That's Amore'

While there are boundless options for romantic dining on Main Street, for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Luce has got it all. Reviews at this Middletown restaurant consistently report superb food, a great atmosphere and exceptional service. For romance, this Tuscan inspired restaurant just might be the place to dine. Their menu offers an array of Italian fare and their wine list boasts wines from around the world. 

A delicious meal at Luce’s followed by a stroll, hand in hand, down Middletown’s Main Street, where warm street lights and cozy coffee shops lend a glow to the city. Main Street was ranked one of America’s most romantic main streets, and will certainly help send feelings of romance up and down her spine. 

While beautiful and unique floral arrangements and bouquets can be found and pre-ordered at one of Main Street’s top end florists, like Capricorn or Wild Orchid, specialty chocolates can also be found at Tschudin Chocolatier. For a high class, love-is-in-the-air Valentine’s date, this date idea has the ooh-la-la factor that will fit the bill.

Valentine's GIft Guide

We know it's hard to find the perfect gift for that special someone; and we've established already that the gift you give should mean something. Chocolates and red roses may be traditional, but finding a gift especially and uniquely for your sweetheart is far better. Here are just a sampling of ideas and specials happening in Downtown Middletown right now. From cupcakes to bicycles, there's no end to the perfect gifts you can find Downtown. Check them out today before Valentine's Day sneaks up on you. 

Overnight Retreat at the Inn at Middletown

Surprise your special one with this remarkable overnight getaway. The package includes an overnight stay for two at the luxurious Inn at Middletown, a chef preferred four course dinner for two, a bottle of champagne either at dinner or in your room, and a complete breakfast for two the next morning. Plus you’ll receive complimentary 24 hour valet service, and late check out (based on availability) – all for $259. Stop in or call to make your reservation today! (860) 854-6300 or (800) 637-9851.

Couples Retreats from Sanditz Travel

If you’d like you take your sweetie away with you for a little vacation, check out what Sanditz Travel has to offer. During the month of February, they are offering a special on Perfectly Paired from American Express vacations, which boast spa treatments, private lessons, poolside cabanas, romantic dinners for two, and more at a selection of carefully chosen, very romantic resorts. Stop in or call Sanditz Travel today for details or to book your couple retreat. (860) 346-5511.

Cupcakes

Everyone loves a cupcake and Middletown is in no short supply of them. Whether you choose to send a single delicious cupcake or a dozen of the sweet treats, this is a great slightly different option from the typical box of chocolate or dozen roses. Cupcakes can be purchased at NoRa’s Cupcakes at the North End of Main Street, where the cupcakes are known to have a cocktail like twist, or you can stop in for selections at Fusion Bakery, Lizzy B’s Sweet Celebrations and even It’s Only Natural where you can find vegan cupcakes. They’re all cupcake-licious.

Jewelry

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, jewelry does typically say a lot. Whether its diamonds or a simple charm bracelet, you pretty much can’t go wrong here. And, in Middletown, your options abound. Stop in at Mallove’s Jewelers or PJ Jewelers, both on Main Street, for an abundance of choices in wide array of price points. Or you can consider some of the other retailers on Main such as Echo Trading and Ladybug Boutique where they’re offering $5 off a purchase of $30 (only if you mention the Downtown Middletown blog), or Lastrina Girls where they feature an array of sparkly accessories as well.

Flowers

Sending the right bouquet can say a lot. Red roses are a common staple of Valentine’s Day, but they’re certainly not your only choice, and the florist of Downtown Middletown are famous for original bouquet designs of high quality flowers. Check out Capricorn Florist or the Wild Orchid and see what they have to offer. They may even have some suggestions of other suitable and romantic arrangements you can order.

Edible Arrangements

Some people just don’t get into flowers. Perhaps it’s an allergy or some other aversion, but regardless, there is an arragement for you. Edible Arrangements on Main Street in Middletown offers unique and edible bouquets that can be picked up or delivered right to your sweetheart. Give them a call at 860-346-1353.

