Wining, Dining & Treating Your Sweet on Valentine’s Day in MA

Posted by Kristina Smith, guest blogger of North of Boston Convention and Visitor's Bureau

Love is in the air in the North of Boston region!
Unfortunately, around 3 feet of snowflakes have also been in the air, so you’ve probably been so busy shoveling that you haven’t realized Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.
But there’s no need to panic and sort through the leftover generic cards and candies – we’ve got you covered this Valentine’s Day.

Ice sculpture at Salem’s So Sweet 2014 Festival

Wine, dine, and get away
Icicles and snowbanks need not get in your way of a Valentine’s Day escape!
Romance is in the air at Beverly’s Wylie Inn and Conference Center. Their Valentine’s Day Package includes accommodations for two inside their beautiful inn, as well as chocolate-covered strawberries, a sweetheart rose, breakfast for two, and a late check out. Plus, discounts are available through the hotel at select local restaurants and spas, if the idea of even more pampering and relaxation sets your heart aflutter.
At the Hawthorne Hotel, you can cozy up by the fireplace after a three-course dinner for two in Nathaniel’s; the hotel’s Romance Package sweetens the offer with Harbor Sweets chocolates and, of course, comfy accommodations. In a fitting touch, one dozen red roses will be awaiting your arrival at this historic hotel located in the heart of Salem as a part of the package.

Nathaniel’s Restaurant at the Hawthorne Hotel

Inside the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, in-room champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries await. The inn’s Valentine’s Day Package has everything you’ll need for the perfect evening, from deluxe, inn-style guestrooms to a three-course Prix-Fixe dinner in their 50 Warren Restaurant, along with early arrival and late check-out options.
Sweets for your sweet
As Charles M. Schulz once said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Yes, chocolate is the ultimate Valentine’s staple, simply too good to become a cliché. But this year, forgo the generic box of mysteriously filled chocolates and instead try…
Chocolate-covered strawberries from New England Chocolate Company. This Salisbury-based chocolatier features a delicious array of hand-made Belgian chocolates. From peppermint patties to to-die-for peanut butter cups and more, the offerings at New England Chocolate Company are tempting and tasty enough to make Willy Wonka himself jealous!
For the nautical sweet lover, Harbor Sweets’ Sweet Sloops will satisfy any chocolate craving. Nothing says, “I love you” better than their assortment of delicious milk and dark chocolates. The best part, besides the chocolates? No need to wrap your gift! Harbor Sweets offers an array of creative, classic, or modern Valentine’s-themed gift boxes and assortments.

Harbor Sweets at holiday time by Kristina Smith

Looking for a non-traditional Valentine’s sweet? Chococoa Baking Company has just the thing: one of their delectable whoopies! Using the freshest, most natural ingredients available, Chococoa offers a wide assortment of out-of-this-world whoopies (with many delicious gluten-free options!). Can’t make it to Newburyport in time for Valentine’s Day? Not a problem. Order online and have the whoopies delivered right to your door!

Whoopies at Chococoa Baking Company

Enjoy the day
Of course, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic dinners and sweet treats for desserts – it’s about spending time with the one that you love. Turn your perfect Valentine’s evening into the perfect Valentine’s day with one of these fantastic events…
Indulge your sweet tooth with Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival. Enjoy decadent samples from Salem’s premier restaurants and shops, and navigate the intricate ice sculptures located downtown February 6-15.

Salem’s So Sweet 2014 – Peabody Essex Museum ice sculpture

Literature lovers can take in an afternoon of love letters straight from the hearts of five generations of the Phillips Family. Phillips Favorites: Love Letters of the Phillips Family offers insight into the history of courtship and marriage of a prominent Salem family; this program, a part of the very fun and fascinating “Phillips Favorites” series, is available at the Phillips House on February 14^th from 2-3pm.
However you spend Valentine’s Day, whether it be with a long, romantic weekend or a simple gesture like a card or and chocolates, there’s something for you in the North of Boston region.
Kristina Smith is the Communications Coordinator at the North of Boston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. To get in touch with her, send her an email at [email protected].

TOPICS: North of Boston, Valentine's Day