Celebrate love in Connecticut this February! Escape to an historic inn, enjoy leisurely fireside dining, take a scenic winter hike, discover new museums, go eagle watching, attend a winter festival, take the family on a fun Valentine’s getaway, and indulge in decadent chocolate treats!
Celebrate Romance
Plan a romantic couples escape to Connecticut this February for a special Valentine’s celebration! Get away together to an enchanting inn where you can explore charming small towns, take in the local sights, visit a unique museum, indulge in luxurious spa treatments and delight in a winter outdoor adventure.
There are plenty of charming inns throughout Connecticut – choose a rustic country setting, historic property or luxurious waterfront destination. For your romantic getaway, consider the elegant and historic Simsbury 1820 House, Simsbury, complete with four-poster canopied beds and Belgian linens. Visit the nearby Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark, and the recently renovated, renowned Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, both in Hartford, before relaxing at Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar, Simsbury, for cozy fireside dining. Discover the beauty of Litchfield Hills with a stay at the award-winning Inn at Kent Falls, a stylish inn with well-appointed rooms, located in the scenic small town of Kent. For total charm and relaxation, request a room with a fireplace.
Experience Litchfield Hills starting with a Bald Eagle Viewing adventure (through March 9) at Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area in Southbury. Then, visit picturesque Litchfield for antiquing and lunch at West Street Grill for “Modern American Cuisine.” You’ll find lovely winter vineyard views along the Litchfield Hills Winter Wine Trail at destinations such as Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston, where you can book your reservation for the “Valentine’s Event Just for Two” (Feb. 14). And Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield offers “Valentine’s at the Vineyard,” which features “The World’s Best Chocolate Decadence Tour” (Feb. 13).
For the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, be pampered at the waterfront Delamar Greenwich Harbor, Greenwich, complete with deluxe accommodations, fine-dining at l’escale Restaurant featuring Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine, inviting spa treatments at The Spa at Delamar, and tranquil views of Greenwich Harbor. For a special romantic getaway during February, book the “Month of Love Package” or “Romance on The Harbor.”
The many travel deals around the state this month will help you find your perfect Valentine’s getaway in Connecticut!
Love to Be Active
If you and your loved one love to be active, you’ll find plenty of fun-filled winter adventures in Connecticut this February! Hit the slopes at one of Connecticut’s fantastic ski areas such as Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort in Middlefield, for skiing, snowboarding, tubing and other fun winter sports activities; or Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall, offering night skiing, a heated patio with comfortable seating and fire pit.
Take in Connecticut’s natural winter beauty together by taking an invigorating hike! Explore White Memorial Foundation nature center and wildlife sanctuary in Litchfield, where you’ll find bird observation platforms amid more than 35 miles of trails. Walk the trails of Farm River State Park in East Haven, and discover salt marshes and rewarding vistas of Long Island Sound.
Don’t miss a very special Connecticut winter activity – eagle and seal watching! With 16 acres of land preserve along the Connecticut River, Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam is a popular destination for eagle viewing in the lower Connecticut River Valley. For prime viewing of eagles and other birds, plan an EagleWatch & Winter Wildlife Boat Tour excursion at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex (through March 15). To spot seals this winter, cruise aboard The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk R/V "Spirit of the Sound" research vessel into Norwalk Harbor and Long Island Sound (through April 3).
Cozy up during a romantic winter sleigh ride at one of Connecticut’s beautiful farms, where you can bundle up and glide through fields and meadows on a whimsical horse-drawn sleigh. Loon Meadow Farm in Norfolk provides antique lap robes and jingling bells for winter sleigh rides through its 20-acre farm, followed by a cup of hot mulled cider at the barn. For a memorable experience, step back in time and take a traditional New England sleigh ride atAllegra Farm in East Haddam. Relax overnight at the award-winning Boardman House B&B, East Haddam, an historic mansion with newly renovated guest rooms decorated with period antiques and artwork from the 18th and 19th century.
You’ll find plenty of activity and entertainment this month at Connecticut’s casinos – Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, andFoxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket – where there’s entertainment, dining, shopping, nightclubs, spas, luxury hotel accommodations and more!
Foodie Experiences to Savor
Celebrate love, romance and fabulous food this February!
Indulge in sweet surprises along the Connecticut Chocolate Trail, where you can discover the delectable creations of chocolate artisans around the state. Take the “Chocolate Experience & Tour” at Fascia’s Chocolates in Waterbury, and learn about how chocolate is produced. You can even make your own chocolate bar with your choice of toppings! Visit Connecticut’s largest chocolate manufacturer, award-winning Munson’s Chocolates, for delicious handcrafted chocolates, creams and caramels. There are several retail locations throughout the state, but if you stop at the main store and factory in Bolton, you can get a sneak peak at the process of making chocolate. Continue your tour in Essex at Truffle Shots, winner of International Chocolate Awards 2015, and sample chocolate truffle creations in flavors such as Cherry, Caramel Beurre Noisette and Raspberry Kiss.
For savory and satisfying comfort food this winter, warm up with a delicious bowl of chowder! In Mystic, try the award-winning creamy clam chowder at S&P Oyster Co., where they also serve up lots of tasty seafood including oysters, shrimp, fish and lobster. At award-winning Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale (New Haven, Madison and Westbrook), you’ll find the “Fish Tale Chowder,” a clear broth chowder filled with fresh clams and a touch of milk.
