14 Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day in South County

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Waves and Wine

Even on the stormiest winter day, the rugged ocean shore on which the Coast Guard House restaurant sits evokes an Emily Bronte-like romance. Besides dinner in the glass-walled dining room, the restaurant offers special ways to celebrate February 14 for couples or gal pals including a Candlelight Night in their illuminated dining room. Alternatively, outdoor igloos offer sublime views for up to six people from cozy outdoor domes outfitted in apres-ski style (think fuzzy blankets, flickering candles, and plush pillows). 

Pairings for Pairs

There are few accolades that Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn haven’t garnered, and with good reason – they offer unparalleled service, accommodations, and dining in world-class settings. The Ocean House’s COAST restaurant was recently named one of the best waterfront restaurants in the world by CNN Travel. Both properties offer specials all winter long for overnight stays if you feel compelled to make the evening stretch into the morning. 

Movies and Mozzarella

With VIP heated recliners and popcorn topped with real butter, All South County Luxury Cinemas wants to lure you off the couch! Nothing says Galentine’s Day like a viewing of 80 for Brady. The film, produced by and starring former New England Patriot Tom Brady follows four octogenarian girlfriends who take a road trip to Houston to watch the quarterback play in the Super Bowl. Round out the evening at nearby Pasquale's Pizzeria, where you’ll find some of the state’s most authentic and GOAT Neapolitan pizzas, pastas, and desserts, made with the freshest ingredients imported from Italy. 

Rustic Romance

Restaurants that really feel romantic can be hard to come by these days, what with streamlined and cool interiors being all the rage with designers. But for a truly romantic experience, reserve a table at La Masseria in East Greenwich. The inside of this Main Street mainstay feels like a luxurious Italian villa, with brick archways, exposed stone walls, and cozy tables tucked into corners. The menu, too, warms and comforts with modern takes on classic dishes – think linguine with fresh clam sauce, veal scallopini, and rack of lamb. Pro-tip: Order the Pistachio Salad!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

The term “Sunday Funday” was practically coined at the Ocean Mist, the famed beach bar and eatery located on the water in the village of Matunuck. Classic rock, punk, and jazz bands take to the small stage on any given Sunday from 4-7 pm, and patrons relax with burritos and Bloody Marys well into the afternoon. Make a night of it with a room at the nearby Admiral Dewey Inn, a classic seaside bed and breakfast and collection of cottages. 

Don’t Miss

No date required to burn, baby burn on the dance floor at the Ocean Mist Valentine’s Disco Party on the 10th where funky ‘70s drip is encouraged. Return on the 14th at 9pm for Tuesday Madness, a weekly reggae dance party. Both events are 21+.

Full Day Date

Demonstrate your musical chops to your love at a performance of Wakefield Idol, a karaoke competition where 64 locals compete for $1,000 in prizes at the Contemporary Theater Company on Thursdays throughout March 30. First, though, stop for a token of your affection at Sweenor’s Chocolates, a fourth-generation, oft-lauded mecca. If your Valentine is moved more by words than chocolate, peruse books of poetry, perhaps, or fill a blank journal with sweet nothings from Rarities Books & Bindery, a unique store and bindery featuring local artists and authors. 

Hunt and Gather

The Preserve Sporting Club is quietly becoming a premiere destination for luxury sportsmen in the Northeast. On 3,500 acres in Richmond, members, and sometimes the general public, can partake in everything from golf to shooting sports, fishing to horseback riding. The Preserve offers other sporting, all-inclusive packages with overnight stays in one of their hilltop lodges. 

Don’t Miss

On February 18, The Preserve hosts a full-day, British-style mini pheasant hunt. For a fee per person, everything is provided for you – breakfast in the clubhouse, a sporting-clay warm-up, shotguns (or you can bring your own), the release of 750 birds, retriever dogs, and assistants, with dinner and a scotch and cigar pairing following. For the couple or friend group that loves to hunt, it’s sure to be a memorable way to celebrate. 

Primed and Ready

Show yourself some love this year by indulging in you-time at the spa. SeaMist MedSpa offers treatments of all kinds to help you look and feel your very best, from IV vitamin boosts to collagen injections and whole-body wellness treatments. At Pure Eco Spa, you can indulge in celebrity-endorsed microcurrent therapy to put your best face forward, or keep it simple with a facial, massage, or mani-pedi. If you’ve got plans for the 14th and want to feel extra special, book a massage at Island Rose Spa and follow up with a brow waxing and makeup application. 

Fun on Ice

Fun for the whole family is the best way to celebrate a holiday built around love, and Washington Trust Community Skating Center in Westerly fits the bill without breaking the bank. For just a few dollars, kids and adults can skate the day away at the 12,000-square-foot outdoor rink. You can bring your own skates or rent a pair there for $6, and there’s plenty of bench space for lace-ups and break times. There aren’t any concessions at the rink, but nearby Junk and Java has tasty coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and gelato for apres-skate treats. 

Girls' Night Out

Gather your gal pals and head to the Greenwich Odeum on February 11 for a performance of The Vagina Monologues, the award-winning play that hilariously celebrates women’s sexuality and strength. There will be two performances – at 2 and 7pm – at this circa-1926 historic theater. Before or after, tuck into nearby Main Street Coffee, a delightful and cozy bakery cafe/bar that features sweet and savory treats as well as the largest menu of espresso martinis in the state made with your choice of vodka, tequila, or whiskey. 

Tea and Shopping

You might find yourself falling in love with a destination this February if you take a stroll through the lovely town of Wickford, known for its artsy shops such as Green Ink and Different Drummer. Also found in the Colonial-era waterfront village is Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage, a snug, shabby-chic cafe where you can relax over an authentic English-style tea service afternoons or evenings Thursday through Sundays. You’ll be tickled by the assortment of petite treats such as cheddar chive scones, cucumber and cream cheese tea sandwiches, and lemon cupcakes, among others. 

Yes, Chef

BEECH Restaurant is a love letter to Jamestown, penned by a group of residents who have adored this spot for more than two decades, back when it was known as Trattoria Simpatico. Kevin Gaudreau, who made a name for himself turning the restaurant into a state icon before moving on to other pursuits is back and now co-owner and chef of this beautiful eatery, named for the old tree that provides its expansive patio with shade in the warm-weather months. It’s been reimagined with a clean coastal vibe and a menu that is creative and classic at once. Settle in with an artisan cocktail while you decide between lemon shrimp with housemade pasta or the seared duck breast with sage demi-glace.

Sweet Nothings

Whatever your girlfriend’s style – pretty, casual, sexy, comfy – Zoe and Company lingerie store will have something to suit her taste. While the store offers practical bra-fitting services for women, they also have a wide array of lingerie, bras, and undies from top brands such as Cosabella, Hanro, and Wolford. She can open her gift after perusing the menu at Ella’s Food and Drink, which happens to be a favorite spot for super songstress Taylor Swift when she’s staying at her house nearby. Here you’ll fall in love with a menu that will satiate anyone’s palate, punctuated with selections such as duck confit, curry mussels, and shrimp and grits. 

Water and Fire

Enjoy a late-afternoon burger or slurp some oysters at Wickford on the Water, a snazzy waterfront spot for indoor and outdoor dining (heaters on the deck in winter) featuring shellfish, pasta, and cocktails and on the weekends, breakfast. Afterwards, mosey to nearby Dan’s Carriage Inn and head straight for their whiskey bar, which is as cozy and romantic as you can get without being home. Here’s a roaring fireplace, exposed slate walls, and a colonial tavern atmosphere fit for a cold winter’s night. Settle in for a great wine and cocktail menu and, of course, lots of whiskey choices.