offManhattan

Dear Valentine, Thanks so much for the charming (sappy) poem, the lovely flowers (that have now wilted), and the box of chocolates (after three that tasted a little like silly putty). Sincerely, and much love, your Valentine

Or this year, ditch the expected and celebrate Valentine’s Day by celebrating your valentine, with one of these six titillating, duo adventures.

Take in Some Tunes On the Water
Picture it: a floating barge, under the glow of the Brooklyn Bridge, across from the twinkling lights of Manhattan. Champagne, chocolates, and the sweet strains of violins, just you and your Valentine. Oh, and Schubert, Mozart, and Dvorák. The concert at Bargemusic plays Saturday, February 13 at 8 pm and Sunday, February 14 at 3 pm. The $50 per person admission fee includes complimentary champagne and chocolates.
How to get there: Take the A or C train to the High Street station in Brooklyn, the F train to York Street, or the 2 or 3 train to Clark Street station. You can also take the WaterTaxi to Fulton Ferry Landing.

The Anti-Valentine’s Day Meal
Whether you’re unattached and looking to gift yourself with some V-Day fun, or paired up and looking for something out of the ordinary, the Forking Fantastic Anti-Valentine’s Day Meal is an excellent alternative to an overpriced candlelit dinner. Learn how to confit duck legs and roast radishes, and laugh a little at Brooklyn Kitchen’s zany teachers while you’re at it. And hey, the class is February 11 (at 6:30 pm), so you and your Valentine (current or met at the class) can stay inside and try out your new kitchen tricks when the big day arrives. The class costs $50 a person and takes place at the Brooklyn Kitchen.
How to get there: The Brooklyn Kitchen is located at 100 Frost St. Take the L to Lorimer and exit at Lorimer and Mertopolitan. Go North on Lorimer, right on Meeker Ave., and right on Frost St.

Check Out (and Check In)
Take a trip. Across the river. The sleek yet lavish Ravel Hotel is a perfect escape without really escaping. Enjoy a decadent meal in the rooftop restaurant, then, if it’s not too cold, retire to the outside bar to enjoy a late tipple and a view of the skyline, and end the evening in an extravagant, whitewashed hotel room. Rooms are currently just $99 a night.
How to get there: The hotel offers shuttle service from various locations in Long Island City. Take the  N, W, or 7 to Queensboro Plaza, the E,V, R, G to Queens Plaza, of the F to 21 Street/Queensbridge. From any of these stops you can walk, or there is shuttle service upon request, ravelhotel.com

Lap Up Some Luxury
If you’re making up for past offenses, or if you just have a special someone who deserves a little something special, the Be My Valentine Package—complete with a decadent dinner for two and rose-petal turndown service in a strokable room at The Fairmont Copley Plaza—has everything you could ask for in a romantic getaway. The $349 price tag sounds steep, but think what it includes: an overnight stay in a rose-petal-strewn room, dinner for two with sparkling wine in the award-winning Oak Room, and breakfast in bed. Plus, uh, there’s all of Boston to be explored. . . if you ever make it out of the hotel room. The package is available February 12, 13, and 14, and reservations should be made 72 hours in advance.
How to get there: Several bus companies including Boltbus (boltbus.com) and Fung Wah (fungwahbus.com) offer scheduled service between New York and Boston. Bus rides typically take 4.5 hours depending on traffic. Amtrak has scheduled train service to Boston from New York. Train trips take 3.5 hours on Acela Express and about 4 hours on other trains. Consult offManhattan’s Boston Transportation Guide for more travel details. For more information on Boston, visit Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau or call 888.733.2678.)

Stay In (After Going Out)
Yes, we all know there is a local food movement in Brooklyn, and we all agree that it’s brilliant. Now you can enjoy all (or a lot) of it in one night, with one easy pick up. Red Hook Lobster Pound has joined forces with some of Brookyln’s favorite food purveyors to create a nirvana for foodies, Alt.Brooklyn, Valentine. The package includes two 1.5 pound lobsters (boated in fresh from Maine) in a 15 quart lobster pot/steamer (that you keep), plus pickles from Rick’s Picks, chorizo from the Meat Hook, Crop to Cup coffee, and treats from Liddabit Sweets. It costs $115, or $140 if you want a bottle of vino along with your feast. You can pre-order and pick up on February 13 or 14. Sure, it’s not exactly an excursion, but it is the best of Brooklyn, and hey, while you’re out in Red Hook, how about taking your honey on a stroll along the Valentino Park and Pier; the gritty old shipping port is nice for a romantic stroll and a great vantage for Statue of Liberty gazing.
How to get there: Hop on a water taxi from Wall Street, Pier 11 by South Street Seaport to the IKEA Terminal in Red Hook ($5 Monday-Friday; free on weekends. Schedule here.) Alternatively, take either the B61 or B77 bus to Van Brunt Street.

Let There Be Light
What’s not romantic about a lighthouse? Have a unique experience this Valentine’s Day: dance the night away in the glow of New Jersey’s historic Absecon Lighthouse, sampling the catered aphrodisiacs on each level, as you climb to the top for views of the Atlantic City skyline. “An Evening of Romance & Renewal.” Takes place on February 13 and February 14, from 7-10 pm. Married couples are even welcome to renew their vows. The tickets are $125 per couple and can be purchased by calling the lighthouse at 609.449.1360.
How to get there: Take the NJ TRANSIT Atlantic City Rail Line to Atlantic City; use bus routes No. 501, 502, 504, 505, 507, 508, 509 and 554 travel within walking distance of the Absecon Lighthouse.

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