It’s a cozy atmosphere to go with your cozy bowl of New England clam chowder at Tavern on Main, Westport, located in an historic 1813 Sea Captain’s House. On a cold day, you’ll especially enjoy savoring your soup by the restaurant’s fireplace. Then, unwind for your overnight stay at The Inn at Longshore in Westport, located on the Saugatuck River Inlet with beautiful water views and European-style guest rooms. Enjoy a leisurely lunch for two at City Point Kitchen, New Haven, and you’ll have your choice of chowder. New England, Rhode Island and Manhattan clam chowder are all offered at this breakfast and lunch spot located in an historic New Haven neighborhood.
For a romantic experience for two, head to one of Connecticut’s vineyards or farms this winter for a special dinner celebration, or a fun, educational cooking class! Sign up for the “Tuscan Country Night” prix fixe dinner (Feb. 26) at Sharpe Hill Vineyard in Pomfret, or the “Match Made in Heaven” cooking class (Feb. 13) at The Silo Cooking School at Hunt Hill Farm in New Milford, where you’ll learn to make a memorable Valentine’s dinner and wine pairings to match.
Winter Festivals to Love
If you love the fun of seasonal festivals, explore these festivities around the state this February!
It’s fun and romantic at the Fire & Ice Valentine's Festival (Feb. 13), Putnam, with ice sculptures, horse and carriage rides, music, food and entertainment, and more. Head to Febtoberfest Craft Beer Festival at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury (Feb. 11) and celebrate local breweries while enjoying the art and history of the museum.
Bring your appetite to the Old Saybrook Chili Fest (Feb. 27)! Chefs set up booths along Main Street for chili tasters who then vote for their favorites. Ski enthusiasts won’t want to miss the ski jumping competition at Jumpfest Winter Festival - Eastern States Ski Jumping Championship in Salisbury (Feb. 12 – 14) – where there’s also a chili cook-off, ice carving, Snow Ball Dance and more.
The prestigious Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is coming to The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Hartford (Feb. 20) and to Palmer Auditorium at Connecticut College, New London (Feb. 21), featuring the best mountain filmmakers. Join in for Winter Carnivale in Chester (Feb. 21) and enjoy great community fun including an ice carving competition, chili cook-off, street performers, a tractor parade, and special events offered by area restaurants, shops and galleries.
This winter, explore Connecticut’s quaint towns and villages and visit local shops, galleries and eateries. The Connecticut Shoreline is delightful off-season. Walk through downtown Madison for boutique shopping, discover outdoor art along the Sculpture Mile and stop at RJ Julia Independent Booksellers for the perfect read and lunch at the RJ Café & Bistro. Stay overnight at the elegant Madison Beach Hotel and enjoy resort dining, an on-site spa and glorious water views.
Valentine’s Family Fun
Celebrate the entire family this February! With so many kid-friendly activities around the state, you’re sure to find something the kids will love. Take the family for breakfast at Feeding Time! at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (Feb. 27), and make the rounds with Aquarium staff as they feed turtles, horseshoe crabs and seals. It’s a day of fun at Winter Carnival & Cardboard Box Race, Mount Southington Ski Area, Southington, with Valentine the Clown, balloon animals and face painting (Feb. 20). Join in a family-style celebration at Valentine’s Day Family Overnight at Mystic Aquarium (Feb. 14 – 15) for an outdoor tour in the dark, scavenger hunt and Valentine’s Day craft.
Delight in an afternoon with “James and the Giant Peach” at Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport, and enjoy this story of magic, friendship and adventure (Feb 27 – April 3). Gather the family and lace up your ice skates for a fun outdoor outing at Foxwoods Rink & Winter Patio at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket (through March 6). After skating, enjoy hot chocolate on the outdoor patio. Check out more winter family fun ideas!
For indoor adventure, head to the new It Adventure Indoor Ropes Course at Jordan’s Furniture in New Haven, where you’ll also find zip lines, climbing challenge activities and Liquid Fireworks water show. At Canton Indoor Golf Center in Canton, you can plan indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf at the “Glow Cove.” Plan an indoor outing to CoCo Key Water Resort – Hotel & Conference Center, Waterbury, where the kids can splash, play and swim. After an activity-filled day, make it a family overnight and enjoy dinner and comfortable accommodations.
Get a thrilling movie experience at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk with its IMAX theater and enormous screen – be sure to check out the listing of upcoming shows! Don’t miss Dinosaur Days 2016 at Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven (Feb. 13 – 16), where the kids can see dinosaurs up close and partake in hands-on exhibits and a fossil dig. Discover many more fun ways to celebrate your family this February!
Love Winter in Connecticut
With so much to see and do around the state, you’ll love Connecticut this winter. Pack your bags for a special romantic getaway! Located in a tranquil, country setting, The Spa at Norwich Inn in Norwich is a fantastic destination. And, with elegant dining and a superb spa, it’s an ideal escape this February.
Discover Connecticut’s arts and culture scene – the renowned Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven is a great place to start. Then, take a tour of the Connecticut Pizza Trail, stopping at legendary Pepe’s and Sally’s on Wooster Street in New Haven. Venture outside into the brisk air for a fun cross-country skiing adventure at Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center in Farmington, and see Connecticut’s winter wonderland of woodlands and waterways. Get a sneak preview of spring at the Connecticut Flower & Garden Showat the Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford (Feb. 18 – 21) and get some great ideas for the garden.
Interested in Connecticut’s history? Visit the Noah Webster House in West Hartford, one of the state’s literary landmarks. And, the kids will love a trip to the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, with its collection of more than 65 aircraft on display.
For more ideas and inspiration, see all 101 ways to warm up to winter and Connecticut’s top winter attractions.
Looking for more exciting getaway ideas? Check out CTvisit.com, or visit our Facebook, Twitter,Pinterest, and Instagram channels to tell us what you’re looking for - we’re happy to assist!