30/person (includes materials, instruction, light bites and a sweet treat. Note: A Signature Cocktail/Mocktail and Hall’s full drink menu will be available for purchase.
- Dress in your celestial best for the Star Crossed Lovers Ball, a night filled with enchantment and romance at Leeds Center for the Arts, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. Immerse yourself in a world of starry skies, twinkling lights and passionate melodies as you dance the night away. Tickets (available here) include light bites; dancing on stage with a DJ; special live performances of music, poetry and other surprises; astrology and tarot card readings; custom love poems written on the spot; cash bar with specialty themed cocktails and an opportunity to participate in a custom bourbon tasting experience with a smoked old-fashioned option.
- Plan a date night at one of Winchester’s atmospheric eateries: charming Loma’s at the Opera House; welcoming Waterfront Grill; or Halls on the River with its picturesque riverside views. Choose your culinary style and setting from Winchester’s varied restaurant landscape here.
- Book a photo session with Whiskey and Wiles Photography, then head to Frames On Main to have it custom framed.
- Hide away on a romantic overnight or weekend at one of Winchester’s unique and original lodgings. For the ‘tine that loves Big City romance, it’s Loft in Winchester, a sophisticated suite perched above an Italian restaurant. For the nature loving ‘tine with a hankering for space, it’s Franklin Ridge Farm Getaway. Lots of getaway options. Set the mood for romance with a scented and hand-poured soy candle from Crystal Coven.
- Share a rich and yummy chocolate cupcake topped with decadent chocolate buttercream from Cupcake Apothecary.
- Pick out the perfect one-size-fits-all Valentine’s Day gift with a gift certificate from Winchester’s downtown and local shops. Antiques lover? Head to Mason on Main. Fashionista? Try Betsey’s Boutique Shop. Foodie? Mercantile on Main. See all the possibilities here.
- Order personalized stationery from Court Street Gifts and write a love letter to your Valentine.
- Toast your significant other, friends and/or family at a Harkness Edwards Vineyards Valentine-themed event like Galentine’s Cookie Cake Decorating Class, Valentine’s Three Course Cooking Class, Galentine’s Charcuterie Class and Valentine’s Pasta Making Class. In all, Harkness Edwards is hosting a dozen different events in February with a Valentine’s theme. See the website for dates, times and tickets.
- Pick up a picnic lunch of oven-baked sandwiches or wraps, fruit salad and coleslaw or other zesty sides from Gaunce’s Café & Deli and take a scenic drive to experience winter landscapes. (Grab the hot coffee from Creative Coffees Roastery.)
- Fill a gift basket with bath salts, natural soaps, lip balms and other natural care products and essential oils and diffusers customized to your ‘tine’s taste from Full Circle Market.