I’ve never been someone who thinks Valentine’s Day needs to involve extravagant gifts or elaborate plans. Give me a great meal, a little quality time and an excuse to do something different, and I’m happy.
I also happen to think Vermont is a pretty wonderful place to celebrate. February might be one of our coldest months, but between cozy restaurants, beautiful inns, local makers and plenty of activities that don’t involve skiing, there’s no shortage of ways to make the day special.
I’ve always preferred giving experiences over things. A weekend away, tickets to a sporting event, a cooking class or a really memorable dinner will almost always win over another item to put on a shelf. And Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to plan something you’ve been talking about doing for months.
Of course, you don’t need a significant other to enjoy any of these ideas. Treat your best friend, your mom or yourself. I’m a firm believer that you don’t need a holiday or a special occasion to order the good wine, book the massage or buy yourself flowers.
Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Vermont, from locally made gifts to romantic restaurants and a few delicious ideas for staying home.
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas From Vermont
Give the Gift of Self-Care
I can’t think of many people who wouldn’t appreciate a little time to themselves, particularly in the middle of a Vermont winter.
A gift certificate for a massage, a month of yoga classes or an afternoon at a spa is something people often appreciate but don’t necessarily book for themselves.
I’m a big fan of the Spa at the Woodstock Inn, with its beautiful facilities and outdoor hot tub. For massage, I’ve had wonderful experiences with Rod Cain Massage in the Burlington area and The Essex Resort & Spa in Essex.
For something different, consider a float therapy session or an ashiatsu massage, where the therapist uses their feet to apply deep, controlled pressure.
You could also put together a little Vermont-made skincare package or do an at-home spa night. Tata Harper, Ursa Major and Lillian Sophia are all Vermont brands worth exploring.
And if you’re gifting a spa day, consider making it a full afternoon. No rushing home afterward to tackle the laundry.
Fresh Flowers From a Local Vermont Florist
I love receiving fresh flowers, particularly in February when everything outside is covered in snow and the house could use a little color.
Rather than ordering from a national delivery service, I’d encourage you to support a local florist.
Claussen’s in Colchester has beautiful arrangements and indoor flowering plants. In Addison County, Middlebury Floral & Gifts and Scentsations in Bristol are wonderful local options.
And flowers don’t have to mean a dozen red roses. I love arrangements with interesting textures, unexpected colors and seasonal greenery.
A potted flowering plant is another thoughtful option, particularly for someone who enjoys keeping plants around the house long after Valentine’s Day.
Vermont Experiences to Enjoy Together
Relax in a Salt Cave
For a more relaxing experience, consider a visit to the Salt Cave at Purple Salt in Essex.
The salt-lined room offers a peaceful setting where you can sit back, unplug and enjoy some quiet time. Salt therapy is often promoted for its potential wellness benefits, although evidence supporting specific health claims remains limited.
Regardless, an hour away from phones, errands and the usual distractions sounds pretty appealing.
It’s also an alternative to a traditional spa treatment for couples looking to try something different.
Book a Couples Massage
I’ve always thought a couples massage makes a wonderful gift, especially when you turn it into an afternoon together.
Mad River Massage is an option to explore if you’re spending time in Waitsfield or Warren. For a full spa outing, I’d head to the Spa at the Woodstock Inn, which has beautiful facilities and an outdoor hot tub.
And while a couples massage sounds romantic, don’t underestimate the appeal of booking separate treatments and meeting afterward for lunch or cocktails.
Sometimes the best part of a spa day is having absolutely nothing scheduled afterward.
Take a Cooking Class at The Essex
If you enjoy cooking together, look into the culinary classes at The Essex Resort & Spa.
The resort has offered hands-on cooking experiences where guests learn techniques, prepare dishes and enjoy the results afterward.
I love this idea because you’re doing something together instead of simply sitting across from each other at dinner. Plus, you might pick up a recipe or technique you’ll use at home.
Check the current class calendar for availability, menus and pricing.
Take a Pottery Class Together
For a Valentine’s Day date that’s a little more hands-on, book a wheel workshop at Farmhouse Pottery Local favorite: Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock.
You’ll get a private lesson with a master potter, learn how to throw your own piece of stoneware, and enjoy some Vermont cheese and wine along the way. The experience also includes a tour of the workshop, and your finished pottery will be shipped to you after it’s fired.
I love giving experiences as gifts, and this one comes with a pretty great souvenir. Plus, I’m fairly certain watching each other attempt to make pottery for the first time would provide plenty of entertainment.
Romantic Restaurants in Vermont for Valentine’s Day
I’m a big believer that a great meal is worth driving for, and Vermont has some wonderful restaurants for a special occasion. These are a few of my favorites for a romantic dinner.
Hen of the Wood Local favorite: Hen of the Wood Burlington | Burlington & Waterbury
One of Vermont’s most celebrated restaurants, with seasonal menus and an emphasis on local ingredients. The Waterbury location has moved to 14 South Main Street, while Burlington remains at 55 Cherry Street. Reservations are necessary.
Juniper at Hotel Vermont Local favorite: Juniper Bar & Restaurant | Burlington
I love Juniper’s cocktails and comfortable atmosphere. If the weather cooperates, enjoy a drink by the outdoor fire pit. It’s a lovely spot to start or end a Burlington date night.
Trattoria Delia | Burlington
For Italian food, Trattoria Delia is one of my longtime favorites. The stone walls, warm lighting and delicious pasta make it an easy choice for Valentine’s Day.
Starry Night Café Local favorite: Starry Night Café | Ferrisburgh
The circular dining room, intimate atmosphere and beautifully presented dishes make Starry Night a wonderful choice for a date. I’ve always appreciated the attention that goes into the food here.
