With Valentine’s Day around the corner, every starry-eyed lover across the world is getting ready to indulge their Valentine in a day of celebration. In 2018, the cliché heart-shaped box of chocolates and oversized teddy bears may still be at the top of the list of best Valentine’s Day gifts but in Central Massachusetts, we like to take a more creative approach.

Kick off Valentine’s Day with paint, pie and wine

Use the power of pie and wine to get your creative juices flowing at Table Talk Pies on February 9. Presented by the Learning Hub, this event is catered to adults to go out and celebrate Valentine’s Day before the 14. Belinda Thomollari will help guide you to paint your own unique masterpiece.

Location: Table Talk Pie Retail Store | 153 Green Street, Worcester, MA

Date: Friday, February 9 | 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Price: $25 (includes canvas, glass of wine, and one pie). Additional pies for sale.

Have a culinary adventure at the Flying Rhino

The Flying Rhino Café & Watering Hole is celebrating Valentine’s Day with its delicious winter menu. Share an order of buffalo chicken wontons or short rib poutine and the love radar will be through the roof. Skip the take-out and order-in at the Rhino for a culinary adventure.

Location: The Flying Rhino | 278 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA

Reservations: Call 508-757-1450

Discover Worcester’s romantic history

On Valentine’s Day, spend your day from morning to night enjoying every ounce of romantic culture in Worcester. Learn about Worcester’s involvement in the Valentine’s Day culture. While some credit Esther Howland as the Mother of the American Valentine, the Worcester Historical Museum digs deep to discover the truth behind Valentine’s Day in Worcester.

In addition, the Worcester Historical Museum celebrates the Valentine’s Day tradition with a display of Valentine’s Day cards designed by local children. Take a guided tour and embrace the Worcester history with the one you love.

Times: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Tuesday through Saturday

Price: Members: free | Children (18 years and under): free | Adults: $5

Ski and snowboard your way to love

Head up to Wachusett Mountain Ski area to celebrate your love on the snowy slopes of Princeton. Enjoy two-for-one demos, sweets from Red Apple Farm, and dinner in the Black Diamond. Escape the cold and cuddle near the warm fireplace and enjoy a drink and music at Coppertop.

Share in Valentine’s Day decadence 

Valentine’s Day is about celebrating your love but it’s also about delicious treats. The International Golf Club & Resort invites you to join them and award-winning chef, Alina Eisenhauer, for a night of creative pastries and classic sweets. Live music and sparkling wine will set the mood for you and your love. This event will take place on February 11.

Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: Adult: $42.43 | Children (5-12): $18.18 | Children under 5: free

Take a romantic getaway

Valentine’s Day is about celebrating your love, so why not plan a getaway at the beautiful Maguire House Bed & Breakfast in Ashburnham?  Guest will receive a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of sparkling champagne, and a box of Priscilla’s gourmet truffles during their stay. You can take advantage of this deal, with a two-night minimum stay, on Valentine’s Day as well as the weekend before and after.

Location: Maguire House Bed & Breakfast | 30 Cobb Rd Ashburnham, MA 01430

Spend it alone

Single this Valentine’s Day? Central Mass Yoga has you covered. In this special workshop, they flip the idea of Valentine’s day by focusing on a little self love. There will not only be an awesome invigorating yoga class, but a combination of journaling, brainstorming, and guided meditations so you will walk out feeling full of love; even if you didn’t get that romantic dinner date this year.

Location: Central Mass Yoga | 45 Sterling Street, #28 West Boylston, MA

Time: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.