Date and Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Rhode Island

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It’s almost that time again, folks. Big stuffed bears and candy in heart-shaped boxes are already lining the shelves of your local CVS, but we know you’re more original than that. Take a look at our list, make a reservation, order some fancy takeout and impress your significant other (Don’t worry, we won’t tell them we helped.)

Editor’s Note: Are we missing something? Email your tip to our Digital Editor, Kait Murray, at kmurray@rimonthly.com.

1. Garden City Center 🎁 🍽️

Garden City Center in Cranston is a cornucopia of gifting opportunities. Stop by Sweenor’s Chocolates for a box of handcrafted, gourmet treats; Air & Anchor for a charming necklace; Lululemon for stylish activewear sets; MiniLuxe for mani and pedi services and more. You also can book a romantic date night at one of the on-site eateries, such as Asia Grille, Avvio, Chaska or Legal Seafoods. See what else the center has to offer at gardencitycenter.com.

2. Edgewood Cheese Shop Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Platter 🎁

Edgewood Cheese Shop in Cranston is creating beautiful charcuterie platters for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home. Available for pickup Thursday, February 12, through Sunday, February 15, the Valentine’s Day platter is decked out with cheeses, meats, chocolates, fresh fruit, nuts and crackers. The $89 platter must be pre-ordered by calling the shop or ordering online.

This year, Edgewood is also giving couples the opportunity to make their own platter. The step-by-step Valentine’s Charcuterie Class will take place at their Cranston shop on Wednesday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. It’s also BYOB! Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased in the shop or online. 1828 Broad St., Cranston, 401-941–2400, edgewoodcheeseshop.com

Photo courtesy of Edgewood Cheese Shop

3. Ocean House Valentine’s Dinner at COAST 🍽️ 

Enjoy an elegant, Valentine’s-themed night out at the Ocean House in COAST restaurant happening Friday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15, from 5:30–9 p.m. Indulge in a four-course prix fixe dinner of seasonally-inspired dishes created by the Forbes Five-Star COAST team, including cured trout, poached lobster, wagyu striploin and Jivara chocolate mousse with a raspberry crunchy glaze (see the full menu here). Soft live music will help set the mood for the evening. The cost is $225 per person with the option to enhance your meal with a wine pairing for an additional $125. To reserve your spot, call 401-584-7000 or book online. 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, 401-584-7000, oceanhouseevents.com

4. Weekapaug Inn 🍽️ 🏨

The inn welcomes couples to celebrate their love with an unforgettable Valentine’s Day evening complete with a cozy setting and a spectacular four-course tasting menu (think: oysters, scallops, duck a l’orange and more) crafted by chef Andrew and his team. Seatings are available from 5:30–9 p.m. for $145 per person (plus tax and gratuity). You can elevate your meal with an exquisite expert wine pairing for an additional $105 per person. Full payment is due at the time of booking. Make your reservation here.

The Weekapaug Inn is also offering a romantic inn package which includes chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine in your room upon arrival, a personalized welcome amenity, $150 resort credit towards dinner in The Restaurant or an Ocean & Harvest Spa experience at the Ocean House, plus daily breakfast for two in the restaurant or delivered to your suite. Learn more and book here. 25 Spray Rock Rd., Westerly, 888.565.5023, weekapauginn.com.

5. Ellie’s Wine Bar 🎁 🍰

Ellie’s creates some of the most beautiful cakes, French macarons, pastries and more in the state. On February 14, the cafe is hosting “Sucree: Bee Mine – A Valentine’s Day Dessert Experience.” From 7–9:30 p.m., guests are invited to indulge in a three-course dessert tasting (inspired by honeyed notes, delicate florals and playful textures) complete with curated cocktail (or mocktail) pairings. Tickets are $102 per person with mocktails pairings or $117 per person with cocktail pairings and can be purchased here. 225 Weybosset St., Providence, 401-563-3333, elliesprov.com

6. The Beatrice 🏨 🍸

The Beatrice hotel in Providence invites you to create unforgettable memories this Valentine’s Day by embracing the luxury boutique hotel’s For the Love of Valentine’s package. The overnight package made for two pairs a beautifully appointed guest room with a Bellini nightcap featuring special Valentine’s cocktails delivered right to your door, plus a Beatrice romance playlist, a $50 dining credit at Bellini and late checkout. Reserve here. 90 Westminster St., Providence, 401-443-2960, thebeatrice.com

