Worried About Being ‘In The Dog House’ On Valentine’s Day? Connecticut Can Help You Come Up Roses

Looking for a chocolate fondue fountain complete with strawberries and over 20 pounds of Belgium chocolate this Valentine’s Day for that special someone? Don’t panic! There’s still time! However romantic it may prove in the end, Valentine’s Day can be anxiety producing and extremely stressful, especially for those too busy, disorganized or paralyzed with indecision to plan ahead.

For all those worried about ending up in the dog house this year (or if you want to drop a few hints!), Connecticut offers some last minute advice on things to do and places to stay, including some convenient romantic escapes where someone else does the planning, preparation and presentation – all while appearing months in the making. And, just in case the fondue fountain really is a necessity, the best place to go is Chocolate In Motion in New Milford (www.chocolateinmotion.com); they will deliver anywhere in the state your romantic getaway finds you.

The best advice for the romance-challenged might be a complete vacation package. From a quaint B&B or bustling city escape, Connecticut offers a wide variety of perfect romantic getaways:

*The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina (located in Niantic) says “Fall ‘Inn’ Love All Over Again” with its Valentine’s Day package (offered throughout February) that includes two nights accommodation with views of the water, champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries, red roses, a classic breakfast buffet by the fire, a CD of romantic songs, a wine and cheese party and more (www.innharborhill.com)

*The B&B at Taylor’s Corner in Woodstock, Connecticut is an 18th century Colonial home with fireplaces in each guestroom. Every weekend in February represents the opportunity to enjoy an evening meal by the fire on Friday, sightseeing, antiquing and a hot air balloon ride on Saturday followed by a romantic dinner at the Harvest Restaurant and full country breakfasts (www.taylorsbb.com)

*The Litchfield Inn in Litchfield combines romance with a relaxing day at the spa. The overnight package includes accommodations, continental breakfast and spa treatments with a light lunch (www.litchfieldinn.com)

*The Saybrook Point Inn in Old Saybrook features a “Romance by the Sea” package through March, with a bottle of wine upon arrival, full American breakfasts and rooms with fireplaces and water views upon request (www.saybrook.com)

*The luxurious Retreat at Split Rock in Wilton celebrates with his and hers massages, dinner in front of the fire at the Silvermine Tavern, live jazz at The Pub and an award-winning Sunday Brunch (www.retreatatsplitrock.com)

*The Steamboat Inn, tucked up against the harbor in Old Mystic, is a treat, offering accommodations, continental breakfast, a complimentary bottle of wine, a gift certificate for dinner for two at a choice of Mystic’s finest restaurants and two tickets to either Mystic Seaport or Mystic Aquarium (www.steamboatinnmystic.com)

*The Holiday Inn Select Stamford’s Valentine’s Day (February 11-15) package begins with a deluxe guestroom with rose petal turndown service, chilled champagne and petite-fours for two, and includes a candlelight dinner and breakfast in bed (203-358-8400)

*The Dutch Iris Inn in Granby welcomes romantics with an all-inclusive package that includes overnight accommodations, an intimate dinner for two at The Pettibone’s Tavern, fresh flowers, complimentary champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and mood music (www.dutchirisinn.com)

Those romantics with slightly greater organizational skills or bigger ambitions might consider one of Connecticut’s recommended “Great Getaways” found at the state’s website www.ctbound.org Among the 52 suggested are a number of particular appeal to the romantically inclined. One is “Escape in Essex,” featuring the quintessentially perfect New England village of Essex, its famous and historic Griswold Inn, boutiques, antique shops and the beauty of the Connecticut River. A decidedly more up-tempo alternative is the “Casino Caper” showcasing two of America’s biggest casino resorts – Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun – as well as outstanding outlet shopping, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center and a great variety of places to stay, from historic inns to large-scale resorts.

With accommodations, meals and many romantic extras taken care off, what else can make Valentine’s Day memorable this year? Connecticut offers a wide variety of special events to make the day, or weekend, or month of February special:

*“Miss Saigon,” the hugely popular romantic Broadway musical, takes place at Hartford’s Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts February 8-13 (860-987-5900)

*The Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University in Fairfield is hosting “Dance Brazil” on February 11 – an evening of soul-stirring music and dance that captures all the steamy excitement of Brazil (www.quickcenter.com or 203-254-4010)

* “Art & Soul” is a Valentine’s Day celebration for lovers of funk, rhythm and ballads, with Tonni Smith of “Funkin for Jamaica,” and Camille Gainer, at The Playhouse on the Green in Bridgeport (www.playhouseonthegreen.org)

*Foxwoods (800-Foxwoods) and Mohegan Sun (888-226-7711) casino resorts offer a year-round schedule of live entertainment and performers ranging in scale from grand and internationally famous to intimate and up-and-coming

*The Long Wharf Theatre invites the public to “A Valentine to Julia Child,” a benefit dinner in honor of the acclaimed chef who was closely connected to this theater in New Haven. Prepared by such celebrity chefs as Jean Pierre Vuillemet, Micahel and Cynthia Keller and Jasper White, the dinner takes place at the Union League Cafe in New Haven on February 14. Contact Rob Fin at (203-772-8255) or rob.finn@longwharf.org

Worried about the final little details like flowers? The wonderful World Wide Web is a good place to find florists in Connecticut who can come to the rescue almost instantly. www.Locate-A-Flower-Shop.com can provide a complete list of Connecticut florists by region – a MUST for those looking for that special bouquet to complement a candlelit dinner or secluded B&B visit.

About.com’s Kim Knox Bekius (Hartford.about.com) picks some of the best ways to show your honey a special night should you find yourself in or close to Hartford. How about kidnapping your sweetheart for a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh ride? Call Allegra Farm Horse & Carriage Service in Salem (860-680-5149), or one of the other Connecticut horse farms that offer sleigh rides (www.hartford.about.com/od/ctsleighrides/index.htm), to reserve a private outing. She also offered another unusual, romantic idea at a great price – FREE. Park your car on Route 20 in Windsor Locks at the end of the runway at Bradley International Airport, wrap your arm around your sweetie, and watch the planes take off and land. And, while in Hartford, be sure to stop by Bushnell Park – according to CitySearch, this is the most romantic place in the city to kiss.

For further information about the 52 Getaways to Connecticut, restaurants, resorts, country inns, B&B’s and other places to stay in the Connecticut, please visit www.ctbound.org Connecticut offers visitors a multi-faceted wealth of attractions, historical, cultural and recreational activities, diverse and beautiful natural landscapes, parks, beaches and wilderness sure to fulfill any getaway need.

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February 1, 2005   Posted in: United States East