Valentine’s Day is just around the corner but don’t freak out just yet. Whether you’re in a serious relationship or single, The Chronicle has you covered.
If you’re single… Here are some great ideas you can do alone or with your roommates. Junior Gianna Costantino says, “One of my roommates makes heart shaped burgers and we all give each other little treats…It’s just a great way to celebrate love of any kind.”
SHOPPING
Is there any better way to spend Valentine’s Day than doing something that you love? Shopaholics check out these places below.
Valentine’s Pop Up Shop at The Haven Collective
938 State St.
New Haven, CT 06510.
Open: Noon – 6 p.m.
This small boutique embodies its “shop gather create” motto by featuring local designers in its monthly pop-up room in the store. On Saturday the shop will have products for sale including candles from Northeast Nutmeg, natural beauty goodies from Poor & Pretty and kitchen products from Whisk & Brush.
Indoor Winter Farmer’s Market
Metropolitan Business Academy
115 Water St.
New Haven, CT 06511
Open: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Every Saturday, January through April, this indoor market sells specialty foods from fruits to dog treats. Spend the morning browsing and pick up something sweet for yourself or a friend.
ENTERTAINMENT
50 Shades of Grey
Rave Motion Pictures
550 Universal Drive, North Haven, CT 06473
Showtimes for Saturday: 11 a.m., 1:55 p.m., 4:50 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 10:40 p.m.
You can always see a rom com but this Valentine’s Day catch what everyone is talking about and see 50 Shades of Grey with your friends.
The Vagina Monologues
Buckman Theater, 2-3:30 p.m.
Tickets: $5
Women in Support of Humanity (W.I.S.H.) sponsor this event where students perform monologues that share themes of woman empowerment, sex, love, orgasm and more. Students on college campuses all across the United States read these monologues. The show aims to be entertaining for both men and women.
Toad’s Place
(You know where it is…) Don’t be too down if you aren’t spending V-Day with that special someone. You never know who you can meet or run into at Toad’s.
If you’re a freshman…or you don’t have a car on campus, check out these ideas for for an affordable date close to or on campus.
ENTERTAINMENT
QU Men’s Hockey Game
TD Bank Sports Center, 7 p.m.
You won’t want to miss one of the last home games of the regular season against Clarkson. Junior Sam Dzialo says, “The Bobcats are having a great season so the games are always exciting and it’s nice to cheer on your favorite team with someone by your side.”
FOOD
Eli’s On Whitney
Shuttle Stop: Whitney/Dixwell
What to get: Mac & Jack- Smoked gouda, pepper jack, white cheddar & asiago cheeses with caramelized onions, pulled pork & jalapeños, tossed with orecchiette pasta, topped with panko bread crumbs & baked
Moe’s, Chili’s, and Panera Bread
Shuttle Stop: Shop Rite/Marshalls
What to get: You can’t go wrong with your go-to favorites from these close-by and comfy places!
If you have a car or live off-campus, here are some great ideas to impress your date.
ENTERTAINMENT
Yale Symphony Orchestra: Valentine’s Day Concert
Woolsey Hall (WOOL), 8-10 p.m.
500 College St.
New Haven, CT 06511
Tickets: $6 (with Qcard/Student ID)
Take advantage of Yale’s campus and take your music lover to see a classic and romantic show after dinner.
Jazz Jam Session at Café Nine, 4-7:30 pm
250 State St.
New Haven, CT 06510
Tickets: Free but 21+ only!
Bring your date to see Gary Grippo & Friends perform great music at this intimate cafe and college spot in New Haven.
ACTIVE
Get out of your comfort zone this Valentine’s Day by exploring one of these local places for a guaranteed great time! If you’re in love with a fitness fanatic, these are great ideas for a non-traditional date.
On Track Karting- Go Karts
984 North Colony Road (Rt 5)
Wallingford, CT 06492
Open: Noon – 11 p.m.
An indoor go karts date is perfect when the weather is so unpredictable! This is a great date for competitive people who like to challenge each other.
City Climb Gym (Rock Climbing)
342 Winchester Ave.
New Haven, CT 06511
Open: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tip: Print out your visitor liability waiver (found online) before you go to save time!
FOOD
“Even if you don’t have big plans, sharing a meal with someone on Valentine’s Day is great because everyone has a common LOVE for food and there’s so many places in New Haven to try,” junior Rachel Massicotte said.
Viron Rondo Osteria
1721 Highland Ave,
Cheshire, CT 06410
What to get: Start your meal off with the My Mother’s Chips appetizer –
eggplant and zucchini, cucumber yogurt dip.
Modern Apizza
874 State St.
New Haven, CT 06511
What to get: The “Italian Bomb” pizza has bacon, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion, pepper and garlic. Yum!
Jojo’s Coffee and Tea
1177 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT 06511
What to get: The honey ginger lemon tea is a house favorite!
Claire’s Corner Copia
1000 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT 06510
What to get: Lithuanian coffee cupcake
Oaxaca Kitchen
228 College St.
New Haven, CT 06510
What to get: One word: GUACAMOLE (with tortilla chips only $10)
Kiwi Spoon
956 North Colony Road
Wallingford, CT 06492
“Kiwi Spoon is a great place for a healthy alternative on Valentine’s Day,” senior Katelyn Manning said. “Cake batter with strawberries is my favorite then I plan to volunteer at a local animal shelter to play with the puppies.”
FLORISTS
Whether it is a rose for your mother or someone you may be interested in on campus, flowers are one of the most timeless ways to show someone you care. To impress someone check out any of these places for a simple yet appreciated gesture!
-Lucian’s Florist & Greenhouse on Whitney Avenue
-Flowers from the Farm on Shepard Avenue
-Hamden Florist on Whitney Avenue
For students on a tighter budget, Shop Rite in Hamden Plaza has a decent flower selection.
www.sendflowers.com is also a great option to send someone flowers in an affordable and easy way.
