10 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2021 in Bucks

Valentine’s Day will be celebrated a little differently this year, but that doesn’t mean romance is off the table. Many restaurants are still open, but operating in a limited capacity to comply with state rules, so reservations are a must. And with a little ingenuity, there are still plenty of ways to declare your love for your partner. Here are a few options in Bucks County:

(Hint: Many of these are past Happening List Winner, so you KNOW they’re favorites in the community. To vote for your favorites in the 2021 Happening List, click here.)

The Classic Dinner Date

After so many meals at home, just having a night off from kitchen duty is enough to make any couple giddy. If you’re looking to Wow your date with a memorable meal, Bucks County has a slew of fun restaurants.

TIP: If there's a specific food you and your date are craving, be sure to consult our 2020 Bucks Happening List to peruse the Winners/Finalists in each category. Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, for example, was a 2020 Happening List Finalist for Most Romantic. The Holicong spot recently reopened with indoor dining in their newly expanded and beautiful Stonebank Barn.

And just over the New Hope Bridge in Lambertville, is the must-visit Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn, a repeat Hunterdon Happening List Winner/Finalist in several categories.

Bundle Up & Get Outside

It might be cold outside, but there are still plenty of beautiful sites to explore in the area. Put on your warmest layers and get ready for plenty of hand holding.

TIP: Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope is open year-round. Current hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are required. Longwood Gardens in Chester County is almost completely open, including the Conservatory, Treehouses, and more. And Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey is a museum, sculpture garden and arboretum all in one. In Philadelphia, Winter in Franklin Square has been extended through the end of February, so you can enjoy a round of mini golf, some food from Square Burger and see the lights. And the ice rink and the Wintergarden will remain open at City Hall's Dilworth Park through February 28. There's even a “Sweetheart Skate” on Valentine's Day with buy one, get one free admission and skate rental.

If shopping is a favorite activity, head over to Peddler's Village, where you can stroll along hand-in-hand while visiting local boutique shops such as Fox & Holly. Then grab a drink and a bite to eat.

Visit a Museum

Mercer Museum (photo by Michelle Reese)

Museums are great places to explore, learn something new, and do something interactive your date.

TIP: Michener Art Museum, Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle (Happening List Finalists) have all recently reopened or will be open by Valentine's Day. They'll all located in Doylestown, so you could even make a day out of museum hopping and then get dinner at a local spot.

Paint a Masterpiece

Getting creative together is fun way to unwind while you show your artistic side.

TIP: Painting with a Twist in Bensalem was a 2020 Bucks Happening List Finalist for Date Night. There are several events leading up to Valentine's Day that make for a perfect couple project, including paintings where you each do half and then put them together to create the full picture. At-Home Kits are also available.

Solve a WhoDunnit

Add some excitement to your night out by attending a murder mystery event!

Tip: 2020 Happening List Winner for Best Theater, Without a Cue Productions‘s has two shows on Saturday, February 13. “Murder in Tinseltown” is a Murder Mystery Dinner at Fisher's in Bensalem and “Murder by Gaslight 2” is a Murder Mystery Walking Tour at Peddler's Village.

Get Pampered

In a world where almost everyone is busy, busy, busy, taking time to relax and pamper yourselves can be a wonderful way to spend a day with your special someone.

TIP: Try one of the rejuvenating couple's massages at Radiance Spa at the Bucks Club in Jamison. They have several specials over Valentine's Day Weekend such as full body Swedish massage for two or a “Couples Retreat” that includes a 1-hour Swedish massage with aromatherapy scalp massage and foot scrub following by a mini facial.

Cheers to Love

Bucks County has several great wineries (as well as breweries and distilleries) where you can taste, make or learn how to pair your favorite drinks with any food. Take a tour, sign up for a tasting session or take a brewing or wine-making class together.

TIP: Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery in Perkasie, the 2020 Bucks Happening List Winner for Winery, is hosting special Chocolate & Wine Pairing Tastings all month long. During Valentine's Day Weekend, there will be live music on Saturday and Sunday, as well as sangria and cupcakes on the 14th.

If beer is your drink of choice, get tickets to the Couples Bonsai Workshop at Neshaminy Creek. The 2020 Happening List Finalist is hosting the event on Sunday, February 14 at 11 a.m. IT includes two pre-bonsai trees, ceramic pots, soil and use of the instructor's tools during the class, plus – beer!

Get Away (For the Night!)

For many people, the only time you spend a night away from home is when you're traveling or going to an event like a wedding. But there's really something special about getting away from the daily routines of home life, even if you're staying somewhere nearby.

TIP: The Inn at Bowman's Hill is a 2020 Happening List Winner for Most Romantic and Bed & Breakfast. With only 8 luxurious rooms and suites, it's the perfect choice for a secluded getaway.

The Washington House Hotel & Restaurant is another great option. The 2020 Happening List Winner for Best Hotel is offering both a Valentine's Day Brunch and Dinner. (Plus, it's next door to Sellersville Theater, which is next on our list!)

Live Music

If concerts and live music are one of the things you and your partner have been missing the most this past year, you're in luck. We're starting to see a widespread return to local venues (with health/safety precautions in place of course).

TIP: Our 2020 Bucks Happening List Winner for Live Music Venue, Sellersville Theater 1894, has a number of live shows going on during Valentine's Day Weekend including Gabe Stillman, Ben Arnold & Band, and Tony Sands in Sinatra The Musical. Making it better, the Sellersville Theater is next door to The Washington House so you can also enjoy a meal and even spend the night.

Shady Brook Farm's Winter unWINEd Series is back in the greenhouse as of January 15. Valentine's Day Weekend, they'll have STem & Seeds Duo on Friday and Cara Cartney on Saturday. You must buy tickets in advance.

Create an At-Home Date Night

(Photo by Arden Hawes)

If you’re not comfortable going out for the holiday, make it a special evening at home! Order takeout from a favorite spot (and/or one of the restaurants listed above), or try a new recipe together!

TIP: Take a look at THIS article featuring Arden Hawes from The Ardent Cook, where she shared ideas to make at at-home date feel special as well as a recipe for “Takeout” Chinese Beef and Mushroom Noodles.