Things to do on Long Island this Valentine's Day
You can always depend on the classic events for Valentine's Day — dinner for two, a romantic movie, music and some sparkling wine — but if you want to open your heart and mind to doing something different, here are some alternatives. Head over to Huntington for a tarot card reading.
“It's not just about loving someone else or finding love in your future, the tarot card reading might be a way to find the core love within yourself,” says Jacquelyn Conte, owner of the boutique Wit & Whim in Huntington.
You can also look to the animal kingdom for that special sparkle and feeling of love. At Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, the “Fall in Love with Wildlife” program gets you up close and personal with a heart-faced barn owl, a hedgehog and fuzzy rabbits. “We like to share our animals with folks that visit in hopes that they find a deeper love and appreciation for all critters large and small,” says Isabel Fernandes, wildlife care coordinator. Or, head to the Long Island Game Farm in Manorville where you can watch the zookeepers feed the animals heart-shaped fruit treats.
Here are more things to do this month that allow you to spend quality time with the people you love:
Bayville Vampire Valentine's at Bayville Adventure Park
8 Bayville Ave.
Explore the haunted house from 7:30 to 10 p.m. and enjoy a three-course Valentine's dinner, 5 to 10 p.m. Feb. 9-10 and Feb. 14.
Cost $54.75 for dinner; haunted house packages start at $29.75
More info bayvilleadventurepark.com, 516-624-4678
Get a heart locket and key at Gray's Jewelers Bespoke
429A N. Country Rd., St. James
Mothers and daughters, best friends and more can purchase a chain by the inch and have it welded on at a permanent jewelry event from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9-10. Attendees get a heart locket and key with each purchase to be placed on an iron gate with your name on it at the store.
Cost Prices start at $80; Reservations required
More info graysjewels.com, 631-250-9497
Family skate at United Skates
1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford
Family skate includes skate rental if needed, a slice of pizza, a small drink, glow stick and a make-your-own sundae bar, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 10.
Cost $18 per person includes skate rental, slice of pizza, drink, ice cream sundae and a glow stick; Registration required
More info unitedskates.com, 516-795-5474
Chocovino at the Long Island Aquarium
431 E. Main St., Riverhead
The tasting experience includes a five-course gourmet dinner where each course is prepared with a touch of chocolate, 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 10.
Cost Tickets are $175 per person
More info longislandaquarium.com, 631-208-9200, ext. 426
Evening tower tour at Fire Island Lighthouse
Field 5, Robert Moses State Park
Watch the sunset from the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse and receive a free flower and chocolates at 4:45 p.m. Feb. 10 (sunset at 5:20 p.m.).
Cost $50 per couple, call to reserve a spot; bring a flashlight for the walk back
More info fireislandlighthouse.com/newsevents, 631-583-5901
Galentine chocolate fondue and wine at Harmony Vineyards
169 Harbor Rd., St. James
Pair rich wines with a chocolate fondue feast from 8 to 10 p.m. Feb. 10.
Cost $40
More info eventbrite.com, 631-291-9900
Wine and cupcake pairing at Sparkling Pointe
39750 County Rd., 48, Southold
Try wines paired with North Fork Shoppe’s miniature cupcakes, 10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 10-11.
Cost $30; call to reserve a time slot
More info sparklingpointe.com, 631-765-0200
Love Bites Valentine Haunted House at Chambers of Hell
1745 Express Dr. North, Hauppauge
Dance, drink, laugh and scream at the Love Bites Valentine Haunted House, 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 10-11.
Cost Tickets start at $70 for two people
More info chambersofhell.com, 631-686-4424 OK LP 2024
Valentine's Paint and Sip at Pindar Vineyards
37645 Main Rd., Peconic
Paint a set of wine glasses in a Valentine's Day-theme at 1 p.m. Feb. 11.
Cost $40
More info pindar.net, 631-734-6200
Sweetheart necklaces at Long Island Children’s Museum
1 Davis Ave., Uniondale
Celebrate Valentine’s Day during a drop-in program to make a heart necklace, for ages 3 and up, 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 11.
Cost Activity free with $17 museum admission
More info licm.org, 516-224-5800
Fall in love with wildlife at Sweetbriar Nature Center
62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown
Spend an afternoon with wildlife, play an animal matching game and create a Valentine craft from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 11.
