Things to Do February 8, 2024

Romantic Valentine’s Day in Metro Boston: Discover Love in the City

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Metro Boston is brimming with romantic experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you’re celebrating with a long-time partner or planning a special day with a new love interest, this city has something for everyone. Here are some ideas!

1. Explore Boston’s Romantic Winter Spots:

Beacon Hill:  Begin your romantic journey in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, which takes on a magical charm in the winter. With its cobblestone streets and gas lamps covered in snow, it’s like stepping into a winter wonderland. Take a leisurely stroll and discover hidden courtyards and charming nooks while enjoying the winter scenery.

Ice Skating at Frog Pond: Located in Boston Common, the Frog Pond transforms into an ice skating rink during the winter months. Holding hands and gliding on the ice with your loved one is a quintessential winter activity.

2. Creative Floral Arrangements:

Winston Flowers (Multiple Locations): Surprise your loved one with a breathtaking floral arrangement from Winston Flowers. Known for their creative and luxurious designs, they offer a wide selection of flowers that can be customized to your preferences.

Central Square Florist (Cambridge): For unique and artistic floral arrangements, visit Central Square Florist in Cambridge. Their creative team can help you choose the perfect bouquet to express your love.

3. Indulge in Chocolates:

Beacon Hill Chocolates:  Explore the delightful world of chocolates at Beacon Hill Chocolates. This boutique shop offers a curated selection of artisanal chocolates and truffles that make for a sweet Valentine’s Day gift.

L.A. Burdick Chocolate (Back Bay): L.A. Burdick Chocolate is renowned for its gourmet chocolates and hot chocolate. Their chocolate mice are a popular treat, and you can even enjoy a cozy date in their charming cafe.

4. Cozy Candlelit Dinners:

Mamma Maria (North End): For an intimate Italian dining experience, make a reservation at Mamma Maria. The dimly lit dining room, candlelit tables, and authentic Italian cuisine create a romantic atmosphere.

Oleana (Cambridge): Oleana offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a charming courtyard setting. The candlelight, exotic flavors, and cozy ambiance make it a romantic choice for dinner.

Carrie Nation Cocktail Club (Beacon Hill): This speakeasy-style restaurant offers a cozy and intimate setting with candlelit tables, craft cocktails, and a delicious menu.

Ice Skating: Head to the Boston Common Frog Pond or the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Rotunda Rink for a romantic ice skating experience. Holding hands while gliding on the ice and enjoying the winter scenery is a classic winter date.

Cozy Cafes: Discover a cozy cafe or coffee shop in the city where you can sip on hot cocoa, lattes, or tea while sharing intimate conversations. Some recommended cafes include “Thinking Cup,” “Cafe Nero,” and “Tatte Bakery & Cafe.”

Winter Walks: Bundle up and take a winter walk through Boston’s historic neighborhoods. Beacon Hill, with its charming streets and historic architecture, is particularly enchanting in the winter.

Cooking Class: Sign up for a couples’ cooking class at places like “The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts” or “The Kitchen at Boston Public Market.” Learn to prepare a new dish together. It’s a great way to bond, have fun, and enjoy a delicious meal you’ve made yourselves.

Wine Tasting: Explore a local winery or wine bar such as “Urban Grape” or “Boston Winery” and sample some fine wines. Many places offer wine flights, allowing you to discover new flavors together.

Hot Chocolate Crawl: Go on a hot chocolate tasting adventure and try different hot chocolate varieties at various cafes and chocolatiers across the city, including “L.A. Burdick Chocolate” and “Cafe Fleuri.”

Sledding or Tobogganing: If there’s snow on the ground, embrace the winter spirit by going sledding or tobogganing in parks like Boston Common or Larz Anderson Park.

Couples’ Spa Day: Treat yourselves to a couples’ spa day at luxurious spas like “The Langham, Boston” or “Exhale Spa.” A relaxing massage or spa treatment can be the ultimate winter indulgence.

6. Live Music Date Ideas 

The Lilypad (Cambridge): The Lilypad is a small and charming venue that hosts a variety of live music events, including jazz, folk, and experimental music. It’s an intimate setting that allows you to get close to the music.

The Sanctuary (Maynard): Soul City’s Valentine’s Day Party is February 10th.

Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club (Boston): Wally’s Cafe is a historic jazz club in Boston’s South End. It’s known for its cozy and intimate setting and offers live jazz performances almost every night. It’s a classic spot for jazz enthusiasts.

City Winery (Boston): City Winery combines live music with a winery experience. You can enjoy a concert and then dine on-site at the City Winery restaurant, which offers a menu designed to complement their wines.

Grace By Nia (Seaport): The alluring, modern-day supper club puts a new twist on the timeless charm and the decadent aesthetic of supper clubs from a bygone era. Flaunting whimsically chic decor, a soul-infused menu, an intimate stage for live music and creative entertainment, and an enchanting cocktail lounge, Grace by Nia ventures to bring a new brand of cultural vibrancy to Boston’s Seaport.