Valentine’s Day – Finding Romance Amidst the Pandemic

Love is in the air regardless of the state of the world. In fact, we need love now more than ever to get us through these cold, long winter months. 

Whether you are in love with a special someone or you possess that self-love like no other, the Hudson Valley has many different ways for you to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, even in the midst of a pandemic. 

Dinner Date Ideas

Traditionally, most couples spend Valentine’s Day having a romantic, candlelit dinner while a local jazz band is setting the mood in the background. 

This year is a bit different in terms of dining out, but luckily many local restaurants have accommodated their usual dinner event so that couples can enjoy a fancy, romantic meal in the comfort of their own homes. 

Benmarl Winery in Marlboro is hosting their annual Valentine’s Day Wine and Cheese Pairing this Valentine’s Day weekend. Reservations are open from Friday, Feb. 12 until Monday, Feb. 15 with tickets costing $35 a person. The ticket includes a wine tasting of four different wines and a curated local cheese board accompanied by local jams and house-made chocolates. The reservation is secure for an hour and a half to ensure proper social distancing. 

Blu Pointe in Newburgh is offering a Dinner-For-Two to-go package starting at $199 which includes a bottle of champagne, a dozen boxed long-stemmed roses, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Don’t miss out on the limited availability of Blu Pointe’s Riesling Mignonette oysters. 

For all you brew lovers, the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford is offering a Dinner-For-Two package starting at $135 with your choice of a moscow mule cocktail or a 32 oz. crowler of their Freshchester Pale Ale. Orders must be placed by Thursday, Feb. 11. 

Rhinebeck’s Terrapin Restaurant and Bar is accepting reservations for a 3 course Valentine’s Day dinner starting at $99 a person. Limited seating capacity is in effect to ensure social distancing, so reserve your table to make sure you can try their butter-poached lobster tails. 

The sister duo that owns the restaurant Silvia located in Woodstock is hosting their annual tradition of a four-course meal starting at $95 a guest. Vegetarian options are available for each course. How could you pass up the opportunity of a chocolate lavender pot de creme?

Music-based Romance

One community event that is well missed is live music. Luckily, the world of live-streaming exists and can bring the essence of the music scene safely into our living rooms. 

Brian Dewan will be virtually performing ancient and modern songs of love with the accompaniment of autoharp and accordion. This virtual Valentine’s Day concert is a fundraiser for CREATE Council on the Arts streamed at 7 p.m. at The Avalon Lounge.

This Violintine’s Day (yes, you read that correctly), classical and rock violinist Daisy Jopling and her band will be performing a virtual VIP concert experience starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Dramatic Hall Theater in Peekskill. Before the performance, there will be a virtual cocktail meeting followed by a virtual kitchen experience where chef Daniel Brown from NYC’s Golden Diner will be sharing delicious recipes. The event is free for members or a suggested donation of $25 for non-member guests.

The harmony-driven acoustic duo The Levins will be hosting a Facebook live event at 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day sharing originals and sing-alongs for an hour. Get cozy and listen to the warm, good vibes from local musicians spreading the love. There is no cost to attend, but donations are welcome.

The Ashokan Center is hosting a Lover’s Waltz online weekend curated by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason. Registration cost is based on what you are able to pay ranging from $30 to $100. The weekend will consist of fiddle, guitar, and piano lessons to either learn basic tunes or dynamic techniques. There will be concerts all weekend long for those that just want to listen in as well as the opportunity to virtually jam along if that’s your cup of tea. 

Celebrate the day of love with family and friends at the virtual Valentine’s Day dance at Bach to Rock Nanuet on Monday, Feb. 15 at 6:45 p.m. The event will consist of a live DJ, musical games, and dance challenges. RSVP is required to attend the free virtual event hosted on Zoom. 

Creative Love

So many of us are used to celebrating romance in a traditional way, but there are other ways to enjoy the day dedicated to love that the Hudson Valley has to offer.

Storm King Art Center in New Windsor is hosting a virtual member event on Thursday, Feb. 11th at 5:30 p.m. to handcraft Valentine’s Day cards using items found around your home followed by a tutorial to create a blackout poem using words from a newspaper or magazine to nestle into your love-filled card. 

Hudson Brewing Company is hosting a Doggy Date Day on Sunday, Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the Columbia-Greene Humane Society. There will be a southern-style brunch, professional doggy-photo-shoot, and a Meet and Greet with local rescue “Brew Dog”, Lettie. Reservations are recommended while masks and social distancing are required. Donations are welcome, however, the event is free.

Kykiki’s Cookies in East Greenbush is hosting a Valentine’s Day-themed cookie decorating class on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at Franny’s Farmhouse. Learn how to craft dazzling cookies that you can take home to enjoy. Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and the fee to attend is $49 a person. 

Good Karma Studio in Albany is offering a unique and perfect date night idea for a couples aerial yoga session on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. The event costs $45 for each pair who can either be your partner or your best friend. Don’t miss the chance to stretch out all your worries with someone you love.

By Victoria Cymbal
Victoria is a freelance writer in the Hudson Valley where she spends her time either finding new ways to bring the community together or hiking the local Catskill mountains.