7. The George on Washington 🎁 🍽️ 

8. Basta 🍽️

Join Basta for its twelfth annual signature Valentine’s Day event, Nights of 1,000 Roses. Taking place February 11 through 15, the magical celebration promises thousands of fresh, long-stemmed roses cascading from ceiling and in vases throughout the dining areas, plus a four-course pre-fixe dinner for two (entree options include chestnut and truffle tagliatelle, filet mignon, pistachio-crusted cod, bone-in “pink” chicken parmigiana, and lobster “loveletters”).  Tickets are $150 per couple. See the full menu here and book your reservation here. 2195 Broad St., 401-461-2300, bastaonbroad.com

9. Providence Bagel 🍽️

Who says you have to wait till dinner time to celebrate this lovely holiday? Start your morning off right the with Providence Bagel’s Valentine’s Day-themed rainbow bagel with pink funfetti cream cheese. The special will be available February 13–15. Locations in Providence, North Providence, Kingston, Mansfield, Mass., and North Attleboro, Mass., providencebagel.com

10. Nana’s Westerly  🍰

Treat your honey to sweet treats from Nana’s Valentine’s Day Market. Specials include a box of six assorted truffles, rich flourless dark chocolate fudge-like cake, almond-cherry daquoise, and heart-shaped sugar cookies. Pre-order by Monday, February 9, for pickup on Friday, February 13, after 11 a.m. 82 High St., Grd Flr. Suite Nanas, Westerly, 401-213-3911, nanasri.com

11. River Bar 🍽️

From February 13 through 15, River Bar in Westerly is throwing back to the good old days. Its Old School Love menu includes timeless classics using local ingredients, from Waldorf salads to beef tartare. Make your reservations online here. 37 Main St., Westerly, 401-561-7050, riverbarwesterly.com

12. Narragansett Beer 🍻

Stop by the Providence brewery anytime between 6 and 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day to customize a mug that you can keep and fill with your choice of Narragansett Beer. The cost is $25 per mug and Inebri-Art will supply all craft materials. There is also a special couple’s ticket available for a discounted price. Mugs are limited, so purchase in advance here. 271 Tockwotton St., Providence, 401-437-8970, narragansettbeer.com

13. Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery 🕵️ 🍽️

Who doesn’t like a little thrill mixed in with their romance? Put yours and your partner’s detective skills to the test at this Valentine’s Day Murder mystery event at the Surf Shack in Narragansett. Come dressed in your finest masquerade mask and enjoy an evening of suspense, clues and intrigue, as well as delicious food and drink. Tickets are $71 each and can be purchased here. 83 Narragansett Ave., Narragansett, surfshackri.com

14. The Preserve Sporting Club and Resort 🍽️ 🎁

The Preserve has a few swoon-worthy Valentine’s Day offers on the table. The first is the Lovers’ Renewal Retreat, complete with a chauffeur pick up, a couple’s massage in its Hilltop Spa (plus full access to the spa’s amenities), day-use of the Hilltop Spa’s private guest room, a five-course chef’s tasting at Double Barrel Steak, a chauffeured return home and a curated Valentine’s day gift back. The experience is available throughout the month of February for $1,888. The second option is the Couple’s Tranquil Escape. For $1,300 you can your partner can indulge in an exclusive three-hour spa experience at the Hilltop Spa. The experience includes a soak in the whirlpool bath, a full body sugar scrub, access to the couple’s rain shower/steam room, a ninety-minute full body massage, and champagne and strawberries. The Be My Valentine’s Day Gift Packages, meanwhile, include a sixty-minute custom massage, a sixty-minute custom facial or a sixty-minute chocolate pedicure, all for $500. Book any of the above here. 1 Preserve Blvd., Richmond, 401-539-4653, thepreserveri.com

Munroe Dairy Love Potion #9. Photo courtesy of Munroe Dairy

15. Munroe Dairy 🎁  🍨

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Munroe Dairy has announced the return of its Love Potion #9 ice cream. The proprietary blend from Warwick Ice Cream features vanilla ice cream with raspberry swirls and raspberry-filled chocolate truffles. Another holiday-appropriate favorite is Munroe Dairy’s Strawberry Milk — both are available for home delivery as well as the Sacred Cow Scoop and Market in East Providence. 151 N Brow St., East Providence, 401-438-4450, cowtruck.com

16. Sakonnet Vineyard 🎁🍷💐

Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton has partnered with local florist Amber Rose Floral Design to create a unique Valentine’s Day package featuring a bottle of wine and a beautiful floral arrangement topper that can double as a centerpiece. Wine choices include the Chanbrusco sparkling red or Sauvignon Blanc with a mixed floral arrangement, Blanc de Blanc sparkling with roses, or Rosé and roses. Orders can be made online here for delivery or pickup. Additionally, the vineyard is offering a gift package comprised of a bottle of Chanbrusco paired with branded Sakonnet Vineyard wine glasses for $40 (offer available on-site only).

