*Stay home, stay safe. This article contains experiences you can have at home or that conform with current stay-at-home orders.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but unfortunately this year brings with it new challenges. You can’t go out to dinner, you can’t go see a movie, and many of the typical Valentine’s Day experiences are off the table. So should you give up and resign yourself to a night of romantic-less boredom? Heck no.
Did Ryan Gosling give up in The Notebook? Did Mr. Darcy just give up when Elizabeth Bennett brutally and painfully rejected him? That’s a big fat no on both counts. Think of all the obstacles the romantic heroes and heroines of the past had to go through to be with their love – they wouldn’t have let a little lockdown stand between them and a night of romantic bliss.
Here at Ontario’s Highlands, we love a challenge, so if you’re wondering what in the world you can do at home with your significant other that is still a) romantic and b) creative, we’re here to deliver. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create a fabulously romantic experience at home. (Challenge accepted.)
Bring the Spa Home
Who couldn’t use a little bit of pampering these days? Self care is the new trend and we should all spend a little bit more time taking care of ourselves. You can bring a little bit of the spa home for some luxurious pampering from these two local spas:
- Wind in the Willows
Order from their online shop some luxurious pampering products that you and your partner will love to explore. Are you missing your massages? Try a therapeutic bath soak by Cloud 9 Naturally, and then hydrate your skin after your soak with one of their body oils. Order for delivery or pick-up. - Perth Parkside Inn & Spa
Bring the spa home to you with a Couple’s Relax Package that includes hand and foot cream, soaking salts, and body lotion. Or amp up the romance with the Couple’s Retreat package that comes with an Aveda candle, body oil, soaking salts, body lotion, and Perrier for two. If you’re missing your facials, have one at home with their kit containing an Aveda mini cream cleanser, mini hydrating masque, mini toning spray, and mini hydrating lotion.
Dark and Decadent Chocolate
No Valentine’s Day would be complete without a little bit of chocolate love. These local chocolate makers are doing their best to make sure you have some deliciously local chocolate offerings to enjoy on the big day.
- Fine Chocolate by Ludwig
Chocolate aficionados take note: Ludwig Fine Chocolate is a must-try for all chocolate lovers. Using beans selected by a chocolate specialist in Switzerland, you can expect a rich, and unique cacao experience in one of Ludwig’s bars. There are plenty of flavours to choose from on the website, for local pick-up or delivery. - Hummingbird Chocolate Maker
Hummingbird has created some decadent Valentine’s Day products for you! Choose between special bars and chocolates, including the Toffee & Nib, Mayan Touch of Spice, Vodkow Caramels, Chocolate Salami, or their famous Salted Caramels. Order online here for curbside pick-up or shipping. - Perth Chocolate Works
If you love trying a little bit of every flavour of chocolate, this one is for you. I mean, we could all use a little help in keeping things fresh, right? Try Perth Chocolate Works’ Keeping the Surprise Alive box that comes with a variety of chocolates, or order one of their chocolate roses or Valentine’s Day chocolate hearts. Order online here for curbside pick-up or shipping.
Eat + Drink = Romance
Bring home the romance with a dinner for two you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Think comfy pants and Netflix.
*Order for pick-up from a restaurant in your region to limit travel.
- Blackbird Café
Located in Burnstown, Blackbird Café is dishing up a delicious dinner for two on pre-order for Feb. 14, including an appetizer of your choice, two entrée choices, and two individual chocolate and strawberry cakes made by Julie’s Village Treats in Burnstown. Get your order in before Feb. 11.
How to Order: Call 613-432-3599 between Wednesday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $99 per couple - Loom Bistro
Located in the Riverside Inn in Almonte, Loom Bistro is offering a delicious three-course meal to take home with an option to reheat at home or pick-up ready to serve (both options for pick-up on Valentine’s Day). Add to your order for one of their creative cocktail kits of a sharing platter to expand the romance.
How to Order: Call 613-256-9653 or by emailing [email protected]
Cost: Three-course meal $65 per person. Cocktail kit and sharing platter extra. - Molly’s Bistro Bakery
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a “Sea of Love” date night and indulge with seafood stew, Mediterranean quinoa salad, cheddar and zucchini biscuits, and red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing for dessert. Pick-up on Feb. 13.
How to Order: Order fast as orders are only being taken until Feb. 6! Call 705-286-6988 or email [email protected]
Cost: $65 for two people.
Bonus:
Hidden Goldmine Bakery
This isn’t a full meal, but worth a mention! Located in Madoc, Hidden Goldmine Bakery is pulling out all the stops when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Order ahead for one of their famous tarts (butter, raisin, pecan, coconut, chocolate, and more) or bring dessert home with a decadent chocolate mousse, one of their renowned pies, or a cozy homestyle carrot cake. If you miss Valentine’s Day, not to worry, you can order throughout the month of February.