Love is in the air in the Bronx! If you’re looking for some fun ways to celebrate with your Valentine (or Galentine!) this weekend, why not make an itinerary to enjoy? Below are some fun Valentine-themed ideas to add to your plans so you can show love to both your Valentine and The Bronx. Combine a few of these ideas together and it will look like you put a lot of thought into planning the perfect day out- we won’t tell.
Order a Heart Shaped Pizza from Ivana’s on Arthur Ave
While Ivana’s is closed on Sunday, lovers can celebrate Valentine’s Eve with a heart shaped pizza from Arthur Ave. A pie will run you $20 for cheese or $23 with pepperoni. Kick off the weekend by ordering a pie Saturday night to enjoy with a bottle of bubbly.
2373 Arthur Avenue
www.facebook.com/Ivanas-Pizzeria
Cozy Up in an Igloo at Parq Sports Bar & Grill
Parq Sports Bar & Grill has transformed their igloos into “Love Domes” and is offering three Valentine’s Day packages that include a 3 course meal, roses, and add-ons like champagne and chocolate. Reservations can be made by calling 718.684.6053. While the igloo has fun fireplace heaters on each table, we suggest dressing warm- and plenty of snuggling.
4001 East Tremont
Grab a Breakable Heart from Conti’s Pastry Shoppe
Available for pre-order or same day pick up, these breakable chocolate hearts are $50 and include rainbow cookies, red velvet cookies & Hershey kisses. There are also lots of other yummy Valentine’s treats available if you’re just looking for a smaller dessert idea. Grab for your boo or for a friend going through a breakup- one way to mend a broken heart is to break a chocolate one.
786 Morris Park Ave
Listen to a Choral Installation at the New York Botanical Garden
Stroll through the Native Plant Garden while listening to an immersive choral installation by composer Pete Wyer, perfectly titled “For Love and Only for Love: Letters to New York.” The pre-recorded music is performed by choirs of up to 72 voices projected over 24 independent speakers – and inspires reflection of love, gratitude, acceptance, and our connection with nature during the pandemic. After, stop in the gift shop and let your Valentine pick out their own goodies because that drug store teddy bear is not going to cut it.
2900 Southern Boulevard
Pick up a Taste of the Bronx Valentine’s Day Box from the Bronx Beer Hall
After the botanical garden, stop in the Bronx Beer Hall from 12-6 Saturday or Sunday and pick up a Taste of the Bronx Valentine’s box featuring some fun Bronx and love themed goodies. You can’t go wrong with this fun surprise- being that coffee and chocolate is the way to probably 90% of women’s hearts.
Located inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, 2344 Arthur Ave
Pick Out Some New Reads at The Lit. Bar
Intelligence is sexy. Hold hands while browsing for your next books to read while laying in bed together- or your next book club. We suggest perusing the Featured Fire section with your current flame- see what we did there.
131 Alexander Ave
Enjoy a Valentine’s Day Hike & Craft in Van Cortlandt Park
For the more adventurous couples, or friends- join the NYC Parks Department Rangers on a light winter walk on the lookout for “lovebirds”. Then end back at the Nature Center to build your own nature valentine for your sweetheart.
Van Cortlandt Nature Center, 246th Street and, Broadway
Make Your Own Chocolate Recipe with Supplies from Upcake Supplies and Treat Shop
Head to this Boston Road Cake & Candy Supply store to pick up ingredients for a DIY dessert you can make together at home. Open on Saturday from 11-7, stop by to grab ingredients for chocolate covered strawberries or other yummy treats. Even if they don’t turn out like the professionals, it will still taste good.
3511 Boston Rd
upcake-supplies-and-treat-shop.business.site
Participate in a Family Art Project Virtually with Wave Hill
If you’re looking for something to do with the kids before you head out on your date, Wave Hill hosts weekly virtual family art projects. On Saturday, create woodland-creature sock puppets or huggable heating pads using rice, healing herbs and plants and essential oils. Registration is required in advance and a list of materials will be sent upon registration for this free virtual program.
Make Reservations or Take-out from Your Favorite Bronx Restaurant
For more information about Valentine’s Day reservations and specials at Bronx restaurants, be sure to check with your favorite local businesses, or join the Food Friends of the Bronx Facebook group for ideas!