By Phyllis M. Cahaly, CMD, Director of Partnership Marketing, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
February is the sweetest Massachusetts month by far, so celebrate it all month long! Valentine’s Day brings out the creative gift-givers, candy lovers, and chocoholics in us all – and for that extra touch, don’t forget hand-made gifts and the flowers! You’ll find special treats and packages across the Massachusetts, so be sure to indulge yourself, your partner, loved ones, or your Galentine’s Day partygoers to special treats this month. Check out these events, romance packages, and February fun made possible by Massachusetts!
Greater Boston
- Hilliards Chocolates, one of New England’s premier candy houses and chocolatiers, was founded in 1924 in south suburban Boston and is still a family-run business, now in its fourth generation. Hilliards Chocolates will fulfill your chocolate dreams. You can find your chocolate happy place at any of their four locations: West Newton, North Easton, Norwell, Mansfield.
- Boston Harbor Hotel invites you to celebrate love in style on the waterfront at Rowes Wharf. Choose from four different packages, all composed with a sense of timeless romance, relaxation and moments to be shared. Select from several packages like From Boston with Love, Valentine’s Champagne Brunch, or from their special Boston Wine & Food Festival dinners like the Romeo & Juliet Amarone or Night in Paris.
North of Boston
- Not to be missed is the 24th Annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival, February 6 – 8. This annual spectacular includes more than 25 illuminated ice sculptures scattered around town, Chocolate Hearts Challenge business interactive game, and sweet treats and deals at amazing small businesses and eateries all weekend!
- Who wouldn’t want a box of those famous Sweet Sloops chocolates from Harbor Sweet’s Chocolates in Salem for Valentine’s Day, or any day? Those number one seller nuggets come in a variety of flavors and boxed gifts. Choose also from adorable Chocolate Lovebugs, and a wide assortment of milk and dark chocolates in Valentine’s themed gift boxes. Always the perfect gift!
- Celebrate your love at the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, with a stay overlooking scenic Gloucester Harbor, complemented by a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, decadent chocolates, and a bouquet of fresh roses upon your arrival. Toast to your story with either in-room dining or at the 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar.
South of Boston
- If you’re into the paranormal, then head over to the Scare Your Sweetheart: A Valentine’s Night of Romance and History at The Oliver Estate in Middleborough. This special two-hour event on February 13 combines indulgent desserts, drinks, and a guided paranormal investigation inside The Oliver Estate which is deeply rooted in the region’s Revolutionary-era history.
- You won’t feel let down after Valentine’s Day if you attend the Petals Into Pigment: Natural Dyeing with Valentine’s Flowers workshop, at the New Bedford Art Museum on February 20. This restorative craft technique, led by natural dyer and artist Korie Ellis, uses your own leftover Valentine’s Day flowers to explore how natural pigments can hold memories by turning delicate petals into lasting, preserved moments and transforms into wearable art. This experience is about holding onto a moment and giving it new life. Flowers will be provided for anyone without a bouquet.
Cape Cod & The Islands Getaway
- Romance on the rails awaits you and your loved ones at the Cape Cod Central Railroad’s Dinner Train. This three-hour experience departs from Hyannis Station and offers you delectable dinner while riding in a beautifully decorated vintage train car through Cape Cod’s beautiful nightscape. Choose from a variety of packages this year like Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, Guy’s Night Out, or Couples Date Night, each with their own uniquely designed, scrumptious four-course dinner.
- What could be more romantic than having an island practically all to yourself for Valentine’s Day? Take the Steamship Authority Ferry to the beautiful islands of Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for a scenic, romantic getaway off the mainland. Enjoy the peace and harmony of these islands during the off season and choose from many Valentine’s Day dining, shopping, and arts activities.
Central Massachusetts
- Seems like Valentine’s Day has a trademark on heart-shaped sweets and treats creating a bounty of choices for you throughout Central Massachusetts. Check out Bri’s Sweet Treats, Worcester, home of the giant peanut butter cup, or Bean Counter Bakery, Worcester, known for spectacularly intricate cakes and cookies. For more chocolaty fun, turn to Hebert Candies, Shrewsbury, for Valentine Heart Pops and chocolate roses, and Boro Sugar Shack, Westborough, for fudge, truffles, and Sweetish Sweet and Sour Mixes. The cherry on top is Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream, Worcester, for homemade ice cream using dairy from local Massachusetts farms.
Western Massachusetts
- Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge reminds you that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers, it’s a day for remembering love in its many forms. Partnered or not, Kripalu can put romance in your life with simple practices that cultivate meaning, joy, connection, richness, and, most importantly, how to fall in love with life! Eat with love, fluff up your nest, and give yourself a pat on the back with a soulful visit to Kripalu.
- Share your special hearts & crafts love by crafting your own unique Valentine’s Day Cards at The Mill District General Store and Local Art Gallery, Amherst. This free workshop runs from February 1 – 15 and supplies all the crafty goods you’ll need, like paper, envelopes, stickers, and markers to express your heartfelt feelings for those who are special in your life.
