As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’ve seen an insurgence of funny Valentine’s cards, as well as events in Vermont to bring levity to a day designed for love that more often than not leaves people down or in the dumps. Cards with sayings like, “I’d Climb a Moderate Sized Mountain for You,” “I Hate Everyone But You,” “I Love You a Shit Ton,” and “I’d Shave My Legs for You,” are turning Valentine’s Day on its side, and I personally am digging it.

Whether you have similar feelings to me about Valentine’s Day or appreciate the opportunity to take a step back and really value the loves in your life, here are some ideas for how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Vermont this year, from Vermont-made gifts to events designed to combat potential Valentine’s Day blues.

Valentine’s Day Events in Vermont

The Perfect Wife Restaurant & Tavern, Manchester, Vermont: Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year during Presidents’ Day Weekend, Amy, the chef and owner of the Perfect Wife, is throwing a Get Lucky event on the 13th with oysters, rack of lamb, crispy roast duck, sweet potato crusted salmon and homemade gnocchi. There will also be live jazz and a room reserved exclusively for singles to mingle.
Friday, February 13, 2015

Citizen Cider, Pine Street, Burlington, Vermont: Single and not celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? Celebrate not celebrating with Citizen Cider, which will be featuring “forever alone”-themed cocktails. No date necessary.
Saturday, February 14, 2015

Grafton Inn, Main Street, Grafton, Vermont: The Grafton Inn is putting on their first annual Ice Bar event for Valentine’s Day, complete with drinks from Citizen Cider, Whistle Pig, Vermont Distillers and Otter Creek Brewing, s’mores and ice designs. $30 a ticket.
Saturday, February 14, 4pm – 10pm

Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne Road, Shelburne, Vermont: Shelburne Vineyard and the Lazy Farmer—a mobile catering company focused on farm-inspired foods—have collaborated on a four-course wine dinner for Valentine’s Day. From Salade Lyonnaise to Moules Provencal, Coq au Vin and Mousse au Chocolat to live jazz, this wine pairing dinner is reserved for traditional wine enthusiasts. $100 per ticket. Call 802.986.8222.
Saturday, February 14, 2015, 7pm

Round Barn Farm, East Warren Road, Waitsfield, Vermont: Myra Flynn and a five-course dinner from Chef Charlie Menard at the Round Barn Farm in Waitsfield for $75 a person? Sounds like a winner to me, plus portions of the proceeds will be benefitting the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Burlington. (If you hadn’t heard, Waitsfield was also recently named one of the most romantic destinations in the country…)
Saturday, February 14, 2015, 6pm

Misery Loves Company, Main Street, Winooski, Vermont: Misery Loves Co. is throwing a Valentines Shmalentines Steak, Seafood and Smiles dinner for $60 per person for food or drink with one seating that’s limited. Call 802.497.3989.
Sunday, February 15, 2015, at 6pm.

Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Road, Shelburne, Vermont: If you like Valentine’s Day just for the chocolate, this event is for you! The Shelburne Museum is offering a night of charm, cheer and chocolate during a two-hour chocolate tasting, featuring local chocolatiers, bakers, brewers and wineries.
Saturday, February 14, 2015, 6pm

Vermont-Made Valentine’s Day Gifts (if you’re so inclined…)

Tata Harper Skin Care, Shoreham, Vermont:  Tata Harper Skin Care products would be my top pick for a Vermont-made Valentine’s Day gift. I’ve been using Tata’s products for about six months now, and every night, I look forward to my “beauty” routine (says a girl who wears little make-up and previously didn’t care much about her skin). All of Tata Harper’s products are 100 percent natural and smell awesome, with local botanicals in every bottle. Tata Harper is not inexpensive, but it is worth it. Gift the Be Mine: Limited Edition Natural Skin Care Try Me Kit ($25) or the Purely Powerful: Best of Natural Skin Care Set ($48) for an introduction to Tata Harper.

Red Kite Candy, Thetford, Vermont: If you want to branch out from the traditional box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day, try ordering some caramels from Red Kite Candy in Thetford, Vermont. All of Red Kite’s caramels start with 100% organic milk and cream, sourced from local dairies. Pick from Maple Caramels, Chai Caramels or Sea Salt Caramels, or shop their gift baskets for Valentine’s Day, including toffee and nougat.

Skida, Burlington, Vermont: Skida’s hand-made hats are one of my very favorite made-in-Vermont gift ideas. They’re perfect for skiing and snowshoeing and are affordable. From headbands to hats and neckwarmers for ladies, gents, kiddos and pets, Skida’s offerings in bright, whimsical prints will keep you cozy during our Vermont winters. I dig the Carpe Diem Alpine Hat ($36), the Flower Power Neck Warmer ($24) and the Kingdom Collection Navy Alpine Hat ($36) for the man with subdued style in your life.

The Original Wallet Pen, Charlotte, Vermont: Made by two hands and in 32 steps, the Original Wallet Pen in sterling silver can be engraved with “I Love You” or other words of appreciation for a unique (and useful!) Valentine’s Day gift. Tom, the owner and creator of the Wallet Pen, is an incredibly nice man who prides himself on making each pen himself. Who says size doesn’t matter?

Matthew Taylor Designs, Shelburne, Vermont: If jewelry is an expectation for Valentine’s Day in your relationship, at least buy locally made jewelry, such as from Matthew Taylor Designs. Matthew is a friend of ours dating back to Randy’s time at the Portland School of Art where he studied metallurgy with Matthew; he also designed our wedding rings. You can commission Matthew to create anything you can think of, whether a fish belt buckle, an engagement ring(!) or a new setting for a family heirloom. I love his Buddha Love Necklaces ($175) that is meant to be a marker of care and compassion we feel for those in need. The proceeds from the sale of each Buddha necklace are donated to the Cancer Patient Emergency Fund (how cool is that?).

What do you have planned for Valentine’s Day in Vermont? Comment below.