Downtown New Haven Experiences for Every Type of Valentine

It is that time of year again, when you stop to smell the roses, hold your loved ones near and dear and maybe, take a quiz to find out what love language you are. (FYI, ours is Quality Time) And in case you forgot, here is your reminder: Valentines’ Day is fast approaching!Love comes in all shapes and sizes and here in New Haven, we embrace that. So whether you want to paint with your pals, have some family fun, or just change up the same old ‘wine and dine’ routine, in New Haven love is just around the corner.

The Staycationers 

For busy couples, romantic getaways can feel impractical between morning meetings, drop offs, and post work responsibilities, so why not eat heart-shaped chocolates, have a glass of wine (or 2), and snuggle up at The Study at Yale, where the 100% Egyptian cotton sheets are calling your name. Fall in love with delicious farm + coastal cuisine just downstairs at Heirloom. Luckily, you do not have to go far for dinner, so you can quickly return to relaxation. Located in the heart of Yale, you will never be in a long-distance relationship with your new favorite hotel. 

The Galentines

The day of love is not just for significant others, but for your besties too! A girl’s night out is just what your group needs, just in time for Galentine’s Day. Let your creative side run wild at Art Plus Studio Pop Up Market. The market’s Sip and Paint class allows you to get in touch with your inner artist with a little liquid courage. You can also choose Wine Glass Painting or Candle Making so your whole group can have unique glasses and scents for the next girl’s night. Or if you want to get up and move, sign the girls up for Paint Jam! Dance your heart out while painting, drinking and just getting plain messy at this BYOB social event. 

The Families

For families, the love holiday is less about romance and more about togetherness. Enjoy a high octane bonding experience with the whole crew at It Adventures Rope Course. Experience four levels of adrenaline pumping fun on the world’s largest indoor adventure ropes course, It + Zip it, along with Little It + Zip it for your little tikes. If the family is ready for more, you can Jump It at a 5-feet free fall or Climb It with four different wall patterns. 

The Foodies 

Have you ever heard of the phrase “the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach”? In New Haven, we take that as scripture. The Taste of New Haven Food Tours offer eight different food tours/activities to choose from. No matter which you choose, you and your loved ones will end up overly satisfied. Reenact the Lady and the Tramp scene at one of your stops on the Pasta Tour, or take the food in your own hands at the 2.5 hour pizza making class, learning a new skill that you can take home to your own kitchen. Each tour offers the opportunity to send your own personal love letter to your taste buds with each bite. Now that’s Amore.

The Brewmasters 

This Valentine’s Day get some brew with your boo. East Rock Brewing Company offers up to 12 rotating beers on tap – pick a few or taste them all, we won’t judge. At this brewery, time-honored methods and imported ingredients makes patience required to enjoy, just like your relationship. East Rock Brewery thrives on a cheerful, fun space that embraces the simple joys of life and love, perfect for V-day. 

The Chillaxers

For some, the ultimate form of romance is a little bit of zen. If that sounds like you, then the place to be is Ripple Float and Wellness Center. Popular for its float tanks, Ripple offers stress relief and mind enhancement ultimately leaving you feeling centered and focused, or book a couple’s massage and embrace the release of tension from your mind, body, and soul and decompress in an intimate setting. 

The Artists and Culture Seekers – Self Guided Tour Yale University Art Gallery

Art speaks to the heart, the fruits of a person expressing their feelings in a way with color, strokes and perspective. Artistic lovers can stroll through the halls of the Yale University Art Gallery on a self-guided tour, seeing the work of artists like Picasso and van Gogh. 

Valentine’s Day may be just a single day, but love is everlasting. In New Haven, we honor the love that exists between lovers, families, friends, and neighbors. In our city, love exists on every corner.