Main Street News

Love is in the air. The cupids are practicing their aim as they prepare to take flight with their bow and arrows. Some of those who are coupled up are still wondering how best to express their love, admiration, and appreciation. They’re not alone. Lots of busy parents and grandparents are still deciding which little treats or trinkets will spread a toothy smile on the faces of the wee ones in their lives. Finally, there are still lots of fabulous ladies watching reruns of Sex And The City so they can mirror one of the glamorous outings shared by Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda during an evening out on the town in designer stilettos.
Regardless of whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14th or Galentine’s Day—the happy, non-official holiday dedicated to celebrating your besties on February 13^th—you may be in desperate need of some fun, clever ideas. Luckily, Main Street has you covered.
Love certainly comes in many shapes and sizes, and there are so many creative ways to express it. Regardless of who your Valentine or Galentine is, we have a few good ideas to share. Hurry, there’s only a few days left so dive in and start planning.

The Romantics

For hopeless romantics, a bouquet of flowers from Athabold in Germantown (athabold.com) or a subscription for monthly blooms from Foxtrot Farm & Flowers in Standfordville (foxtrotfarmflowers.com/flower-subscriptions) is sure to make them smile but consider purchasing a gift card to their go-to garden center or nursery such as The Phantom Gardener in Rhinebeck (thephantomgardener.com). That way, they can plant the seeds for a garden full of blooms that will bring joy from spring right through autumn. Or swing by Country Gardeners Florist (countrygardenersflorist.com) for not just a bouquet of her favorite flowers but one-of-a-kind gifts as well. Or if you’re across the border in Connecticut, stop by Roaring Oaks Florist in Lakeville, CT, (roaringoaksflorist.com) where you can have the flower experts put together a beautiful bouquet or hand-select the stems yourself for a special touch.

Sweet Thing

Those with a sweet tooth will certainly enjoy indulging in some hand selected chocolates from Krause’s Chocolates (krauseschocolates.com) or Samuel’s Sweet Shop (samuelssweetshop.com), both in Rhinebeck, but for those who prefer baked goods, tempt them with a decadent dessert from Bread Alone (breadalone.com). They have multiple locations—from Rhinebeck to Woodstock and beyond. 

For the Wordsmiths

If the written word titillates your betrothed, browse through the poetry books at Oblong Books in Rhinebeck or Millerton (retailcouncilnys.com/oblongbooks/). While you’re there, locate the ideal card that expresses your sentiments or visit Rhinebeck Artist’s Shop (hudsonvalleyartistshops.com) or Paper Trail in Rhinebeck (papertrailrhinebeck.com/) and try your hand at crafting your own. 

Boozy Brunches 

Gather the girls for a fun and festive brunch at Le Perche Bakery & Bar (leperchehudson.com) in Hudson. Beyond the delectable fare is a fetching wine menu to be enjoyed in a warm, inviting space that oozes ambiance. 

TLC for You & Me

Treat her or him to some solo time or a couple’s retreat. Either way Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Rhinebeck (rhinebeck.mirbeau.com/spa-menu) offers lots of pampering via facials, massages, manicures, and beyond. The luxe spa boasts an herbal infused steam room, cedar sauna, and heated whirlpool spa with private bar. Now that’s something to celebrate.

Culture Club

If he or she knows the difference between a Renoir and a Rothko, gift a day at one of the Hudson Valley’s many art museums. In Beacon, there’s the Dia: Beacon (diaart.org); in Hudson, there’s Olana (olana.org), and in Williamstown in the Berkshires, there’s The Clark (clarkart.edu). Share a meal or hot coffee and some conversation at one of the museum cafes.

Finding Zen

It’s time to strike a Warrior pose or chill in a child’s pose. Book a yoga class with a friend or partner, organize a group yoga session with the gals, or book some one-on-one time with your partner at an intimate private session at Bodhi Spa/Yoga/Beauty (bodhiholisticspa.com/contact) in Hudson. Or schedule a class at the Danica Center (danicacenter.com) in Sharon, CT, where you can expand your movement with pilates, Tai Chi, restorative classes and more. 

Signature Scents

Fragrance enthusiasts are invited to get creative. Craft your own scent during a candle making session with a partner or friend at Poured Candle Bar (pouredcandlebar.com/) in Hudson. 

Finally, you don’t have to make a reservation or fork over lots of cash to watch a movie marathon at home (Love Actually, When Harry Met Sally, The Bridges of Madison County, and The Notebook to name a few), set up a tent, dim the lights, and indulge in some fun indoor camping, or whip up a meal for your loved one. Browse one of my favorite cookbooks (Antoni: Let’s Do Dinner by Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski), which always delivers impressive meals in what always seems like way less than an hour. Don’t forget to snap up some quality ingredients at Adams Fairacre Farms (adamsfarms.com) in Kingston, Poughkeepsie, or Wappingers Falls. 

Most of all, have a happy Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day.