Valentine’s Day, believe it or not, is just days away.
Contrary to some popular conspiracy theories, it was not invented by “the card companies,” and has in fact been around for a very, very long time.
As a matter of fact, Valentine’s Day even appears in the work of Geoffrey Chaucer, who, while he wore many hats during his life, did not work for a greeting card company, since he lived during the 14th century. (He mentions Valentine’s Day in “The Parlement of Foules,” just so you know.)
At its heart, Valentine’s Day is a particular time that we set aside to celebrate love, in all its forms. That might be with a romantic partner, but we can also show some love to our family and our friends.
Basically, all of the people that we have chosen to take into our hearts.
It can also be a day to be good to yourself too! You deserve to be loved, so go ahead, treat yourself.
If you’re looking for places to go, or to make reservations, or to find a sweet treat, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some Valentine’s Day-themed plans you can make in Fall River and beyond:
Heart boxes, and bring-your-own boxes at Dorothy Cox Chocolates
If you have your own heart-shaped (or Valentine) box, you can bring it to Dorothy Cox Chocolates, 100 Griffin St., Fall River, and they’ll fill it up with chocolate for you. They’ve also got lots of heart-shaped boxes of their own for you to choose from.
Sweetheart Tea and Valentine’s concert at The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, 396 County St., New Bedford, has a couple of ways that you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with them.
On Sunday, Feb. 11, couples are invited to a Sweetheart Tea, at 2 p.m. in the parlor. Enjoy a private table for two with sandwiches, scones, sweet treats, and tea service. Reservations include Museum admission, a souvenir, chocolates, and special access to visit the cupola with its panoramic view of New Bedford harbor. Tea service is provided by Milward Tea Room.
A Valentine Evening Prelude will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 5:30 p.m. The concert will include romantic music, and feature New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’s Timothy Macri on flute and Luís Avíla on guitar.
For more information and to reserve tickets to these events, call 508-997-1401 or visit rjdmuseum.org.
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Make reservations at Duke’s Bakery & Cafe
Duke’s Bakery & Cafe, 1082 Davol St., Fall River, is taking reservations for Valentine’s Day. Each dine-in guest will get a chocolate-covered strawberry for dessert. Call 508-617-4105.
Valentine’s Farmers Market in Tiverton
The Tiverton Farmers Market is hosting its 4th annual Valentine’s Chocolate Specialty Market on Sunday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Tiverton Middle School cafeteria, 10 Quintal Drive. Local vendors will showcase their innovations in this chocolate-centric event. Admission to the market is free, and it’s open to the public.
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Valentine’s Day menu at Choco-Latte Cafe
Choco-Latte Cafe, 40 Sixth St., Fall River, has a special Valentine’s Day menu. It includes: a cake pop bucket (get six or a dozen in the bucket); heart boxes, with half chocolate-covered strawberries and half cake pops; a rose cake pop bouquet; or a mini heart cake.
Make reservations at The Cove
The Cove, 392 Davol St., Fall River, is taking reservations. Reserve a table by calling 508-672-4540. One of their Valentine’s specials is a Yours Truly Sangria, with fruity sparkling sangria, topped with Berry Truly and heart-shaped strawberries.
Chico Avila Valentine show in Fall River
Portuguese musician Chico Avila will be performing at The Cultural Center, 205 S. Main St., Fall River, on Saturday, Feb. 17. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65, and include dinner. For tickets, call 774-526-0852, 774-991-1423, or 508-324-0759.
Valentine’s menu at Aimee’s Bakin’
Aimee’s Bakin’, 6 Harold Ave., Somerset, is offering a Valentine’s Day pre-order menu. They’ve got chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate Oreos, Cupid’s cakes, and more. Orders can be picked up on Saturday, Feb. 10, Wednesday, Feb. 14, and Saturday, Feb. 17. Place orders at http://tinyurl.com/3dwh47ud.
Valentine’s co*cktail menu at Barrett’s Alehouse
Barrett’s Alehouse, 4171 N. Main St., Fall River, has a special Valentine-themed co*cktail menu. There are a whole host of options, like the Queen of Hearts martini, with strawberry vodka, chocolate liqueur, strawberry simple syrup, a chocolate rim, and pink heart sprinkles. Or try the Love Bite, with vodka, cranberry juice, grenadine, Starry, and fresh strawberries.
