A romantic dinner or a quiet movie theater date is nice for a couple’s night out, but instead of the usual, why not mix it up and try something new? And you don’t have to travel far to find unique ideas—we’ve gathered the most romantic spots around the state for you to share with your sweetie. From soaring above the treetops in a hot air balloon to taking a couple’s cooking class to floating in a relaxing saltwater tank, there’s plenty to do that goes way beyond the typical date night—now, all you have to do is pick one (or two).
Psst! We love sharing your adventures around New Jersey. Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and you could be featured in our next photo round-up.
featured image via In Flight Balloon Adventures
Here are 15 romantic ways to spend Valentine’s Day in NJ:
1. Tease your taste buds with chocolate and wine
Spark your senses with velvety chocolate and flavorful wine during chocolate and wine tours for Valentine’s Day. These tours will have wine releases and tastings, food pairings, entertainment, and chocolate. Several wineries throughout the state hold Valentine’s-themed events, so check out the New Jersey Wines website for locations near you.
2. Soak it up in a cedar tub at Alchemy Mind and Body
Dress for summer, but enjoy the winter in a Japanese style outdoor soaking tub at Alchemy Mind and Body in Princeton. These cedar tubs are in a Zen spa garden and the water has bromine salt to give it that hot spring touch. There are private, communal, and Valentine’s Day soaks as well as massage and spa options available.
*Alchemy Mind and Body is not offering their soaking tubs at this time and will let us know as soon as they are. But for now, reconnect through a couples deep-tissue massage with aromatherapy, followed by a detox and refresh in their infrared sauna.
3. Fly high above the clouds with In Flight Balloon Adventures
We’re not sure if there’s anything more romantic than going hot air ballooning and experiencing new heights with your sweetheart. Soar above the treetops and cruise near the clouds with a hot air balloon ride. To make the ride even more memorable, try an overnight romantic package at a local bed and breakfast or combine your trip with an elegant dining experience.
via njpac.org
4. Laugh your a$$ off at NJPAC’s Valentine’s All-Star Comedy Show
Laugh the night away at NJPAC’s Valentine’s All-Star Comedy Show on February 15th. This star-studded lineup, including Bill Bellamy, Luenell, Blaq Ron and Sheryl Underwood is sure to keep you and your sweetheart laughing long into the night. Each of these performers has a long-running career in comedy and they’re more than prepared to make you chuckle.
5. Lend a hand and spread the love
Make a difference this Valentine’s Day and lend a hand. No matter your passion, there are plenty of community service projects and non-profit agencies in need of your help. A great place to start volunteering and learning about opportunities is Volunteer New Jersey.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OjWA_AyGw/
6. Get crafty in a couples cooking class
The couple that cooks together stays together: Learn to cook a delicious meal in a hands-on environment with a professional chef. You can then try your skills at home. Visit Sur La Table’s several locations, Hudson Table in Hoboken, or the Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge.
7. Test your love at paintball
Test your love and commitment to each other with a friendly game of paintball you won’t forget. Visit AC Paintball in Williamstown to test your skills or one of the many other paintball locations across New Jersey.
8. Cruise on The Love Boat
Sail away all while enjoying skyline views, entertainment, and dinner. The best part? You can do all of this from New Jersey. Spirit Cruises departs from Lincoln Harbor and has many different Valentine’s Day package options to cater to you and your love’s every need. Get out on the water and enjoy the night.
9. Stay awhile…at one of NJ’s top romantic getaways
From the North to the South, our state is home to many picturesque and luxurious hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. To help you plan, check out Romantic Getaways in New Jersey so you can feel like you’re being whisked away without having to go far.
10. Enjoy a meal and root for your favorites at Medieval Times
Where else can you enjoy jousting, horsemanship, and a four-course meal—Medieval Times, of course! Last Valentine’s Day weekend, there was a total of eight shows to choose from. Enjoy the experience and choose from many different show packages. If anything, show your date that chivalry is not dead.
11. Fall into each other’s arms
Bundle up, lace up your ice skates, and show off your skating skills this Valentine’s Day. These indoor rinks are sure to warm your heart: Ocean Hockey in Brick, Skylands Ice World in Stockholm, Red Bank Armory in Red Bank, Igloo Ice Skating Rink in Mount Laurel, or Ice House in Hackensack. Grab your loved one’s hand and glide away.
12. Master the Merengue
Have your own Dancing with the Stars moment—test out the dance floor, as you learn the Foxtrot, Tango, or Merengue for a night filled with romantic fun. Some great locations include Gift of Dance Studios in Paramus or Algorhythm Dance Studio in Pennsauken.
13. Couples who create together, stay together
Create a piece of art together this Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s The Clay Pot in Spotswood where you create your own pottery and paint it, or work on your own masterpiece at Pinot’s Palette in Edgewater or Summit, you’ll make memories and have something to show for it years later.
via Serene Dreams
14. Float away in a float tank
Step into a float tank and let your stress melt away in a warm water tank that’s filled with Epsom salt and warm, 98-degree water, making it like the floatable Dead Sea. With the distraction-free environment, you’ll get a zero-gravity relaxation experience. Float at Serene Dreams in Kearny or Float in Marlton or True REST Float Spa in Ocean Township.
15. Glide down a mountain
Get in the great outdoors—grab your skis or a tube and glide away (yes, even if there’s no snow in the forecast) at Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah. If flakes being to fall, snowshoe, cross country ski, skate ski, or try skijoring with your dog (all dogs must be on a leash) at High Point XC in Sussex. Or if you’re looking for a weekend getaway of snowy fun, try Mountain Creek in Vernon.
