Have you walked into a convenience store recently only to be bombarded with pink and red hearts, glitter, and bow wielding little cherubs?
That can only mean one thing... it's almost Valentine's Day.
While a majority of New York City stores have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of this day since the start of the new year (as January lacks any real commercial holidays), it's finally time to think about how you and your Valentine will be spending this romantic holiday.
Whether you like the holiday or not, the fact that Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday is a great excuse to escape the slushy city for the weekend and spend some quality time with the one you're crushing on.
Here are some romantic options for Valentine's Day getaways outside of NYC for Valentine's Day weekend.
1. Atlantic City Boardwalk
zenyphotography Sun set Atlantic City #atlanticcity #jerseyshore #atlanticcitynj #ac #atlantic_city #atlanticcitynightlife #jersey #sunset #sunsets #beautiful #landscape
If you're under the impression that the Jersey Shore is only decent in the summertime sunshine, you're wildly mistaken. Sometimes the snooty romantic getaways are too boring for New Yorkers, and Atlantic City the perfect entertaining weekend for two.
If you really want to get away from the city, but still have the ability to go out and party, check out some of the spots on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
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Besides casinos, the seaside city is flush with entertaining bars, big name performers, and incredible sights.
Still not feelin' it? Some of the performers for Valentine's Day weekend include R. Kelly and Vivian Green at the Boardwalk Hall on February 13 and Def Leppard, Styx, and Tesla on Valentine's Day.
2. Finger Lakes
silverspringswinery #Riesling #sunsets #sunset #flxwine #Hector #grown #italianstyle #Straw #matted #senecaWineTrail #NYS #flx #winters #bliss #wine #fingerLakes #seneca #wine #winery
If you're a wine lover, you need to check out the Napa Valley of New York, or the Finger Lakes region.
Whether you're interested in doing a wine tour of the Cayuga or Seneca Lake, a tasting of wines paired with sweet treats, or a staying at an inn on a winery including wine, roses, and chocolates, there's something for every wine loving couple.
It's the perfect location for some relaxation, some boozing, and some romancing for your Valentine's Day weekend.
3. The Poconos
pflaumenbaum22 Oh Pennsylvania 💕 do I need to explain why I love snowboarding in the evening? ❄️ #pennsylvania #PA #snowboarding #snowboard #snow #sunset #sun #sky #colors #nofilter #beautiful #USA #poconos #poconomountains #contrast #ontop #view #awesome #lucky #evening #night #USA #winter #camelback #camelbackmountain
Are you and your Valentine an active couple itching to lace up your snow boots and romance each other on the slopes?
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You need to check out the number of Valentine's Day specials happening in the Pocono Mountain region all through the month of February.
The Poconos, the area responsible for bringing us heart-shaped jacuzzis, are not only a great site for some snow sports, but it's also a beautiful, natural retreat.
,4. Hudson Valley
laineyabart Always finding a brewery on our adventures.....Mill House Brewing Company @theklub #millhousebrewingcompany
Sure, we could tell you that Hudson Valley is beautiful, they have great food, and it's a wonderful place for a lazy, relaxing weekend. But we could also tell you that they're brewing up some pretty amazing beers just a couple of hours outside of NYC.
If you fancy yourself and your Valentine as true-brew aficionados, you need to check out the breweries keeping the Hudson Valley hoppin' (pun intended).
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Make sure you check out the Mill House Brewing Company and the Blue Collar Brewery.
While you're up there, go check out the Culinary Institute of America's Hyde Park campus, and feast on some top notch cuisine created by the restaurant industry's future elite chefs at a more than reasonable price.
5. Martha's Vineyard
There's no way in hell we'd be recommending this (or could be able to afford it) if Valentine's Day fell in the middle of summer. Yet, Martha's Vineyard is a great place check out for a romantic, quiet Valentine's Day.
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Because it's the off season, you'll be able to stay for much cheaper rates, and it's so much easier to make reservations for their year-round restaurants and ocean front rooms.
While it might be a bit of a hassle to get there (you have to take a ferry), the sights, sounds, and shops are more than enough to make your weekend memorable.
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[Feature Image Courtesy Downtown Magazine NYC]