Middlesex Fruitery, also right on Main Street, is another great option serving up specialty foods like cheeses and fruit in gift baskets that will make a great statement as well. They can be reached at 860-346-4372.

Gift of Music

Music IS romance. Romance IS music. So it would stand to reason that music lessons or a new instrument might suit someone’s sweetheart for this Valentine’s Day. For lessons or expert advice purchasing an instrument you cannot go wrong at Middlesex Music Academy on Main Street. Stop in and check the place out.

For the Biker Babes
Here's what Pedal Power has going on: All clothing is 30% off for Valentine's Weekend (Feb 16th & 17th). However, if you purchase similar items for your significant other, you get 40% off. For example, buy a jersey & shorts for yourself, get 30% off. Buy a jersey & shorts for yourself & a jersey & shorts for your significant other, get 40% off all 4 clothing items. There are some restrictions, customers should see our stores for details.

Spa Services

Getting her some spa treatments for Valentine’s Day is sure to be a winner and this year EG Salon is offering a terrific special. Choose any three services for $79. Services included in this special are 30 minute massage, 30 minute facial, 30 minute reiki treatment, warm sugar body scrub, bikini wax, spa pedicure, Shellac manicure, hair conditioning treatment, professional blow out, and make up application. This package makes a perfect gift, but also could be incorporated into the Pampered Princess date very easily. Just be sure to call ahead for reservations at 860-346-7714.

The Pampered Princess - Valentine's Date Idea #4

If you’re date’s idea of a good time is a pedicure and a massage, consider this date that’s full of ideas to pamper your princess.

To invite her on this date, gift wrap a tiara with a formal invitation to be pampered like a princess or send her a custom labeled massage oil to hint at what’s in store. With the many salons and boutiques along Main Street, you could easily accompany her as you indulge her in all her relaxing and pleasurable fantasies. 

A relaxing spa pedicure and manicure with paraffin treatment at Nail City will set the stage and let her know just how much you adore her. Add in a full body massage at EG Salon and it will be a Valentine’s date she will never forget. Right now, EG Salon is even offering a special of three treatments for $79 with options ranging from make up application to 30 minute massages or facials.

Before heading to dinner, stop by Lastrina Boutique and have her select a gorgeous new dress to wear to dinner or to Malloves Jewelers for a sparkly new accessory. 

Then take your princess to a romantic and relaxing dinner. She would enjoy any of the fabulous downtown restaurants, such as Osaka for a Hibachi experience, Forbidden City for gourmet Asian food, or for a romantic and relaxing experience, consider Stella D’Oro where the classic Italian entrees are delicious and the atmosphere is quiet and romantic. 

She’ll truly feel like a princess and never forget you were the one who made her feel that way.

Sexy Salsa - Valentine's Date Idea #3

For a date with lots of heat, plan a sexy salsa date. A thematic invite could include a jar of salsa with chips or even some hot peppers to give her a hint of what to expect for this steamy date.

On your date, you can start by taking her to Puerta Vallarta – the restaurant that is – where the ambiance is distinctively Mexican and the food is outstanding. It was recently named best Mexican restaurant in Middlesex County by Connecticut Magazine. You’ll begin your meal with salsa that’s fantastic and chips that are authentic; and their menu has something for just about everyone. Add some sizzle to your evening and share the Fajitas for Two followed by one of their spectacular desserts like Flan or Fried Ice Cream.

Just be sure you dine early, because you won’t want to be late for Vinnie’s Salsa Social.

At 8:00 on the Saturday evening of Valentine’s weekend, you’ll want to be sure to head over and stop in for a night of salsa dancing. This is where your evening will really heat up as you and your date burn up the dance floor. If you don’t know how to Salsa, don’t worry. This is a great opportunity to learn some sexy new dance moves together. They offer a brief introductory course at 8:00 p.m. and a social dance the rest of the evening. 

When the dancing draws to an end, quench your thirst over at La Boca Mexican Restaurant diagonally across the street for some Margaritas or Mojitos as you enjoy ambiance at their bar in the company of one another.

