Valentine’s Day isn’t just going about out to dinner anymore.
There are so many events and activities happening in the days leading up to Feb. 14, from themed pop-up bars serving specialty cocktails to markets, brunches, lunches and more.
Here are 10 sweet ways to celebrate with your Valentine or your friends, plus several restaurants serving special menus.
Valentine’s Day pop-up bars
The Bistro at iPlay America in Freehold Township is hosting the Kiss & Tell Valentine’s Pop-Up Barthrough Sunday, Feb. 23. The pop-up features drink specials with names like Lover’s Kiss and Steamy Night, dessert specials like Kiss & Tell and Espresso Your Love, a specialty dinner menu, and roses and heart decor.
Sinner’s Steakhouse in Point Pleasant Beach has transformed into a Valentine’s Day destination called A Sinner’s Love Affair, open through Sunday, Feb. 23. The fun includes themed dinner menus, desserts and cocktails.
Cupid’s Hideaway at The Sea Crest Grille in Spring Lake is “a romantic escape filled with Valentine-themed decor, specialty cocktails and the perfect ambiance,” according to the restaurant. The pop-up is open at night, Wednesdays through Sundays, through Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Go: The Bistro at iPlay America, 108 Schanck Road, Freehold Township; 732-813-8700, thebistronj,com. Sinner’s Steakhouse, 20 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach; 848-232-1672, sinnerssteakhouse.com. The Sea Crest Grille, 700 Route 71, Spring Lake; 732-449-3666, seacrestgrille.com.
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Galentine’s Skate Party in Jackson
Grab your gals and your skates and head to United Skates of America for a “Wicked”-themed Galentine’s Skate Party, happening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7.
Skaters are invited to dress up as their favorite “Wicked” character, skate to the soundtrack of the movie, play trivia games, and meet Glinda and Elphaba.
Admission costs $15 per person, skate rental costs $6 for roller skates, $7 for roller blades. Adults who will not be skating pay $5. Space is limited and reservations are recommended.
Go: 2270 W. County Line Road, Jackson; 732-363-2222, unitedskates.com.
Grab your gals and your skates and head to United Skates of America for a “Wicked”-themed Galentine’s Skate Party, happening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7.
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Valentine’s Day shopping in Asbury Park, Holmdel
The ninth annual Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Convention Hall in Asbury Park. Vendors will be selling crafts, artisanal goods and food, and the bazaar will feature a fresh flower bouquet bar, a Valentine’s Day photo wall, live music, kids’ activities and workshops.
Or, stroll and shop at Bell Works Fresh Valentine’s Day Markets, happening from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, and 11 a.m. to to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. The markets feature dozens of vendors selling baked goods, jewelry, chocolates, cards, candles, artwork, crocheted items, clothing, pet items and more.
Go: Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park; asburyparkbazaar.com. Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel; asburyfresh.com.
Monmouth County SPCA brunch in Red Bank
The Monmouth County SPCA is hosting a Valentine’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, featuring a raffle to benefit the organization’s work.
The event also includes a Valentine’s Day-themed candy bar, buffet brunch, chance and silent auctions, and a complimentary mimosa, Bloody Mary or red wine.
Tickets cost $110 per person.
Go: Navesink Country Club, 50 Luffburrow Lane, Red Bank; monmouthcountyspca.org.
Delta is one of many cats up for adoption at the Monmouth County SPCA.
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Galentine’s cookie class at Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar
Bring your girlfriends to a cookie-decorating class, taking place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Beach Haus Brewery
During the class, which will be led by Monmouth County-based cookie bakery Ashley’s Sugar Shack, attendees will decorate four cookies. Decorating materials, cookies and a glass of Beach Haus beer or wine are included.
The cost is $45 per person.
Go: 801 Main St., Belmar; 732-202-7782, beachhausbeer.com.
Lunch Break Valentine’s Day dining experience in Red Bank
Lunch Break, an organization that offers food and clothing to people in need, is hosting a Valentine’s Day-themed fundraising dinner at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11.
The evening includes a welcome reception with appetizers and cocktails, a multi-course wine-pairing dinner, and a performance by the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players.
Tickets cost $125 per person, with proceeds benefiting Lunch Break’s services.
Go: 121 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Red Bank; 732-747-8577, ext. 3107, lunchbreak.org.
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Sweetheart bingo in Barnegat
Treat your Valentine to game night, happening at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Barnegat Recreation Center.
The township’s recreation and police departments are hosting Sweetheart Bingo at the Barnegat Rec Center. Admission costs $5 per family and includes light snacks.
Registration and pre-payment are required.
Go: 900 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat; 609-698-0080, barnegat.net.
Cocktail class at 618 Restaurant in Freehold Borough
Learn to make Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails during a class taking place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 618 Restaurant in Freehold Borough.
The restaurant’s mixologists will teach attendees to make three cocktails with fresh fruit and garnishes, including the Be Mine with gin, raspberry, lemon and egg white.
The cost is $99 per person, and includes light food and a goodie bag.
Go: 618 Park Ave., 732-577-0001, 618nj.com.
Charcuterie board class at The Cheese Shoppe on Long Beach Island
The Cheese Shop, with two locations on Long Beach Island, is hosting cheese charcuterie board classes from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, and Friday, Feb. 14, in Surf City and Beach Haven.
Participants will be treated to tastings while the shop’s head cheesemongers teach them how to cut soft and hard cheeses and create salami roses and chocolate-covered strawberries. A bottle of wine is included.
The cost is $125 per person or $150 per couple. Reservations are required.
Go: 1800 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City, and 615 North Bay Ave., Beach Haven; lbicheese.com.
Horse and carriage rides at Pier Village in Long Branch
Climb aboard for a romantic ride through Pier Village, which is offering complimentary horse and carriage rides on Valentine’s Day.
The rides are available from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday. Feb. 14.
Go: 1 Chelsea Ave., Long Branch; piervillage.com.
Dinner at a Shore restaurant
Mathis House, a Victorian tea room and bed and breakfast in Toms River, is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner.
Make a reservation at one of these restaurants, which are offering special menus for Valentine’s Day.
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Cardinal Provisions, Asbury Park: The breakfast and brunch restaurant is hosting pop-up dinners on Friday, Feb. 14, and Saturday Feb. 15, featuring a three-course menu of dishes like cheese and charcuterie, arancini, lasagna, short ribs and polenta, cookie a la mode, and passionfruit trifle, among other dishes; $20 deposit required; 513 Bangs Ave.; 732-898-7194, crdnal.com.
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The Grenville Hotel and Restaurant, Bay Head: The restaurant is offering a four-course menu complimented by live music; $70 per person; 345 Main Ave., 732-892-3100, thegrenville.com.
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Half Moon Point, Point Pleasant Borough: The restaurant is serving special dishes that include lamb chops with warm winter orzo salad, beef tartare, braised osso buco, and petite filet mignon with lobster sherry sauce; 2154 Bridge Ave., 732-475-6535, halfmoonpoint.com.
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The Mathis House, Toms River: Valentine’s Day dinner includes prime rib or salmon with potatoes, vegetables, bread with housemade herb butter, dessert and tea, accompanied by live piano music; 600 Main St., 732-818-7580, mathishouse600main.com.
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Scarborough Fair, Sea Girt: Known for its romantic and charming ambiance, the restaurant will serve a menu featuring lobster bisque, puff pastry-wrapped Brie with blueberry compote, oysters, miso-glazed halibut, and Chambord cheesecake; 1414 Meetinghouse Road, 732-223-6658, sfseagirt.com.
Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to her weekly newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Valentine’s Day 2025 Jersey Shore: Things to do, where to eat
