A Guide to Pampering Oneself in Connecticut
Valentine’s Day is when millions of people who are alone – by choice or circumstance – are made to feel a bit left out. Why should that be? Instead of moping because there’s no one to share the box of chocolates, maybe this product of the greeting card industry is actually an opportunity to laugh and learn and, most of all, to treat oneself well.
There’s Nothing Wrong with Self-Indulgence
The key to going solo on Valentine’s Day is total, guilt-free pampering. This is that rare chance to think about no one else. Country inns, B&B’s and countless day and destination spas throughout Connecticut welcome singles and groups of friends with special getaways and packages designed to rejuvenate the body and lift the spirits. Some examples:
The Mountain View Inn in Norfolk (860-542-6991) offers a “Pamper Yourself” getaway featuring a beautifully decorated Victorian guestroom, an hour-long massage, complimentary sherry in the afternoon, a comfy sofa before a roaring fire and sumptuous breakfast. The inn can also arrange such extras as a sleigh ride, hot air balloon trip, Champagne and chocolates and features a Ski and Stay package with nearby slopes of Mount Southington as well (860-628-0954).
Lily House Bed and Breakfast in Suffield (860-668-7931) offers a “Ladies Pamper Yourself” weekend package that enables a group of up to six women to take over all three guestrooms for two nights and features a Friday evening wine and cheese reception around the fireplace, a morning stretch with a yoga instructor, afternoon tea on Saturday, breakfast, snacks and beverages, “chick flicks” and access to the spa for massage, pedicures and manicures (charged separately). And, the Deacon Timothy Pratt B&B Inn in Old Saybrook (860-395-1229) features a “Pamper Me Package” that includes two nights’ accommodations with a canopied bed, fireplace and Jacuzzi tub, a candlelight breakfast and a package of “royal treatment” products for the body and bath.
The Westbrook Inn B&B (800-342-3162) also offers a special “Swedish Spa Massage Therapy” package that includes a one-hour relaxing massage in the privacy of your own guestroom for a minimal additional charge to the room rate. And, the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic (860-739-0331) suggests the “Girl’s Spa Getaway,” is ideal for friends who want to avoid Valentine’s Day.
The Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton (860-446-2600), with the only Elizabeth Arden Spa in the region as well as the highly regarded Octagon Restaurant, is another opportunity to treat oneself in style whether alone or with friends.
Laughter’s the Best Medicine
Experts say that laughing heals the heart. But don’t laugh alone; it’s very hard to feel morose in the company of hundreds of others chortling and chuckling. So, get out to the theater this Valentine’s Day. Here are some suggestions:
The Ivoryton Playhouse (860-767-7318) presents “Heartaches, Heart Throbs and Hangover” on February 11: the “anti-Valentine’s Day event to end all.” The audience is urged to come dressed in funky red and rock their little hearts out. Opening on February 9, the Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury (203-757-4676) will present “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” the Broadway hit by the genius of comedy, Neil Simon. The Spirit of Broadway Theater in Norwich (860-886-2378) offers intimate, black box theater productions of innovative, high-quality new works throughout the year. There’s also cabaret, a lively, often daring, irreverent and exciting form of less formal theater that is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face. Cabaret opportunities in Connecticut include the highly acclaimed Yale Cabaret at Yale University in New Haven (203-432-1566), the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport (203-576-1636) specializing in musical theater and the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin (860-829-1248), offering musicals and comedy.
The Little Grey Cells
Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s decidedly eccentric detective, stimulated his “little grey cells” to solve the crime. This Valentine’s Day, why not activate your own, with some enriching cultural activities? Among the offerings: classical guitarist Christopher Berg will perform at the First Presbyterian Church in New Canaan on February 12 at 5 p.m. (203-966-0002); the Hartford Symphony Orchestra (860-244-2999) features Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet and cellist Patrice Jackson at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, February 14-15 (860-987-5900) and “Live! Lit, One World” at the Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield, February 12 at 3 p.m. includes readings about the human experience by authors from around the world (203-254-4010).
Among the many museums in Connecticut offering inspiration and mental stimulation is the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme (860-434-5542). This National Historic Landmark is one of America’s best-known centers of Impressionism, with several galleries and changing exhibitions. And, appropriately for the occasion, the ALVA Gallery in New London (860-437-8664) opens a new exhibition, “ART LOVERS,” on January 28 that examines how artist partners influence, support, maybe even torment one another. Three pairs of artists – Christian Brechneff and Tim Lovejoy, Luke Gray and Dorke Poelz and Sean and Karen Kernan are featured.
Another option is an urban escape to New Haven and its many museums, theaters and fine restaurants. Starting at $130, with a $50 Parxsmart Card thrown in for extra value, packages are available for everything from live theater to Pizza, Pubs and Picasso. Visit www.visitnewhaven.com for more information.
For yet another perspective on culture, Connecticut’s two famous casino resorts, among the largest in the country, provide an all-inclusive getaway for great accommodations, entertainment, dining and fun. On February 11, the Ladies Night Out Tour comes to Foxwoods Mashantucket (800-FOXWOODS), with Urban, R&B and Hip Hop stars such as Jagged Edge, Ginuwine, Donell Jones and CASE. Nearby, at Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville (888-226-7711), Brooks & Dunn, the country’s hottest country duo perform on February 12 and Keith Sweat performs on February 11.
Off the Wall (literally) and Other Pursuits
What better inspiration than Valentine’s Day to take on a new challenge – that “off-the-wall” sport or activity you’ve never had the nerve to try? For those who take “off-the-wall” literally, there’s Go Vertical in Stamford (203-358-8767), offering the opportunity to try indoor rock climbing – 34 climbing ropes on 100 climbing routes and classes for beginners and climbers of all ages. For those who have fantasized about becoming the new Ginger Rogers, there’s Maria Fiora’s Latin and Ballroom Dance Studio in Stamford (203-353-4363). This professional instructor and national competitor offers instruction in ballroom, Latin, salsa, swing and more. No partner required. And, if you’ve ever wanted to “float through the sky with the greatest of ease,” it’s even possible (weather permitting) to spend Valentine’s Day in a hot air balloon over the hills and valleys of Connecticut. Log on to
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