With Valentine’s Day this weekend, there’s a lot of romantic, unique and fun things to do in Connecticut. Whether that’s going to see a show, tossing some axes, cuddling with some cats at a café or racing down the slopes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Valentine’s Day can be about more than a fancy dinner. Sometimes you want to mix up that “normal” date night of going out to dinner or catching a movie. Here’s our list of some ideas you may not have considered for a fun night on the town that are also winter weather friendly.
Ax throwing
For a more competitive date night out, toss some axes at Montana Nights. Located in Newington, Southington and Putnam, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy ax throwing. Attendees are taught proper form and how to throw when they come in. Along with tossing axes, you can enjoy the bar, pizza, arcade and darts that make for an evening full of fun.
Montana Nights has three locations across the state with a fourth in Putnam coming soon.
Bowling
Who doesn’t love a good, old fashioned night out bowling? Head over to Callahan’s Bowl-a-Rama in Newington to lace up your shoes and get ready to strike. Reserve a lane and get competitive with your sweetheart. Along with bowling, Bowl-a-Rama has a bar in house and you can also get some snacks.
Visit a cat cafe
If snuggling adoptable cats is more your style or if your family is considering bringing home and furry friend, hold your date night over at Mew Haven Cat Café. You will need to sign up online for a time slot. Grab a drink and then head into the cat lounge where you’ll be greeted by dozens of adoptable cats waiting to be snuggled and played with.
A cat cafe can be a way to find your next family member.
Ski the slopes
For a more adventurous couple who likes to be outside during the winter, a trip to the mountain can be exactly what you need for date night. Head over to Mohawk Mountain to ski, snowboard or snow tube. Mohawk also offers night skiing for an evening of snow and adrenaline.
Pottery painting
If something more chill and relaxed is your thing and you like to make something sentimental that will last a lifetime, head over to the Firestone in Manchester. The Firestone offers pottery painting or you can make signs, paint a canvas or grab a bite to eat at their cafe. They also offer classes on throwing pottery and other more advanced techniques that could make for an adorable night out.
Painting pottery can be a fun date night. The best part? You can keep whatever you made!
See a show at the Bushnell
There are a few romantic showings coming up at the Bushnell that are perfect for a night out. Slip into some formal wear, get dinner and catch one of these performances in downtown Hartford.
From Feb. 13 to Feb. 15, HSO Masterworks: Romeo and Juliet will take the stage. According to the Bushnell, the show is “a groundbreaking collaboration between the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Concert Theatre Works, and acclaimed director Bill Barclay. This co-commissioned production—also supported by the Royal Albert Hall and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, features live actors in costume, dynamic staging, and even sword fighting on stage. This performance goes beyond traditional concert presentations to create an immersive theatrical experience. The orchestra will perform alongside the action, blending Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy with some of the most evocative music ever written for the story.”
The Hartford performance will feature additional elements, including Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture alongside works by Prokofiev, Berlioz, and Rota.
If dance is more your thing, Connecticut’s professional ballet company hits the stage on Feb. 14 at the Christ Church Cathedral. Be My Valentine showcases classical and contemporary love duets. The company’s “Be My Valentine” shows have become an eagerly awaited annual event that’s a prime element of a romantic date night.
