It’s time to dial up the creativity and ignite the romance with your valentine. These five ideas featuring online, at-home, socially-distanced and outdoor experiences in New Jersey have all the makings of a date night you’ll never forget.
1. Turn Up The Heat
Get in the kitchen and whip up some delicious fun with your love. Two New Jersey businesses make it easy with virtual classes!
As the inventor of taco pizza, Tony Boloney’s put itself on the map in Atlantic City (and Hoboken, Jersey City and Long Branch, too!). Now you can learn how to make their famous pizza, calzones and more with exclusive at-home kits with online instruction.
Little Fox Kitchen in Cranford offers a tantalizing calendar of online cooking and baking classes throughout the winter—find the dates and dishes that work for you and your Valentine (like this Spanish Paella session on February 13, 2022 with available kit!)
Want to make your culinary date Instagram-ready? Wear adorable matching aprons! #couplegoals
2. Affairs of the Art
Whether you want to create your own art or appreciate someone else’s, we have the perfect plan! Rutherford-based Paint Zone offers their Virtual Art Studio, where you can order take-home paint kits. You and your squeeze can craft masterpieces side-by-side or schedule an online painting party to share in the artsy fun with friends—perfect for Galentine’s Day!
Rather leave the art to the pros? Explore Grounds For Sculpture, an open-air museum showcasing nearly 300 contemporary sculptures artfully displayed across 42 landscaped acres in Hamilton. Care to keep your visit romance-themed? Don’t miss “First Love” by Itzik Benshalom on the Great Lawn, “Couple” by Rhea Zinman in Sculpture Court and “A Turn of the Century” by Seward Johnson in Fairgrounds Gardens, to name just a few. For a limited time, you can even light up the night at this sculpture park with tickets to the special-engagement Night Forms: dreamloop by Klip Collective.
3. Toast Your Love
Since New Jersey’s vintners produce award-winning varietals across every region of the state, you’re sure to find a bottle to impress even the most discerning aficionado. Our advice? Locate the wineries and vineyards closest to you and explore their products available for delivery or curbside pickup so you can raise a glass to romance at home.
Some wineries are also hosting socially distanced in-person events:
Due to limited capacities, these events are very likely to sell out quickly—be sure to call early for reservations and full restrictions.
4. Sweets For Your Sweet
If you’ve found that chocolate is the surest route to your love’s heart, you can count on New Jersey’s chocolatiers. Family-owned Conrad’s Confectionery in Westwood has been crafting candy and other sweets since 1928. Their Valentine’s specialties sell out quickly—so put in your order ASAP!
Did you know that New Jersey has a chocolate factory? David Bradley Chocolatier produces and sells handmade gourmet chocolates in Windsor. Order your Valentine’s treats online or take advantage of local delivery options through DoorDash and Grubhub.
5. Embrace Something New
Here’s an idea that will really sweep your date off their feet—virtual dance lessons! Both Jersey City Ballroom and Ballroom Dream (South River) offer your choice of group and private online instruction in a variety of dance styles. And a-5-6-7-8, let’s begin!
Whether you celebrate love’s biggest day at home or out-and-about in New Jersey, we wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day.
