Here are some ideas of how you can celebrate Valentine’s Day in some unique ways while staying close to home. I’ll be honest I am not big on the typical commercialized Valentine’s Day gifts. (Buying a card, chocolates, flowers, dealing with restaurant crowds for an overpriced mid week dinner). Over the years I have tried to be creative and here are some of my ideas on how you can avoid the commercialism of the Hallmark holiday and still have fun and experience the love!
Baking
Chocolate Covered Pretzels- These are easy to make and beautiful to look at! The salt and sweet combination make a great taste.
White Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips
Pretzels
Jimmies (sprinkles for you non-New Englanders)
parchment paper
Melt chocolate on stove top on low, stir
lay out parchment paper
Pour sprinkles onto plate and spread out
Dip pretzels into chocolate then in sprinkles
Lay out to dry on parchment paper
Enjoy!
Here are some variations
Use pretzel sticks
Milk Ghiradelli Chocolate
Dip pretzels in anything that suits the holiday of your pallet:
MnM’s, sprinkles, crushed candies, etc
Wine Tasting for two
Buy a variety or wines that you wouldn’t typically purchase. Perhaps you typically buy the $7.00 bottles. This time kick it up a notch and buy some 12-20 dollar bottles. Ask a store clerk with some wine knowledge to help you choose a variety based on your likes/dislikes or go by the wine points. Good wine does not have to be expensive. Buy some cheese and crackers and enjoy your wine tasting in the comfort of your own home. Maybe you want to have some appetizers or put on some romantic tunes to set the mood. …… Finish off with some dessert wine and some special chocolates that are unique. I highly suggest buying your cheese from Hingham Fruit Center because they sell very small blocks which won’t leave you with too many leftovers if it is just the two of you.
Family Friendly Tasting
Who says Valentine’s Day is only for couples. I have celebrated Valentine’s Day with my parents on many occasions. Instead of wine tasting if you have underage children try an ice cream tasting or a Valentine’s Day cookie /dessert tasting. Make a variety of treats for everyone to enjoy. The Village Market carries an excellent selection of local homemade style ice creams.
Village Market Photo from wickedlocal.com
Active
Take a scenic bike ride around town with your loved one of ones. Ride around the lighthouse and finish off with getting brunch or breakfast in Scituate Harbor at Riva or Phin’s. Most people work during the week so save your celebration for the weekend! If you are up for it look up some interesting brunch recipes and make your own brunch at home once you are finished with your bike ride or morning walk.
Self Made
Put together a scrap book of “Loving You”. If you are not crafty put together a photo album and with each page type or write out a reason that you love the person or something special you admire about them.
Make your own Valentine’s Day cards
If you can’t resist not going out to dinner for Valentine’s Day here are my top romantic restaurants in the area:
Oro
Brideman’s (Hull)
Bia Bistro
Riva
sea glass heart photo from http://atreeisknownbyitsfruit.blogspot.com
Happy Valentine’s Day!