Tourterelle Local favorite: Tourterelle Restaurant & Inn | New Haven
Just outside Middlebury, Tourterelle serves French-inspired cuisine in a charming farmhouse. The bouillabaisse has been a favorite of mine, and I’d request a table near the fireplace if one is available.
Simon Pearce Local favorite: Simon Pearce | Quechee
Dinner overlooking the Ottauquechee River and the falls, with beautifully crafted Simon Pearce glassware on the table, is a memorable Vermont dining experience. Make time to browse the glass shop, too.
Edson Hill Local favorite: Edson Hill | Stowe
The historic country inn has a gorgeous dining room overlooking the property, along with a cozy downstairs tavern with a fireplace that’s particularly inviting in winter. The seasonal menu highlights Vermont ingredients with creative, beautifully presented dishes, and the cocktails are worth arriving early for. I love the understated elegance of Edson Hill. It’s sophisticated without feeling formal.
Mystico Local favorite: Mystico | Manchester
If Italian food is your love language, put Mystico in Manchester on your Valentine’s Day list. This stylish Italian restaurant serves handmade pasta, fresh seafood, house-made focaccia and some pretty fantastic cocktails. Come hungry, order a few things to share and don’t skip dessert.
For Valentine’s Day, I’d book your dinner reservation early. Some restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, and popular reservation times fill quickly.
A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home
As much as I love going out to dinner, sometimes I’d rather splurge on great ingredients and cook at home. Especially in February, when a snowy evening, a bottle of wine and a good meal sound pretty appealing.
Build a Vermont Meat & Cheese Board
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love a good cheese board. And we’re spoiled with exceptional cheese here in Vermont.
My Jasper Hill Farm Local favorite: Cellars at Jasper Hill favorites include Harbison, Little Hosmer, Bayley Hazen Blue and Cabot Clothbound Cheddar. Add some Vermont Salumi cured meats, Marcona almonds, cornichons, figs and a good jam or mustard.
And don’t forget Castleton Crackers. The Salted Maple crackers might be my favorite crackers ever.
I’d happily call this dinner, particularly with a great bottle of wine.
Make a Vermont Surf & Turf Dinner
Vermont has wonderful local beef producers, so why not build a special dinner around a beautiful steak?
Pick up a filet or ribeye from a local farm or butcher, then add some seafood. Costello’s Market in Middlebury and Williston and Shelburne Meat and Seafood is home to some of the best to consider.
A perfectly cooked steak with bacon-wrapped scallops? Yes, please.
Add roasted potatoes, a vegetable and a good bottle of red wine, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dinner without leaving home.
Cook a Cozy French Dinner
For a winter evening, I love the idea of making coq au vin with a Vermont-raised chicken from Misty Knoll Farms.
It’s a classic French dish made with chicken braised in red wine, mushrooms, onions and herbs. It feels special without requiring you to spend the entire evening standing over the stove.
I’ve long been a fan of Ina Garten’s coq au vin recipe.
Serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread, light a few candles and enjoy a leisurely dinner.
A Few Things to Know Before Valentine’s Day in Vermont
Book early. Popular restaurants, couples massages and cooking classes can fill up well before February 14. If you have a particular experience in mind, don’t wait until the last minute.
Consider celebrating on another day. A midweek dinner or weekend getaway before or after Valentine’s Day can be easier to arrange, and sometimes more affordable.
Check seasonal offerings. Restaurants and spas may offer special Valentine’s packages, but menus, pricing and availability change annually.
Support local businesses. A gift certificate from a Vermont restaurant, florist, spa or maker is a thoughtful gift that also keeps more of your spending in the community.
And remember, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to involve a romantic partner. Make plans with a friend, treat your mom to lunch or book yourself that massage you’ve been putting off.
I’ll always choose a memorable experience over another obligatory Valentine’s gift. Although I certainly won’t complain if someone shows up with flowers and a box of really good Vermont-made chocolates.
The places in this guide, on the map
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Directions to Farmhouse Pottery (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Woodstock, VT
Try the private Wheel Workshop to sit at the pottery wheel and make your own piece of stoneware.
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Directions to Hen of the Wood Burlington (opens in a new tab)
Restaurant · Burlington, VT
Order whatever looks most interesting on the menu, especially the head cheese.
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Directions to Juniper Bar & Restaurant (opens in a new tab)
Bar or pub · Burlington, VT
Head downstairs at Hotel Vermont for food and drinks made with Vermont ingredients.
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Directions to Starry Night Café (opens in a new tab)
Restaurant · Ferrisburgh, VT
Starry Night isn't just fine dining or for special occasions. Take a seat in the bar area and find the best steak…
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Directions to Tourterelle Restaurant & Inn (opens in a new tab)
Restaurant · New Haven, VT
Just outside of Middlebury, Tourterelle is one of the area's best restaurants. Don't miss the bouillabaise! There are six rooms upstairs as…
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Directions to Simon Pearce (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Burlington, VT
Simon Pearce is my go-to Vermont-made gift. Use code ERIN online or in store to save on your order. Keep an eye…
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Directions to Edson Hill (opens in a new tab)
Resort · Stowe, VT
Edson Hill is equally dreamy in the winter and summer. Highly recommend a swim in the pond in the summer months and…
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Directions to Mystico (opens in a new tab)
Restaurant · Manchester, VT
Get a mixture of crudo and the pasta of the day specials! Don't miss an inventive cocktail and wine pairing.
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Directions to Cellars at Jasper Hill (opens in a new tab)
Farm or farm stand · Greensboro, VT
Although you cannot visit in person, keep an eye out for local Jasper Hill cheeses are general stores and specialty food stores…
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