Celebrate Valentine's Day In Central Mass

Date Night Dining

There are so many excellent local dining options in Central Massachusetts. Discover one of the new restaurants in Worcester, or visit a tried and true local hotspot like Via or The Sole Proprietor. For a louder, lively vibe, choose a place like The Mercantile or Bocado. Or for a quieter, cozier setting, dine at Salem Cross Inn or Ruth Chris. Find stunning food at deadhorse hill, and a stunning view at Vue, the new coctail lounge at the top of the glass tower in Downtown Worcester. 

Something Light + Sweet

Left, Cookies from Bean Counter Bakery; Right, Valentine's special from Mrs. Moriconi's Ice Cream

Sweets and desserts are a trademark of Valentine’s Day, and Central MA spoils us with unique and delicious bakeries. You cannot go wrong stocking up at Bri's Sweet Treats, who's holiday specials often sell out, so get yours early! Place a custom order at Bean Counter Bakery known for spectacular cakes and treats. Check out local candy stores Hebert Candies and Boro Sugar Shack for chocolates and more.

Be My Galentine

One of the best fake holidays on the calendar, Galentines serves women of every relationship status--married, single, and consciously uncoupling. Coined by Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation, Galentine's is all about brunch, your closest gal pals, and love. Celebrate your girl gang with a few Central MA staples. 

Left, Brunch by Livia's Dish; Right, Valentine's Day special by 2 Gouda Girls

Brunch Date

Livia’s Dish

Treat yourselves to brunch at Livia’s Dish, a family-owned casual dining restaurant offering delicious comfort meals with Mediterranean flavors. Currently open for dine-in, take-out and curb-side delivery from 8am to 3pm. Depending on your cravings, visit their sister restaurant, Altea’s Eatery, for some French-cuisine brunch goodness. 

BirchTree Bread Company 

What’s not to love about artisan bread, specialty coffee, sandwiches, live music, and local art all in a cozy cafe´ environment? Brunch at BirchTree Bread Company is the best way to start a girl date followed by shopping in the Canal District!

Gals Night In 

Cozy up with your favorite show/movie, your best girls and a board from CharCUTErie Woo! Or plan a party and invite Sisters Charcoots to customize their  mobile charcuterie cart for your girl gang's gathering.

Events

Check out our events calendar for a growing line up of Valentine's events. From making valentines at the library to themed nights and date ideas - find inspiration here!

Gift Ideas

Something Sexy 

What sets the tone of the holiday better than lace and silk? The Bra Shop in Worcester has an incredible selection and intimate shopping experience to help you select something perfect, whether you're picking out lingerie for yourself or your partner. A gift card is also a great idea for your wife, so she has the option to get fitted for the perfect bra size during her visit.

Jewelry 

Left, Ring from Lulu's Jewelry and Gifts; Right, Claddagh jewelry from Tinker’s Cart

It's the season to splurge on diamonds and other gorgeous gems, and with big ticket items you'll want a professional opinion. Sachs Jewelers in Shrewsbury has been in business for four generations, and they have options for all ages and style preferences.

If your partner’s a sustainable fashion queen (or king) with expensive taste, shop Sweet Jane’s Consignment for designer jewelry from brands such as Tiffany and David Yurman. 

For fun, bold jewelry Lulu’s Jewelry and Gifts is your stop: you'll find Gray Girl Jewelry’s custom cut stones, rings, and affordable moissanite, gold and silver. If you have a gemstone you'd like to repurpose and put in a new setting or have something that is worn down, broken and needs a little TLC, Gray Girl Jewelry can help you!

For a meaningful, symbolic gift, surprise your person with Claddagh jewelry from Erin Gift Store, located in the Worcester Public Market. On each piece of Claddagh jewelry, the hands symbolize friendship, and the heart for love and the crown for loyalty – summing up what we all want from a relationship. 

Also, don't miss the Worcester Center for Crafts selection of artisan jewelry in their shop.

Get Creative

Here's a thoughtful ideas outside of the traditional Valentine’s Day suggestions:

Pow! Wow! Worcester! Mural by Tavar Zawaki; Photo by Steven King

Plan a romantic photoshoot at one of Worcester’s Public Art destinations, such as Tavar Zawaki's “Love You/Marry Me” wall and Ben Johnson's “Por Siempre” wall, among others. For more ideas on what to do while you're downtown, here’s our guide!

Date Ideas & Activities

Staycation 

Photo by Simple Indulgence Day Spa 

Publick House Historic Inn

Surprise your loved one with a rejuvenating staycation at Publick House Historic Inn with massages at the Simple Indulgence Day Spa in the Tillyer House! Contact the Publick House Historic Inn for their getaway packages. 

A Getaway at Beechwood Hotel

Celebrate love in luxury with a romantic getaway for two in a Fireplace Suite at the Beechwood Hotel. Artful, luxurious and remarkably beautiful, the Beechwood is the only AAA Four-Diamond boutique property in Central Massachusetts, defined by its breathtaking settings, exquisite European-inspired accommodations with every attention to detail, unsurpassed ambiance and a truly distinguished passion for hospitality. 

Winter Outings

Photo by New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Take your significant other on a colorful date at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, where carefully planned gardens, collections of ornamental plants and scenic trails enhance the natural features of this beautiful 171-acre property. Pre-purchased tickets are required for entry.

Old Sturbridge Village Winter Walks

Enjoy a peaceful walk around Sturbridge’s 19th-century village! You’ll be able to stop by their tradeshops and numerous households to see what kind of winter activities kept a family busy. There will also be daily horse-drawn wagon rides throughout Old Sturbridge Village. 

Horse-Drawn Rides at Cornerstone Ranch

Cornerstone Ranch offers horse-drawn rides for a memorable Valentine's Day adventure. Embark on your romantic journey through the beautiful wooded trails of Princeton and Rutland, reserved for just you and your sweetheart. On a clear day you will see all the way to Boston as you travel in similar fashion as the pioneers once did. This winter's horse-drawn rides are complete with hot chocolate and s'mores by the camp fire or by the wood stove in the cozy heated pavilion. Base price for a horse-drawn ride is $150 for up to six people, plus applicable service and booking fees.

Romance on the Mountain

Take a day at Wachusett Mountain, followed by an apres ski date. Check out our guide below to plan your adventures on and off the slopes:

We can't wait to see how you celebrate Valentine's Day! Share with us by tagging @DiscoverCentralMA on Instagram and Facebook.