Celebrating Valentine’s Day South of Boston

Do you remember how you spent Valentine’s Day 2020? Covid was but a blip on our radar way back then and we could plan pretty much anything we wanted. Now one year later, an opportunity to reconnect with our romantic partners seems more important than ever - especially for those of us in Massachusetts where we are deep into the long cold winter.

While the snow covered trees and snow bank lined streets that fill our area right now certainly add an air of romance to any Valentine’s Day, current Covid restrictions in Massachusetts can quickly extinguish even the most romantic of plans.

Since this Valentine’s Day requires a bit more creativity than usual in the planning department, here are some ideas to help you make the most of your Valentine’s Day south of Boston this year.

Run away

(Photo credit: Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, MA)

Living south of Boston means we are within a 30-60 minute drive of some beautiful and romantic hotels no matter which direction we drive. Book a house, pet, and/or baby sitter and sneak away for the night to Boston, Cape Cod, the Berkshires, or even Patriot Place. Whether you spend the night dining out at a fancy restaurant followed by cocktails at the hotel bar or you simply order room service and watch a movie from the comfort of your hotel room, you’ll be able to enjoy some one on one time with your partner away from the stressors of your everyday life. Our favorite local hotel: the swanky boutique Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge. The Hotel Marlowe is our home away from home multiple times each year when we want a quick getaway. Bonus - you can bring your 4 legged friends.

Go to the beach

(Photo credit: Mize1551 of Pixabay)

While we certainly can’t sun bathe or swim this time of year in Massachusetts, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the beauty of our local beaches. Take a short road trip with your sweetie to the north shore, south shore, south Boston, or even Cape Cod. Be sure to bundle up and then take a walk outside to admire the wintry beach. Pack a thermos of hot cocoa or coffee to enjoy together as your stroll along the ocean’s edge.

Indulge in ice cream

(Photo credit: Peaceful Meadows in Whitman, MA)

Sometimes we just need to embrace the cold. So, why not lean into the cold weather and treat yourselves to some fancy ice cream treats? You can share your ice cream sundaes while you sit in your car and reminisce about why and how you fell in love. You can't go wrong with any of the ice cream specials from Peaceful Meadows and with multiple locations around the south shore you can easily fit in a trip to try their ice cream.

Take a hike and get some cocoa

(Photo credit: Restoration Coffee in Whitman, MA)

Layer up in all your winter gear and enjoy a snowy walk at one of the local parks or, if you are more adventurous, hit the ski trails at Blue Hills. After you explore nature’s wintry scenery, stop by a local coffee shop like Restoration Coffee to warm up with some hot cocoa.

Dine outdoors

(Photo credit: Weathervane)

Make a reservation at one of the many local restaurants offering private outdoor dining in heated igloos. Make it a double date with a few of your couple friends for some added laughter. Our local favorite: Weathervane in Weymouth.

Stay home

(Photo credit: Sorelle)

Sometimes the most romantic thing of all is to order a fancy take out dinner (complete with take out cocktails) from one of your favorite date night restaurants from pre-Covid times and eat it together at home. Lots of local restaurants like Sorelle in Abington are offering take out options for Valentine's Day this year.

No matter how you choose to spend it, there is nothing stopping you from celebrating the Valentine’s Day holiday in a meaningful way this year - even here in cold and snowy Massachusetts.