Sweet Heart Box from Marble Street Sweets
Say it all with a Sweet Heart Box from Marble Street Sweets, 47 Marble St., Somerset. Each box comes with 12 mini conversation hearts, which can be customized. Place orders at http://tinyurl.com/bd8ekw3w.
Heart-shaped donuts at The Rise Cafe
The Rise Cafe, 900 County St., Somerset, has some heart-shaped donuts this month. Call 508-689-7837 to place your order.
Sweets from Leddy’s Bakery
Leddy’s Bakery, 1481 S. Main St., Fall River, has Valentine’s-themed upcakes, heart, cakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more. Call 508-672-0832 to place your order.
Free Valentine’s Day cookie decorating at Partners Village Store
Get creative at Partners Village Store, 865 Main Road, Westport, with a free Valentine’s Day cookie decorating event on Saturday, Feb. 10. It starts at 10:30 a.m., and all supplies will be provided. To reserve a spot, call 508-636-2572.
Valentine macarons at Europa Pastries & Coffee Shop
Europa Pastries & Coffee Shop, 65 Columbia St., Fall River, has Valentine macarons every day until Feb. 14. If you’d like to place an order, call 508-678-5562.
Galentine’s Day at Bittersweet Farm Restaurant & Tavern
Celebrate Galentine’s Day at Bittersweet Farm Restaurant & Tavern, 438 Main Road, Westport, at a Creativity With Color event. This paint and sip night will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Sign up at creativitywithcolor.com.
Valentine’s Day dinner for two at The Brewhouse District
The Brewhouse District, 139 S. Main St., Fall River, has a Valentine’s Day dinner for two. For $79, enjoy a three-course dinner, plus dessert. Choose to share a first course of: chips and dip; scallops wrapped in bacon; or charcuterie. The second course is a spring mix salad. Choose an individual entree for the third course: chicken Mozambique with rice; seafood alfredo fettuccine; or prime rib with baked potato and lemon garlic green beans. Dessert is a dessert flight for two. Make reservations by emailing ashley@thebrewhousedistrict.com, or calling 508-264-7064.
Dino Valentine craft at Fall River Public Library
The Fall River Public Library, 104 N. Main St., will be hosting a Dino Valentine craft on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. This activity will be held in the Children’s Room, featuring Valentine dinosaurs with adorable heart-shaped bodies. This event is open to the public.
Couples’ menu at The Tipsy Toboggan
The Tipsy Toboggan, 75 Ferry St., Fall River, has a couples’ menu available for the next two weeks. This is a four-course, prix-fixe menu, for $49 per person. Share a first course of either a meatball or crab cake board. The second course is an individual serving of soup, clam chowder, or garden salad. For the third course, choose an individual entree: filet, lamb, scallops al forno, or shrimp scampi. The fourth course is a shared dessert, of either chocolate mousse, vanilla creme brulee, chocolate-covered strawberries, or pistachio baklava. Add a bottle of Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir for $20. Make reservations at www.TheTipsyToboggan.com.
Valentine’s Caricature Celebration at Canned Heat Craft Beer Company
Canned Heat Craft Beer, 52 Ferry St., Fall River, will be holding a Valentine’s Day Caricature Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Your ticket includes a beer flight, a professional caricature drawing, and chocolate-covered strawberries. For more information, and for tickets, visit www.cannedheatcraftbeer.com.
Valentine’s Day Celebration at Bajah’s Cat Cafe
Bajah’s Cat Cafe, 137 Main Road, Tiverton, is hosting a Valentine’s Day Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 2 to 7 p.m. There will be cat cuddle time, chair massage sessions, specialty drinks, and themed treats. Admission is $15 per person and includes one complimentary drink. Email BajahsCatCafe@gmail.com for reservations.
Valentine specials at The Galley Grille
The Galley Grille at White’s of Westport, 66 State Road, has Valentine’s specials available. Entrees include baked stuffed shrimp, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, prime rib, and baked stuffed lobster. Desserts include lava cake, apple crisp, a brownie sundae, and red velvet cheesecake. “Love Potions” include a Sweetheart Sangria, chocolate-covered strawberry martini, and cran-orange whiskey. For reservations, call 774-319-5590 or visit http://tinyurl.com/mps4fe4k.
Valentine’s Day treats at Lexi’s Road Dogs
Lexi’s Road Dogs, 175 State Road, Westport, has Valentine’s Day treats. Chocolate-covered strawberries are six for $12, and chocolate-covered pretzel sticks are two for $3.
Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached atkfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
