Valentine’s Day doesn’t top my holiday list but I will use anything as an excuse to share a meal with my main squeeze. Love comes in many forms so I’ve created quite the eclectic list of 14 New England spots to treat yo’selves at.
Love is like a box of chocolates. Everyone is different and every love story is unique. Whether your relationship is new or old, lively or laid back, adventurous and spontaneous or calm and content, we've got the spot for you!
- FOR THE KID(S) IN YOU -
Age, shmage - have some fun!
LICKEE & CHEWY'S | 53 Washington St. Dover, NH
First up, CHOCOLATE. What’s more romantic than embracing your inner fat kids together? Find this colossal candy castle in the old downtown Dover mills. Cozy up and pack on the pounds as you share one of their MASSIVE customized ice cream shakes. We recommend going on a day-date, you're going to need a nap.
MILL NO. 5 | 250 Jackson St, Lowell, MA
Mill number 5 is a renovated old mill building in the heart of downtown Lowell and we love what they've done with the place! The updated interior is SO cute and the vibes are ever-changing. There's funky shops and oddities, coffee and sweets, a farmer's market, movie theater and rotating local events. The Luna Theater will be showing Casablanca this Valentine's Day for all you hopeless romantics out there. Make sure to stop by Dows Soda Fountain before or after the showing to share a straw with your sweetie!
- FOR THE ROMANTICS -
Meals to make memories.
FIVE FIFTY-FIVE | 555 Congress St, Portland, ME
If elegance is your effervescence, this is your spot. As the name suggests, find it at number 555 in downtown Portland. The interior is intimate, the service is sophisticated and the eats are exquisite. Tables are set on two floors, both with views of the open kitchen. Dine on snacks, seasonal plates and sweets or partake in the chef's tasting menu.
BLACK TRUMPET | 29 Ceres St Portsmouth, NH
Intimate dining in a quaint bistro overlooking the Portsmouth harbor. Seasonal fare is offered in small, medium and main dish portions. We love the hearty and local winter offerings! Downtown Portsmouth is beautiful and festive in the winter so bundle up for a romantic day out on the town! Check out all the quaint little shops, maybe bar hop along the way, and warm up at Black Trumpet for a romantic dinner.
THE MILE AWAY | 52 Federal Hill Rd, Milford, NH
I would walk 500 miles... or just 1 mile in this case... You know we're about that barn life so a restaurant in a barn from the 1700's sounds like the perfect V-day date! Order off the menu as you go or indulge in the 4 course meal. If the date goes well you could always stay and get hitched at their rustically charming wedding venue!
- FOR THE ADVENTUROUS -
Never stop exploring - in love, in nature, in flavor.
ME LON TOGO | 375 E Main St, Searsport, ME
Calling all adventurous eaters! Authentic and home cooked West African cuisine is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about central Maine but that is exactly what you will find here. Dinner is a set price of $35 per person and includes a 4 course meal. Simply pick the entree you prefer and they will deliver the rest. The chef/owner makes everything to order in a funky, decked out farm house. Take time to enjoy the company, quality and exotic experience.
THE DEPOT AT CAFE LAFAYETTE | 3 Crossing at Riverplace, North Woodstock, NH
All aboard! Enjoy tapas & wine at the train station in North Woodstock. Unfortunately, the train is stationary December through April but that just gives you another reason to go back for a spring time adventure! Explore the White Mountains while you're up there - they look beautiful this time of year!
FORAGE | 5 Craigie Cir. Cambridge, MA
Another stop for the adventurous eaters in the house. Local foragers, farmers and fisherman are the foundation of this spot. Everything is local, seasonal, sustainable and biodynamic - just the way we like it. The menu is ever changing so if you're feelin' fancy and money is no object on date night - go for the 4 course chef's tasting menu!
- FOR THE SECRET LOVERS -
Shhh, we won't tell.
CODE X | 1 Elm St, Nashua, NH
Find it if you can! Code X is a super secret Speakeasy posing as a library somewhere in downtown Nashua, NH. Enjoy the seasonally inspired menu and sip on some old-timey cocktails while being serenaded by live ragtime piano!
CUCHI CUCHI | 795 Main St, Cambridge, MA
A lounge for lovers! Cuchi Cuchi is a sexy and sophisticated burlesque themed eatery with an internationally inspired menu. The space boasts a vibe dating back to the 1920's, 30's and 40's. Plates are small and shareable, drinks are fresh and frisky.
PURO CEVICHE BAR | 264 Newbury St, Boston, MA
There’s something sexy about ceviche. Some even call it an aphrodisiac. Indulge in exotic Latin flavors in a graffiti covered space and modern atmosphere. The bites are just lite enough to keep you going all night long.
- FOR THE LONG TIME LOVERS -
'til death do you part.
THOMPSON HOUSE EATERY | 193 Main St, Jackson, NH
A farm house eatery! The Thompson house property was built circa 1790-1810 and sits on acres and acres of farm land with two barns. The menu here is thoughtful and sustainable. All ingredients are sourced from local farms and small businesses and help to support the Slow Food Movement. They will be preparing a special 5 course Valentine's Day menu this year which will be paired with live jazz music. Reserve your seats here
SHARPE HILL VINEYARD | 108 Wade Road, Pomfret, CT
Take a scenic road trip together to the quiet corner of Connecticut. Spend time sight-seeing and antique shopping then wet your whistles with some award winning wines. Gather during "Winterfest" and dine on a delicious Prix Fixe menu at the vineyard's cozy Fireside Tavern. Connecticut Magazine deemed one of the tavern's dishes a "must try before you die". Ballin' on a budget? Celebrate V-day on the 16th instead - bottles of wine are 25% off on Sundays!
L. A. BURDICK | 47 Main Street, Walpole, NH
Sometimes a nice day-date is all you need... that and some gourmet chocolates. Reflect on Valentine's days past over cups of coffee, tea or drinking chocolates and split a pasty or two in the sweets shop. Hungry for more? Brunch and munch on local New England fare in the French bistro.
Bottom line? New England is for lovers.
