Valentine's Day: Wow Your Sweetheart With A Sleigh Ride or B&B Stay

Valentine's Day. Two words that invoke both excitement and terror. With the influx of dizzying red and pink heart packaging, poetry-filled cards and the push to find the perfect gift to create the perfect evening for the perfect mate, the holiday can be overwhelming.

Whether single or in a relationship, don't rely on Cupid to make this Valentine's Day fun. Instead, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy this Feb. 14 with any of these events around the state.

- By Crystal Maldonado, Hartford Courant

Romantic Dining In Connecticut

Visit Vivo Seasonal Trattoria at the Marriott Hartford Downtown, 200 Columbus Blvd., for a four-course dinner on Sunday, Feb. 13 or Monday, Feb14.

Take A Sleigh Or Carriage Ride

Take a sleigh ride with Foxglove Farm at Beaverbrook Farm, Beaverbrook Road, Lyme, in a four-passenger cart with leather seats and warm, heavy blankets.

Indulge With Decadent Chocolates

Chocolate is a staple of Valentine's Day. For traditional gifts, try Bridgewater Chocolate, 12 LaSalle Road, West Hartford, which offers several options. A Valentine Assortment with toffees, turtles, peanut butter and Belgian chocolates in a red box with a gift bow is offered in half, one or two pound boxes for $20.50, $37.95 and $67.75.

Relax With A Couples Spa Package

Pamper yourself at Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, 625 North Road, Groton, with their "Red Door Spa Valentine's Day" package, available Friday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 13. In addition to overnight accommodations for two, the package comes with a 50-minute Swedish massage and a make-up refresher at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.

Stay At A Bed & Breakfast

The Tidewater Inn, 949 Boston Post Road, Madison, offers two Valentine's Day packages through February: "Love Beyond Measure Valentine Escape" and "Sweethearts Valentine Escape."