Recommendations for Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Vermont

Oh, Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in the love-it or hate-it category for Valentine’s Day, consider going beyond the chocolate, flowers, and material things this year. Instead, experience something new together and make a lasting memory with your significant other. (Although really, a box of Lake Champlain Chocolates wouldn’t be a bad accompaniment to a memorable night out in Vermont…) Without further ado, here are my recommendations for where (and how!) to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Vermont in 2017:

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner in Vermont

There are countless restaurants in Vermont where you could enjoy a delicious meal in a romantic setting for Valentine’s Day. Here are my favorite Vermont restaurants for a private and intimate dining experience:

Simon Pearce Restaurant, Quechee, Vermont: Ask for a table on the “porch” overlooking the Ottauquechee River waterfall and covered bridge, and enjoy a high-quality meal while utilizing Simon Pearce glassware and stoneware, a fun experience in and of itself.

Michael’s on the Hill, Waterbury, Vermont: Michael’s is, hands down, my favorite restaurant in Vermont. Enjoy a leisurely meal from their Valentine’s Day menu, and splurge on cocktails and an extra dessert to share. El Rey Chocolate Fondue, anyone?

Hen of the Wood, Waterbury, Vermont: Located in an old grist mill, Hen of the Wood offers one of the most romantic settings for a Valentine’s Day dinner in Vermont with perfect service and an eclectic menu that changes every day to highlight the best ingredients of the season.

Bleu Northeast Seafood, Burlington, Vermont: To me, there’s something incredibly sexy about seafood, especially at Bleu Northeast Seafood with Chef Doug Paine’s beautifully presented dishes. Fresh Shucked Oysters are a must.

SoLo Farm and Table, Londonderry, Vermont: “A cottage-chic eatery with locavore fare” in the tucked-away town of Londonderry, Vermont? Yes, please. SoLo’s inventive dishes are a personal expression of the owners’ life experiences and passions, and are incredible in their presentation and flavor profile.

Unique Valentine’s Day Activities in Vermont

Take a Cooking Class at Cafe Provence, Brandon, Vermont: There’s something utterly romantic about French cuisine, especially when it comes to dessert. On February 13, Cafe Provence is offering a pastry class at their bakery / wine shop Gourmet Provence from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. Learn how to make a heart-shaped flourless chocolate cake, French macrons, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a chocolate-buttermilk cupcake for your Valentine.

Paint and Sip with a Bottle of Bubbly at Burlington Paint & Sip Studio, Burlington, Vermont: Step outside of your comfort zone and paint together for Valentine’s Day. Nothing’s sexier than vulnerability and getting a good laugh from your lack of artistic talent, right? No, you don’t need experience or any supplies. Take part in the Forever Love event for $35 per person from 7-9pm.

Ski Mad River Glen for Just $14, Waitsfield, Vermont: As part of MRG’s Valentine’s Day Celebration, kiss your honey in the ticket booth and ski for just $14, that is if Mother Nature decides to send some quality snow our way before then (fingers crossed).

Vermont Winter Brewfest, Burlington, Vermont: Did you and your partner bond over craft beer? (Or maybe that’s just me and my beau…) Nevertheless, check out Burlington’s first Winter Brewfest at the Sheraton on February 11 with an afternoon and evening session with music by The Grift in the evening! Tickets for $39.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day in Vermont this year? Share in the comments below!

Looking for some made-in-Vermont gift ideas for Valentine’s Day? Read on here for some ideas of Vermont-made gifts.