The month of February brings Valentine’s Day. It is a lovely infusion of warmth during our season of frequent cold, gray days. To celebrate, we’ve created a guide to the “special hearts” of our region. You’ll find cozy corners and tried-and-true favorites, along with a few unexpected gems that may not scream Valentine’s, but they’re perfect for spending time with anyone you love… or think you could love. 😉
Breakfast & Brunch
Mark the day with friends, family, or anyone you adore, and head to any of these local spots where delicious food and a congenial atmosphere are a given. Absolve yourself of any fuss, relax and enjoy the company you keep.
Brimstone Bakery | Sharon Springs
A visit to Brimstone is an absolute must. From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll feel love—it radiates through the staff, the food, and every thoughtful detail. Owner Anthony Leberto is celebrating Valentine’s season with two heartwarming events:
- Afternoon Tea
Wednesday, February 11 · 2:00 PM
Enjoy a charming spread of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones with house-made clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cookies and sweets—paired with your choice of fine teas like Fair Trade Earl Grey or Egyptian Goddess.Call to reserve: 518-284-6093 - Valentine Brunch
Sunday, February 15 · 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
A palate-pleasing brunch—you decide: sweet or savory. Treat yourself to Anthony’s Chipotle Mocha Espresso, a rich, slightly spicy twist on a classic. The last time I was there, I couldn’t resist a stop at the bakery counter, where I picked up cinnamon rolls for the next morning. They’re so good you’ll want to lick the plate. Call to reserve: 518-284-6093
That Little Place on Main | Little Falls
Gary Bowman, head chef and owner of That Little Place on Main, says he learned to cook because he needed to be near his family. Before the restaurant, he was in construction and he was away for weeks at a time, or gone before anyone woke up and home long after everyone was in bed. “My 90-minute commutes were spent watching other people’s homes come to life. I swear I could smell the coffee pots churning and hear parents chasing kids” Gary recalls. He says there is no romantic passion story behind his cooking. But when you hear that the family does all their own shopping and makes every bit of food possible from scratch, you realize That Little Place on Main has become a passion story. Alongside his wife, Tara, Gary works the kitchen with his son, Marshall. Provided there’s no school or volleyball, his daughter Taylar joins in. Gary says, “I could have done any job for employment on my own, but I chose this job because my family are my favorite people, and I can’t think about being anywhere else.”
Knead to Eat Bakery & Cafe | Utica
Breakfast has been a tradition for Doug Allen-Grisales since childhood, when Italian breakfasts were a Sunday staple. Back then, he was in his grandmother’s kitchen baking for those occasions; today, he’s the owner and head chef of Mohawk Valley’s beloved bakery and cafe, where you truly knead to eat. Expect a smorgasbord of deliciousness and a 360-degree cool vibe that makes it a prime spot to meet. The bakery bustles on Valentine’s Day, and it’s no mystery why. Red velvet pancakes, specialty crepes, and cannoli with strawberry Nutella? Ummm… yes, please!
The Lifted Cup Cafe | Barneveld
“A retired veteran who cooks with heart, turning every meal into a labor of love.” OK, we’re sold. Tim Corelli and his wife Melanie, have been married for 27 years and have been working together side by side since 2021. Life in a pressured kitchen has taught them plenty about marriage, compromise, and teamwork to say the least! Their mantra is fellowship and warmth, with laughter strongly encouraged. You don’t need Valentine’s Day to visit The Lifted Cup, but they will be featuring “Sweetheart French Toast” throughout the month of February, which sounds like a delicious combination of naughty and nice.
Hours of operation: Tuesday – Friday: 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Dinner
Going out to dinner may be the classic Valentine’s move, but classics exist for a reason.
The Tailor & the Cook | Utica
For the love of local, Tailor & the Cook is devoted to delicious food, much of it sourced from farmers and producers they call friends. This Mohawk Valley jewel delivers a deeply personal dining experience rooted in seasonal ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and truly connect with the food and with your dining companion(s). Tried-and-True, The Tailor & the Cook is an easy choice for Valentine’s Day and just about any occasion worth celebrating. This year, they’re offering a three-course prix fixe menu along with a complimentary “pink bubbles toast,” a sparkling rosé from Empire Estates. You choose whether to sip it with your first course or save it for dessert.
