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Valentine’s Day in the Village

A historic Valentine's Day shop window in the Village. Image via Li-Lac Chocolates.
A historic Valentine’s Day shop window in the Village. Image via Li-Lac Chocolates.

If you waited for the last minute to plan your Valentine’s Day evening or need to pick up a few more supplies, don’t despair. There are plenty of shops in the East and West Village that have just what you need to say “I Love You” to that special someone.

Are you staying in and need supplies? Year-round favorite (and 2000 Village Award winner) Murray’s Cheese has all the cheese, chocolate, and fixings you need for a romantic evening at home. They even have a triple crème cheese aged with dark chocolate shavings!  

A Valentine's bouquet from Banchet featuring orchids, their signature flower. Image via Banchet.
A Valentine’s bouquet from Banchet featuring orchids, their signature flower. Image via Banchet.

La Petite Coquette on University Place has been selling lingerie for over 30 years and are known for their expert customer service. While Azaleas in the East Village is a relative newcomer (it has been in business 10 years), it has lots of brands and plenty of ideas for Valentine’s. Need (ahem) other accoutrements? The Leather Man on Christopher Street has been specializing in leather since 1965 and the Pleasure Chest on Seventh Avenue South was made famous by, of course, an episode of Sex and the City.

Don’t want to show up empty handed? Chocolate and flowers may be clique, but they won’t fail to please. Li-Lac Chocolates has been making and serving chocolate in the Village since 1923. You might have to wait in line today, but they even make molded chocolates in some pretty imaginative shapes, such as high heels and purses for the fashionista in your life. Meat Packing-based florist Banchet is a splurge, but carries some unusual bouquets that look anything but ordinary.

Want to go out? Nothing says romance like a wine bar. Vin Sur Vingt, specializing in a selection perfect for Francophiles, is a stand out in the West Village. For a roomier option, Bar Veloce has several locations East and West.

Vin Sur Vingt has a wonderful selection of wines in a romantic atmosphere. Photo via Vin Sur Vingt.
Vin Sur Vingt has a wonderful selection of wines in a romantic atmosphere. Photo via Vin Sur Vingt.

After, you can catch some jazz at La Lanterna’s Bar Next Door, located in an individually landmarked 1829 federal-style townhouse. The Village Alliance, a business improvement district, has some great listings for romantic restaurants in the neighborhood.

Need to get away? The Jade Hotel, a newcomer to West 13th Street, is offering a Cupid Smack Down package. The hotel keeps it local with toiletries from West Village institution C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries (another great place for some last minute gifts).

On the relationship outs? You can catch some less than romantic films at the Film Forum or head east to the Anthology Film Archives, where they are sending up the holiday with their Valentine’s Day Massacre 2014 programming.

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