Awesome Last-Minute Valentine's Day Experiences
On Valentine's Day, many sweethearts pride themselves on ferretting out something truly creative to gift on this day of romance. These are among the best that I've seen, but don't wait to book, as space is very limited.
The National Aquariumin Baltimore wants you to share Valentine's Day evening with more than 16,000 animals. One of the showpieces of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and a wonderful place to visit any day of the year, The Aquarium invites you to wander through its rooms of seahorses, jellyfish, sharks, and other swimming and land creatures, in between enjoying a buffet dinner and cocktails. The price for the evening is $135 per couple ($95 if you're a member of the National Aquarium).
National Aquarium, 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore MD, 410.576.3800
Also taking the "dine with the animals" theme to heart, the Miami Seaquarium has created a "Dine with the Dolphins" evening for lovers. For $398 per couple, you'll enjoy a four-course candlelight dinner under the stars in the company of dolphins, overlooking the Seaquarium's Dolphin Harbor. His-and-her animal-lover gifts are included: two Sea Trek Reef Encounter (helmet diving experience in the park's reef aquarium) and two Dolphin Odyssey (1 ½ hour in-the-water feeding, touching and dolphin learning experience) gift certificates (good for one year), plus two annual passes to the park for any visit through the end of the year. Definitely a fantastic deal!
The Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami FL, 305.365.2501
Have you ever thought of your significant other as a budding starlet? Indulge her dreams with Broadway Fantasy Camp's "Chicago" Dayin New York City. On April 13, your lady can become Velma for the day, learning the musical's vocal and dance numbers from a professional director and choreographer. The transformation continues with a professional headshot, lunch with fellow students and Broadway pros, and a meet-and-greet with Amra-Faye Wright, the current Velma on Broadway (as well as other surprise guests). After an afternoon break, the "new star" will travel to the Ambassador Theater with a VIP ticket to "Chicago" and end the evening with champagne at Sardi's, the consummate Broadway restaurant. Her rehearsal bag goes home with her, too. Experiences like these don't come cheap: the full-day experience is $995. Call and mention that this is a Valentine's Day gift for 10% off.
Broadway Fantasy Camp, 300 West 55th Street, New York NY, 212.713.0366
This one's really last-minute, but you can still book it TODAY. The Conrad New York's "Love Is in the Air Valentine's Day Package" is a real dream for two. You're guaranteed to experience Manhattan like never before, with a private helicopter ride for two around Manhattan, accommodations in a riverview suite, and a three-course dinner for two at the hotel's Atrio restaurant. A Valentine's Day Flirtini cocktail is included. And, if that's not enough, your suite will be decked out with a beautiful floral arrangement from BLOOM to admire while savoring French macarons from Payard Bakery and sipping your choice of wine or champagne from Vintry Fine Wines. New Yorkers or out-of-towners, jump on this special now. It's too wonderful to pass up. All inclusions mentioned here are available on February 14, but the package can be extended beyond. Prices start at $1799 per person.
Conrad Hotel, 102 North End Avenue, New York NY, 212.945.0100