Beardslee Castle | Little Falls -picture to come
Dinner inside a castle never gets old. Beardslee Castle brings history, intimacy, and drama to Valentine’s Day without trying too hard. Stone walls, candlelight, and a sense of escape make this a standout option for couples looking for something memorable and different. Add fabulous food and a chef-owned touch, and you’ve got an experience that feels as special as the setting.
TS Steakhouse | Verona
If red meat is one of your Valentine’s Day indulgences, the Mohawk Valley has a 5-star option. Step off the elevator on the penthouse floor of the Tower at Turning Stone and step into a classic New York steakhouse. The double-height dining room and open bar are grand, and although sunset views are less frequent in February, it’s an ideal choice if your aim is extravagance.
Ristorante Maya | New Hartford
For the love of family! Christian Maya has returned to the very location his grandfather, Richard Scamardo, operated an esteemed restaurant for years. Word on the street is that it is a true taste of Italy without leaving the Mohawk Valley
The Otesaga | Cooperstown
Winner of the prestigious Condé Nast Readers’ Choice 2025 Award, this Mohawk Valley standout feels timeless. Whether you choose the refined steakhouse experience of 1909 or the relaxed feel of Hawkeye Bar & Grill, both destinations offer intimate settings, special prix-fixe menus, and live music. Extend Valentine’s into Sunday and stay the night! Explore their “Cozy in Cooperstown” special and wake up to a lakeside view, and delicious sustenance from our friends at Utica Coffee Roasters and Brimstone Bakery.
Gerber’s 1933 Tavern | Utica
Nestled in Utica’s oldest neighborhood, Gerber’s is the city’s original Speakeasy. First established in the early 1920s as an upscale, illegal whisky joint during Prohibition, it operated in secrecy until 1933. When Prohibition ended, the Gerber family discovered the hidden bar and legitimately opened it to the public. The tavern has been meticulously restored to its original speakeasy charm, featuring a Gerber Daisy motif and rich wood accents. With no screen distractions, Gerber’s is perfect for date nights, meaningful connections, and conversation. Enjoy lively music, craft cocktails, local beers, and a robust pub-style menu in a cozy, historic setting.
Creekside Inn | Oneida
Known for its warmth and welcome, the Creekside Inn, named one of America’s Best Restaurants, is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to relax and savor a delicious, carefully crafted meal. Originally built in 1813, the property became a labor of love for Kelly and Mike Miller, who had admired it long before they owned it. Today, the restaurant and the inn are an abundance of knowledge, creativity, and dedication that make the Creekside a Valentine’s choice that is likely to be annualized. Reservations recommended.
mōtus | Utica
In Latin, mōtus signifies movement, progress, and passion—a philosophy that defines this home-grown Mohawk Valley “special heart.” The team at Motus continually pushes the local culinary scene forward with a menu that features the finest local and seasonal produce and strikes a perfect balance between simple and sophisticated. This Valentine’s Day, their curated multi-course prix-fixe menu and beautiful, cozy restaurant will be a dining experience that stirs your senses.
Late Night
Should you not want your night to end, Utica has options.
Silk | Utica
Love the wit and cleverness of their menu, which exudes double entendre, i.e., “Mezcal Me Maybe” or “Donut Disturb” is designed to make you smile before you’ve decided what to order — bold, boujee cocktails, imaginative desserts, and new to the menu — tapas are guaranteed to keep you smiling. Silk’s food and drink are undeniably decadent and delicious. Its cozy lounge-like atmosphere sets a mood–it’s romantic without being formal, stylish without being stiff, and perfect for a night out of the ordinary.
Space NexDoor | Utica
There is passion that goes into every one of Lynn Brunk’s drinks—you can tell he is nicely obsessive about the details, when he describes custom espresso beans and three different local honeys. It’s about craftsmanship and community. The space is fun and energetic, a venue where you can feel the love for detail and design, making it a standout in Utica’s nightlife scene.
Experiences
Sometimes love calls for something outside the norm, I know February does! Spark joy and connection with experiences that go beyond the table.
