Our sweeties have come to expect more than a dozen roses and a box of chocolates, so we’ve rounded up a few options for outings on the day of romance.
>> Sea Tea Improv offers two different comedy shows at Hartbeat Ensemble’s Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Ave, Hartford. First up at 7 p.m. is the Sea Tea & Friends Winter Sketch Comedy Show, a “Saturday Night Live”-type sketch. Next, at 9:30 p.m. is the Sex & the Sea Tea adults-only show based on the audience’s dating stories. $10 for each show, or $15 for both. Free parking is available on nearby streets and at the Mark Twain House & Museum’s lot, which is just a short walk from the theater. Information: seateaimprov.com.
>> If you love R&B, the hottest place to bring a date on Valentine’s Day is to An Evening of Love at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods. The 8 p.m. concert features five iconic smooth R&B acts under one romantic roof: Ginuwine, Next, Jon B., After 7 and Silk. From “Too Close” to “Differences,” from “Meeting in My Bedroom” to “In Those Jeans,” an Evening of Love will get you in the mood. $58 and & 78. Information: foxwoods.com
Also at Foxwoods on Feb. 14, at 8 p.m., actor and comedian Paul Reiser, of “Mad About You” fame, brings his standup routine to Fox Theater. Tickets are $30 to $50. Information: foxwoods.com
>>The Blue Man Group does a whole lot more than just beat drums and not talk. The trio of alienesque curosity-seekers can catch small objects in their mouths, interact with giant projection screens and can turn any pipe or bucket into a musical instrument. They’re also deliriously sloppy with paint. The national tour of Blue Man Group comes to the Palace Theater, 100 East Main St., Waterbury, for four performances Feb. 13 to 15, with 2 shows on Valentine’s Day, at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $28. Information: 203-346-2000 and palacetheaterct.org.
>>The Hartford Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant, 194 Buckland Hills Drive, Manchester, offers a Valentine’s Day Dinner Show at 7:30 for $50 per person that includes admission to see comic Chris Porter; plus a meal of salad, beef tips, chicken parmesan, lemon garlic shrimp, or penne with a vegetable sauce, bread, dessert and beverages. At 10 p.m., tickets are $35 for just dessert and preferred seating. Tickets to both shows, without food, are $17. Information: funnybone.com and 860-432-8600.
>>The Hartford Symphony Orchestra gets romantic with Rachmaninoff & Firebird, featuring guest pianist Sean Chen and works by Wagner (“Overture to Tannhauser”), Bernstein (three dances from “On the Town”) and “The Firebird” (by Stravinsky) and some Rachmaninoff (“Piano Concerto #2”). The Valentine’s Day show is at 8 p.m. (Other performances: Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 15 at 3 p.m.). Tickets start at $41.20. Information and tickets: hartfordsymphony.org.
>>What better way to create a wacky, romantic memory than with the Hartford Art Sled Derby, which happens on the east side of Elizabeth Park at the Overlook on Prospect (950 Prospect Ave., Hartford for your GPS) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Make your own wacky sled as a couple (see the event’s Facebook page for the idea and to check out last year’s ideas) or just go to the park to watch the fun. There are judges and prizes, as well as guffaws and belly laughs. Free. Information: elizabethparkct.org.
>>Hopkins Vineyard, 25 Hopkins Road, New Preston, offers a Valentine’s sweetheart package for visiting guests Feb. 14 and 15. Couples receive two glasses of sparkling wine, assorted cheeses, local sausage and chutney, served with crackers and bread and two wine-infused cupcakes. Seatings in the Hayloft wine bar are available at noon, 2, 4, and 6 p.m. Cost is $55 per couple; tax and gratuity not included. All prepaid reservations include a free gift per couple. Information: 860-868-7954 and hopkinsvineyard.com.
>>If you think your date is the sun and the moon, spend Valentine’s Day with a trip down memory lane listening to Melanie at 8 p.m. at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. $45. Information: 877-503-1286 and katharinehepburntheater.org.
>>Saint Clements Castle, 1931 Portland-Cobalt Road (Route 66), Portland, hosts a Valentine’s Day Ball from 7 to 11 p.m. The evening includes hot passed hors d’oeuvres, four-hour open bar, four-course meal, entertainment and a harvest display. $109.12 per person. Information: 860-342-0593 and stclementsevents.com.
>>Putnam hosts it fifth Fire & Ice Valentine’s Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., by day featuring ice carving and chocolate sculpting and molding competitions, and by night, fire pits and romantic carriage rides through luminaria-filled streets from 5 to 9 p.m. Be on the lookout for fire-dancing performances and warm up with cocktails and a special meal at one of the town’s many restaurants. Information: discoverputnam.com.
>>Miranda Vineyard, 42 Ives Road, Goshen offers a five-course, sit-down Valentine’s Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be live music, and each course has a chocolate theme and is served with a different Miranda Vineyard wine. Reservations required. $50. Information: 860-491-9906 and mirandavineyard.com
>>Water’s Edge Resort and Spa, 1525 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, offers special overnight packages, including deluxe accommodations, champagne on arrival, four-course dinner, entertainment and dancing, and breakfast buffet. The Valentine’s prix-fixe dinner, for $158 a couple plus tax and gratuity, includes ahi tuna crudo, duck breast salad, lobster hazelnut bisque, seared steak and scallops and raspberry litchi parfait with chocolate and port wine. Reservations and information: 800-222-5901 or 860-399-5901 and watersedgeresortandspa.com.
>>Saybrook Point Inn offers its Valentine’s celebration each February weekend. The package starting at $1,028 includes a two-night stay with accommodations, Prosecco and keepsake glasses, a dozen red roses and Valentine’s chocolates to share, dinner at Fresh Salt, brunch and late checkout. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available on Feb. 14. Information and reservations: 860-395-2000 and saybrook.com.
>>Sunset Meadow Vineyard, 599 Old Middle St., Goshen, serves Valentine’s Day dinners on Feb. 13 and 14. The event, starting at 6:15 p.m. each night, includes a four-course meal, live music and red roses. Guests also receive one glass of the SMV wine of their choice. Cost is $120 per couple or $65 per person. Reservations are required: 860-201-4654 and sunsetmeadowvineyards.com.
>>The 11th annual Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival on Valentine’s Day offers a sweet time beginning downtown with the Chocolate Chip Stroll between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when businesses will offer chocolate delights. A chocolate-themed cocktail party, the Chocolate Lovers’ Soiree begins at 5 p.m. and features sweet and savory treats, chocolate martinis, craft beer and wine, and music. The classic Marilyn Monroe movie “Some Like It Hot.” follows at 7:15 p.m. at the Capitol Theater. Tickets for the party are $25 per person; $40 a couple. Information: willimanticdowntown.org.