Cost $15 ages 3-12; $5 adults
More info sweetbriarnc.org, 631-979-6344
Galentine's two-for-one salt cave experience
Dr. Kelly's Health and Healing Grotto, 1762 Newbridge Rd., Bellmore
Grab your bestie and leave your cares behind as you step into a Valentine decorated salt cave surrounded by thousands of pounds of Himalayan healing salt and relaxing music for meditation, Feb. 12-17.
Cost $45 per couple; book a time slot online
More info drkellysgrotto.com, 516-221-7258.
See the New York Islanders with your sweetheart
2400 Hemsptead Tpke., Elmont
Cheer on the Islanders as they take on the Seattle Kraken at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at UBS Arena at Belmont Park.
Cost Tickets start at $47 includes a $15 food and beverage credit, parking starts at $30
More info ubsarena.com, 516-460-8599
Valentine's dinner at the Mansion at Glen Cove
200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner at the historic mansion, 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14.
Cost $125 does not include tax or service fee; Registration required
More info themansionatglencove.com, 516-751-5623
Talented couples at the Long Island Museum
1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook
Enjoy a new art exhibit, "The Power of Two" featuring the works of artists couples from Long Island. noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 14.
Cost $10 per couple
More info longislandmuseum.org, 631-751-0066
Valentine's Day dinner at the Garden City Hotel
45 Seventh St., Garden City
Enjoy a four-course dinner in the Red Salt Room with a Valentine-inspired menu by chef David Burke with seatings starting at 5 p.m. Feb. 14.
Cost $150 per person prix-fix menu
More info gardencityhotel.com, 516-877-9835
Valentine's Day renewal at Oyster Bay Town Hall
54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay
Residents are invited to renew their wedding vows at a special ceremony at 11 a.m. Feb. 14.
Cost Free of charge to town residents; Registration required
More info oysterbaytown.com, 516-624-6380
Valentine's Day vow renewal in Port Washington
1 W. Fairway Dr., Port Washington
North Hempstead hosts their annual Valentine’s Day marriage vow renewal ceremony, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14 at Harbor Links Golf Course.
Cost $18 per person; Reservations required; lunch and Champagne toast to follow
More info northhempsteadny.gov, 516-869-6311
Screening of 'Casablanca' at Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave., Huntington
See the romantic classic film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman at 7 p.m. Feb. 14.
Cost $20
More info cinemaartscentre.org, 631-423-7610
Enjoy a four-course dinner at Brumidi Lodge
2075 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park
Dine on stuffed filet of sole, eggplant rollatini or chicken francese along with beer, wine, soda and dessert. Music is provided by a DJ and dancing is encouraged, also raffles and door prizes, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Feb. 14.
Cost $50; reservations recommended
More info sonsofitalyli.com, 631-422-6914
Rock out with Stevie Nicks at UBS Arena
2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
Plan a date night and listen to the iconic music of Stevie Nicks live in concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 14.
Cost Tickets start at $181.80; $50 parking fee
More info ubsarena.com, 516-460-8599
Candlelight concert at Canoe Place Inn and Cottages
239 E. Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays
Enjoy the music of “Romeo and Juliet” under the glow of candlelight at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16.
Cost $66-$88
More info 631-763-6300, canoeplace.com
'Here's to the Ladies' concert at The Jazz Loft
275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook
Features a performance with songs written for women, about women and to women at 7 p.m. Feb. 16.
Cost $50 includes a glass of Champagne and chocolate
More info thejazzloft.org, 631-751-1895
Be My Valentine dinner dance at East Wind
5720 NY25A, Wading River
Head to this hotel for a dinner dance in the Grand Ballroom which includes a four-course dinner with heart-shaped, three-cheese ravioli and surf and turf and a premium open bar. You’ll also find a comedy show featuring comedians John Butera and Mike Keegan along with a DJ, 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 16.
Cost $125 per person; Reservations required
More info eastwindlongisland.com, 631-929-3500
Feedings at Long Island Game Farm
489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville
Watch as the zookeepers at the farm feed the resident Lemurs heart-shaped fruit in honor of Valentine’s Day at noon on Feb. 17-18.
Cost $26.95, $19.95 ages 3-12
More info longislandgamefarm.com, 631-878-6644
Valentine's Day card exchange at Sensory Beans
3309 Merrick Rd., Wantagh
Reserve your spot for a sensory-friendly card exchange that includes sensory crafts and snacks. Choose from two sessions at 10 a.m. or noon Feb. 18.
Cost $40 ages 8 months to 8 years old; Registration required
More info sensorybeans.org, 516-308-1462