Waterfall Hike
Many couples choose waterfalls for proposals, engagement photos, or Valentine’s outings–they feel timeless and ever so picturesque. But in February you ask? Bundle up and explore two Mohawk Valley treasures:
Pixley Falls State Park | Boonville
This 50-foot waterfall transforms into an icy masterpiece in winter. The park is open year-round, so you can hike in and enjoy the serene beauty of snow-draped trails and frozen cascades.
Canajoharie Gorge | Canajoharie
Tucked away near the village of Canajoharie, this scenic gorge offers stunning winter views. When temperatures drop, the waterfalls freeze into glistening sheets of ice—a perfect backdrop for a cozy photo op.
4 Elements Studio | Utica
4 Elements began as a humble ceramic studio in 2008—and the Mohawk Valley loved it so much, they clamored for more. Today, it’s a cherished community asset offering extensive programming, exhibition space, and hands-on workshops.
Anytime of year, you can sign up for a “Clay Date”—a creative experience designed for two people to unplug, get their hands on a pottery wheel, receive expert instruction, and walk away with something you each made—together. Register at 4elementsstudio.org.
Pilates Plus One | Bodywise Pure Pilates | Utica
Celebrate the love of movement with a special Valentine’s Day program curated by Val Ezzo. This one-day experience is designed to make you fall in love with Pilates and your body will thank you for it! Saturday, February 14th, choose your session:
- Morning: Pilates & Prosecco
- Pilates Duets: For you and your Plus One
- Afternoon: Pilsner & Pilates
Register at: www.bodywisepurepilates.com, click on the pink heart for Valentine’s programming.
The Movies
Going to the movies may have lost the romantic luster of yesteryear, but this February brings a few new releases about love that could make it worth grabbing someone and heading out to a theater.
- Wuthering Heights (2026): Releasing on February 13, this new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic gothic romance stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Directed by Emerald Fennell, it is described as a passionate and tumultuous love story that is expected to be a major conversation starter.
- Solo Mio: This Kevin James romantic comedy is slated for release on February 6, just in time for Valentine’s.
- The Drama: While its wide release is in April, this A24 romantic drama starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson follows an engaged couple facing a crisis right before their wedding.
Mohawk Valley Movie Spots:
- Movieplex Cinema (Oneida) – Glenwood Shopping Plaza
Find showtimes: https://www.movieplexcinemas.net - Rome Cinema 8 (Rome) – Find showtimes: https://www.romecinema8.com
- Marquee Cinemas (New Hartford) – Orchard Center
Find showtimes: https://www.marqueecinemas.com
Galentine Shopping at j.liam | New Hartford
Walking into j.liam is an indulgence for the eyes. Owner Lisa Mack has done a fabulous job curating décor and offering a range of carefully selected merchandise. Grab some friends and imagine spring as you peruse their florals. Enjoy your choice of beer, wine, or White Claw while you browse—or settle into comfortable seating to sit and chat with your Galentines. In advance of Valentine’s Day, on February 7th, j.liam will host a pop-up featuring Lizzy Tish jewelry—a name inspired by creator Dawnmarie Puleo’s grandmother, whose term of endearment for Dawn was Lizzy Tish. With each Lizzy Tish purchase, a complimentary specialty heart piece will be gifted to you from j.liam (limited to the first 25 customers).
Oneida Community Mansion House | Oneida
Explore the shared home of a 19th-century utopian commune that famously practiced “free love” and communal living. It’s a fascinating, offbeat piece of local history for anyone who may enjoy deep dives into social experiments. Guided tours throughout February:
- Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
- Saturdays at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Woodchuckers Axe Throwing |12 North Sports Bar | Marcy
Got an axe to grind? This might be the place to work it out. Enjoy friendly competition and craft cocktails. Their twist on Valentine’s is called “Axes & O’s.” Bring your date, friends, or partner, take aim, throw axes, and compete for prizes. We think you’ll love it!
Candlelight Concerts | Rome
Candlelight Concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to the Capitol Arts Complex—a beautifully restored historic landmark in Rome. The venue itself inspires awe, and paired with the glow of hundreds of candles, these concerts promise an unforgettable evening. Tickets are available at romecapitol.com
February 14th, 6:00 PM: A tribute to the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons under the gentle glow of candlelight.
February 14th, 8:00 PM: A Valentine’s Special featuring romantic classics to set the perfect mood.
