With four young kids, we really don’t have time to make a big fuss over Valentine’s Day these days.
Instead, “love” is a four-letter word spoken swiftly (but with intention) between early-morning commutes and raucous family dinners, hockey practices and late-night feedings, where the most romantic thing that may occur is for one of us to whisper “Go back to bed,” and volunteer to change the baby’s diaper.
It’s not that we don’t want to celebrate our love; it just seems like most of the time we can’t. An evening away from home usually means a carefully orchestrated (but often exhausting and impossible) set of events and circumstances must happen in order for us to enjoy it.
This includes staying awake past 9pm.
Be that as it may, local lovebirds looking for a way to launch Cupid’s arrow, needn’t look beyond our little city for a way to celebrate Saint Valentine on Feb. 14, and throughout the month of February. After all, the number one ingredient to a memorable rendezvous is spending time together, and Newburyport has its fair share of interesting ways to do just that.
Whether you’re into art, music, fine dining or adventure, check out these fun winter-proof ways to spend some quality time with your significant other (or even your beloved best friend!) right here in Newburyport.
A Culinary Night Out
It’s no secret that Newburyport has a number of excellent restaurants serving up delectable fare, many of which are offering special menus for Valentine’s Day weekend. Couples will find Valentine’s Day offerings at Plum Island Grille, 17 State Street Café and Not Your Average Joe’s.
For an especially romantic dinner experience, warm up your winter night and reserve a table by the fire at Fifty Water, Nixs, Michael’s Harborside, David’s Tavern or Andiamo, or order the fresh oysters at Brine.
Add a touch of class to your dinner date with a ride from London Livery, Newburyport’s own London Cab taxi service, and finish the evening with coffee and a decadent dessert by candlelight at Café Di Sienna, a European-style coffee house.
Plan a Day of Art
Brush up on all your art –isms and start your day at the Newburyport Art Association (www.newburyportart.org ), where through Feb. 28, you can view the Winter Members Juried Show featuring works in acrylic, fine crafts, mixed media, pastel and photography.
After, stroll hand in hand over to the Walsingham Gallery (www.walsinghamgallery.com) to view gorgeous works by artists near and far, many of whom use Newburyport as their inspiration for breathtaking landscapes.
At the Firehouse Art Gallery (www.firehouse.org ), view Lisa Esposito’s MindScapes, a series of abstract expressionist paintings on exhibit through February.
Finally, finish up at Sisters We Three (www.sisterswethree.com ) an eclectic selection of fine art and handmade items created by local and regional artists.
Additionally, there are many more art galleries, antique shops and retail stores showcasing fine art, crafts and interesting finds, all within walking distance of downtown. For a more complete listing, visit the Newburyport Art Walk blog page at www.artwalknewburyport.blogspot.com.
Enjoy an Evening of Live Music
There’s no shortage of live music venues in Newburyport, so why not settle in with someone special and take advantage of all the musical talent that comes to town? Check out these local musical events that’ll bring harmony to your Valentine’s celebration.
Juanito Pascual New Flamenco Trio, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Feb. 14, 8pm. Spice things up with this performance combining traditional and contemporary Flamenco with powerful dance.
Susan Levine and Doug Kwartler, 17 State Street Café, Feb. 20, 8pm. Join Newburyport favorites Levine and Kwartler for an evening of exceptional songwriting and a heartfelt, soulful performance.
Aztec Two-Step, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Feb. 28, 8pm. Listen to this critically-acclaimed acoustic duo perform timeless folk-rock music.
Also be sure to check the events schedule at places such as Andiamo, Port Tavern, The Grog and Newburyport Brewing Company for additional live music happening weekly.
So Close, Yet so Far Away
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, but still want to be home for the kids’ hockey game the next day, reserve a night at the Compass Rose Inn, located in the heart of downtown. The Compass Rose contains five luxurious suites with many amenities, including working fireplaces. Check their Website for special packages and add-ons – like roses, chocolates, wine and cheese plates and couples’ massage – to make the evening extra special.
Double Your Heart Happiness
Not only is Valentine’s Day this month, but February is also American Heart Month. Your heart will go pitter-patter when you spend some quality time getting physical with your partner. (Did I just say that?)
Sign up at the Racquet Club of Newburyport and get out on the court for a heart-pounding round of tennis or invite some friends along for a doubles-date. Soar to new heights at MetroRock, where they offer a variety of events and instruction for both beginner and experienced climbers. Bundle up and strap on your snowshoes for a romantic stroll through the pine groves and wooded paths of Maudslay State Park. Or take walk along the beach at Plum Island (Yes! In winter!)
Other Fun Things to Do in Greater Newburyport
- See a movie at the historic Screening Room; Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon is playing Feb. 13-26. (I’m not a movie reviewer, but this was an excellent film.)
- Visit Seaglass in Salisbury Thursday, Feb 12, for tapas and psychic reading
- Catch some live theater at The Actor’s Studio; writers from the Weekend Writer’s Workshop debut their new works Feb. 27 – March 1.
- No babysitter on Valentine’s Day? No problem. Order an out-of-this-world artisan pizza from Otto and have it delivered along with a bottle of your favorite sparkling cider or red from Leary’s.