On Saturday, February 14, guests may also enjoy on-site wine tastings and specials from the café, including two tasting plates and a bottle of Chanbrusco for $40, from noon to 7 p.m. and live music from Frank Foot from 1–4 p.m. Reservations are not required. 162 W Main Rd., Little Compton, 401-635-8486, sakonnetwine.com

17. Newport Helicopter Tours 💍

If you’ve been thinking of popping the question on or around Valentine’s Day, Newport Helicopter Tours can help you make it a truly unforgettable experience. Book their Newport Sky Proposal package for a private romantic twenty-minute flight over Aquidneck Island and Newport Harbor that will culminate with the reveal of a red heart-adorned, twelve-by-100-foot “Will You Marry Me?” banner. You also will receive in-flight and exterior panoramic footage capturing and preserving the moment. The proposal package starts at $450 per couple, with optional upgrades including a lighthouse tour, a bay tour or a sunset flight available for additional fees. Availability is limited, so be sure to book sooner than later here. 211 Airport Access Rd., Middletown, 401-843-8687, newporthelicoptertours.com

18. Ten Prime Steak and Sushi  🍽️

This Valentine’s Day weekend, Ten Prime Steak and Sushi in Providence will offer a number of specials. Guest can enjoy a sushi and sashimi sampler of hirami, madai, salmon, maguro and King salmon; two bumps of caviar with crème fraîche and chives on a housemade potato chip paired with a half bottle of Tattinger Champagne; and an eight-ounce pan-seared halibut served with garlic mashed potatoes, haricot vert and dill crumb. Cocktail specials include Love Potion #10 with 10 Prime Vodka, Lillet Blanc, raspberry syrup and lemon juice, garnished with pink cotton candy and a red ice cube, as well as the Tall, Dark and Handsome featuring Maker’s Mark, Amaro Montenegro and Peychaud’s Bitters with a brûléed Luxardo foam garnish. Reservations can be made online. 55 Pine St., Providence, 401-453-2333,  tenprimesteakandsushi.com

19. Ten Prime Seafood  🍽️

Meanwhile, downtown at Ten Prime Seafood, guests can indulge in oysters Rockefeller with spinach, escargot butter, Parmesan and crumble; a colossal crab cocktail with avocado, Boston Bibb, Joe’s stone crab mustard sauce and lemon; a burrata salad with Parma prosciutto, Roman artichokes, oven-dried tomato, arugula, aged balsamic and olive oil; baked stuffed shrimp with lump crab, traditional crumbs, grilled asparagus, citrus beurre blanc and frisse; an eighteen-ounce, bone-in, porcini-crusted certified Angus ribeye served with mashed potatoes and umami butter with the option to make it “surf” with the addition of two baked stuffed shrimp; and for dessert, Ten Prime tiramisu layered with mascarpone zabaglione mousse, chocolate crémeux, lady fingers and tableside espresso. Celebratory cocktails include the Baroness, featuring rosemary-infused Cazadores, Aperol, blood orange, grapefruit and lemon, and the Smoke Show with Old Forester Bourbon, Luxardo liqueur, Noilly Prat sweet vermouth and black walnut bitters. Reservations can be made online. 123 Empire St., Providence, 401-642-0770, tenprimeseafood.com

20. Xaco Taco 🍽️ 🎉

Xaco Taco is celebrating Valentine’s Day all weekend long, starting with a speed dating event hosted by The Dinner Club on Thursday, February 12; Photo Booth Friday on Friday, February 13; and a DJ on Saturday, February 14. Menu specials for the weekend will include flash-fried, smashed potato with serrano crema, arbol frita, shaved cabbage and watermelon radish; smoky guajillo lobster quesadillas; and Mexican sweet bread tiramisu. On the cocktail side, expect concoctions like the Love Bubbles made with strawberry puree, tequila, triple sec, lime and a sparkling wine floater; the Raspberry Kiss with 10 Prime vodka, raspberry simple syrup, lemon and a red sugared rim; and Cupid’s Sparkle with strawberry simple syrup, rose water, Pierre Zero sparkling Chardonnay and soda water with a Pop Rocks rim. Dinner reservations can be made online. 370 Richmond St., Providence, 401-228-8286, xacotacori.com

21. Local Chocolatiers and Candy Makers 🎁🍫

Does your beau go crazy for cocoa and/or candy? We’ve rounded up a few local options where you can pick up a box of chocolates or a sweet treat. rimonthly.com/places-to-buy-local-chocolates-for-valentines-day; rimonthly.com/candy-shops-valentines-day