A Trip Around the World - Valentine's Date Idea #2

For Valentine’s Day this year, take your favorite travel buddy on a trip around the world. You’d be amazed at how many countries and cultures you can experience right in Downtown Middletown. You can set the stage with an invitation that looks like a passport, with pages to later glue in photos from each location or write a sweet message at each stop you make.

When the date arrives, you can begin the day over delicious crepes and coffee at The New England Emporium, followed by a visit to Echo Trading where you can explore gifts from around the world. Just a short walk and you can split a plate of sushi at Mikado or toast the day with an Irish beer at Eli Cannon’s. Share an Indian lunch at Tandoor and daydream together in the travel book section at the Book Bower inside Main Street Marketplace.

Before dinner at Tuscany Grill where live music is featured every Thursday and Friday evening starting at 7:00 pm, you can stop by Haiti’s Back Porch in the Riverview Center for a feel of the islands while supporting Haitian artists whose work is on display and for sale.

Follow dinner with a Mochi dessert and Jasmine Tea at Anoho. This will be a Valentine’s Day your aspiring world traveler will never forget. And the passport Valentine will make a great keepsake and an original Valentine’s card for your sweetheart.

I heart Retro Date - Valentine's Date Suggestion Number 1

I <3 Retro

If your sweetheart has a passion for the past or you’d like to sweep her off her feet with a trip down memory lane, consider this retro date.

Start by dining at O’Rourke’s Diner on Main Street. They’re open for breakfast and lunch, and their award winning food and vintage appeal can set the stage perfectly for a fun and lighthearted Valentine’s Day. Plus O'Rourkes in BYOB, so bring your favorite vintage to share.

Instead of getting her a bouquet, consider an old fashioned corsage from one of Main Street’s very artistic florists, Capricorn Florist. Be sure to pull out all the chivalry you can muster too, because this will certainly add to the retro feel. Pick her up at the door, open her car door for her, pull out her chair. You know the drill. Pick a fun 50s or 80s radio station or make a mix CD to play in the car. If you want to bring her some candy, consider getting something retro and sweet from the New England Emporium. Candy hearts might work fine, but this restaurant and store offers so many old fashioned options for candy and gifts. Or you could let her pick her own candy from the vintage feeling candy bar at Lizzy B’s Sweet Celebrations. 

Another possibility for a trip down memory lane, is to find out what her favorite childhood toy was and stop in at Amato’s Toy and Hobby to see if they carry it before the date, you can pick it up in advance or take her there and “accidentally” discover it together. What a great surprise she’d be in for to receive her favorite toy all over again. 

After you enjoy a nice meal and top it off with something sweet, take your sweetie over to the Middletown Roller Skating Rink for an old-fashioned skate date. Regardless of the music playing or the vibe of any rink, roller skating is classic in its own right and will let you hold her hand as you circle the rink together under the mirror ball all afternoon. It may not be your typical Valentine’s romantic date, but for the one who enjoys all things retro, this date has loads of personality.

Making Your Valentine's Date Great

Every year, as February approaches, men and women everywhere start pondering that one special date night of the year – each one looking forward to that evening with a mix of hope and trepidation. In his defense it’s a lot of pressure and effort for one night. In her defense, she’s probably had enough bad dates to last a lifetime. This year, partner with Downtown Middletown, designated one of the most romantic main streets in America, and let’s get it right.

From the invitation to the kiss goodnight, we’ve got you covered. Between now and Valentine’s Day we’ll features lots of advice followed by several Valentine’s date ideas. You’ll find tips on how to invite her for the romantic evening, what sort of gifts might leave a “wow” impression, and how to make sure that you create a perfect and positively memorable evening for your date.

Tip 1: Know your date

Whether you just met her last month in English Lit, or you’ve been married for 20 years, knowing your date is absolutely critical. It’s the first tip, because this one takes time for observation. Everyone wants to be known, to be noticed as an individual, someone special. Does she go gaga for a hot fudge sundae, or are pedicures more her thing? What’s her favorite flower or is chocolate the way to her heart? Does she wear pink all the time, or have you glimpsed her black fingernails? Does she love to cook, dance, sing, rollerblade, or kickbox? Who is her favorite cartoon character or does she prefer classical literature? Make a list of everything you’ve noticed or casually heard her say in passing. Maybe her teddy bear collection is her pride and joy, or perhaps she’s mentioned that she has always wanted to take trip around the world. Noticing these small details and incorporating them into romancing your date will speak volumes. And believe me, there are ways to incorporate almost anything. I once knew a man who showed up to a date with Hershey syrup and a funnel. The woman had jokingly mentioned that she could drink a bottle of that stuff straight. Without saying a word, he was loud and clear.

Tip 2: Make the evening about your date, not about you.

The biggest mistake in dating is to take your date on your dream date. If you love professional basketball, but your girl loves the theater, don’t take her to a game – at least not if your intent is to impress her. Most likely, if you show a deep interest in the things that interest her, she will return the favor, and she might even score some great seats at an upcoming game for you. Girls don’t typically mind going along and participating in his passions, but finding a guy who will participate in hers is a rare gem – and all girls want is to find a guy who will tell her with his actions that SHE is special. Now that you’ve studied your date and you think you know what she is interested in, you’re already ahead of the game. You can plan a date from A to Z with her in mind.

Tip 3: The First Impression

While not always necessary, the way you invite your date can set the stage for a romantic evening and set the expectations at the right level as well. Don’t text it. Don’t post it on your date’s Facebook page. You can go as casual or as formal as you’d like, but whatever you do it will send a message. It will tell her how well you know her, how much you think of her, and it could also set the stage for a great theme date. Want to invite him to playful date and make him feel like a kid again? Pass him a note with check boxes like you might have in middle school. Inviting her to a romantic Italian dinner? Serenade her or send her a heart shaped pizza from Papa Johns with a note inviting her on her Valentine’s dream date. Want to take her on a dessert tour? Send her a cupcake with a little flag sticking out the top with your message on it. Planning an artsy date? Paint him a picture or chalk his driveway with the details. There are thousands of ways you can ask him or her out, but choose wisely because first impressions are important.

Tip 4: Be Prepared.

On any date you want to make another person feel special. You want to make them think or feel about you in the right way too. There’s no way to plan for every imaginable challenge, but you can prepare for many of them. If you’re going out on Valentine’s Day, call ahead for the menu and make a reservation if possible. You’ll know if they’re serving a special selection for the evening or their regular menu and you’ll be prepared for the prices too. Have plenty of quarters handy for parking meters. You don’t want your date digging through her purse looking for quarters. If you’re going dancing, stash a couple band-aids in your wallet just in case she gets a blister or two from those sexy heels she wore to impress you. Make sure there is an umbrella in your car, an ice scraper because this is Connecticut, and have a back up plan or two as well just in case something goes wrong. It’ll help keep you calm and cool no matter what disaster looms on your date. And always have at least two or three questions to ask her. The more open ended, the better. They make great conversation starters for those moments when the awkward silence might otherwise creep in.

Tip #5: What to Give?

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year, right? It’s the date when your special someone should say he loves YOU in a myriad of ways. Then why is it that instead stores fill their shelves with one-size-fits-all gifts of chocolates and red roses? No store or advertising gimmick should have to tell me what the “right” gift is to give or receive. I don’t know when or how chocolate and red roses became the standard but the fact that it has become the standard somehow makes it feel pretty generic – like maybe he didn’t know which girl he was actually picking up tonight so he went with the one-flower-fits-all red rose. Maybe your date loves red roses, in which case get those, absolutely. However, if she loves orchids or irises or daisies, get her those instead. If you don’t know her favorite flower but you know her favorite color, run with that! If you know she has allergies, consider a bouquet from Edible Arrangements. Maybe she loves chocolate and there are loads of varieties to choose from, but try to get her something that says you’re paying attention to her more than the ads on television. From classic corsages to couple's retreats, Downtown Middletown has it all.

Check back here for more advice, date ideas and our Valentine's Gift Buying Guide - all coming soon!