Sweet Spots: Valentine's Day dates and treats

 

While some look forward to Valentine’s Day in eager anticipation, others worry themselves sick over planning the perfect date. But there’s no need to lose sleep this year: area venues are making it extremely easy to impress that special someone and win you a kiss (or two or three) goodnight.
 

 

Castle Street in Great Barrington, Mass., is a one-stop spot for those looking for a classic date night on February 14. Hold hands during a movie at the beautiful Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, which will be screening one of the most legendary romances of all time, Casablanca. Then stroll just a few feet to Castle Street Café for a lively night of dinner and dancing cheek-to-cheek to the musical stylings of powerhouse blues singer Wanda Houston with pianist Rob Kelly.
 

 

Couples hoping to heat things up won’t have to look any further than Jae’s Spice in Pittsfield, Mass., where the Gypsy Layne burlesque dancers will send temperatures rising. Saturday- and Monday-night performances of the troupe’s new show, Venus in Wonderland, are followed by a boogie dance party with Prtty Pitty Productions. Also in Pittsfield, Elle Kay Cabaret presents a Valentine’s cabaret on Saturday, February 12, at the New Stage Performing Arts Center, featuring Lisa Kantor in jazz standards, show tunes, and some special surprise numbers.
 

 

If one night of love won’t do, a romantic “getaway” might be just the ticket. The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Mass., is offering a Romance 101 special through the month of February, which includes overnight accommodations, a giant dark chocolate heart handmade by I Got Goodies of North Adams, a bottle of wine, and a breakfast buffet available for in-room delivery so you never have to leave your bed.
 

 

Finally, sweethearts with a sweet tooth should be sure to check out the first annual Chocolate Berkshires month, happening throughout the region. Chocolate-themed events include a golden-ticket giveaway at Chocolate Springs, in which winners receive a private tour of the Lenox, Mass., facilities; dessert and drink specials at various restaurants and bars; romance packages at inns; and screenings of films such as Chocolat and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. “It’s going to benefit the county with both the economic factor and the joy factor, and, of course, the romantic factor,” says Joshua Needleman, owner of Chocolate Springs.
 

 

Cupid’s arrows will be flying across the Berkshires this Valentine’s Day weekend, and with great date and gift options like these, he won’t miss his targets.—AW
 

THE GOODS
Casablanca
Feb 14 at 7
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Great Barrington, Mass.

www.mahaiwe.org

Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dancing with Wanda Houston and Rob Kelly
Feb 14 at 7
Castle Street Café

Great Barrington, Mass.

www.castlestreetcafe.com
www.wandahouston.com

Gypsy Layne Burlesque performs Venus in Wonderland
Plus Boogie Dance Party with Prtty Pitty Productions
Feb 12 and Feb 14 at 8:30
Jae’s Spice
297 North St.
Pittsfield, Mass.

www.eatatjaes.com
www.gypsylayne.com

Elle Kay Cabaret
Feb 12 at 8
New Stage Performing
Arts Center

Pittsfield, Mass.

www.newstageperforming
arts.org
www.ellekaycabaret.com

Romance 101
Lodging Special
Through Feb 28
The Porches Inn at
MASS MoCA
231 River St.
North Adams, Mass.

www.porches.com

I Got Goodies
73 Main St.
North Adams, Mass.

Chocolate Berkshires
Through Feb 28
www.chocolateberkshires.com

Chocolate Springs Café
55 Pittsfield Lenox Rd
Lenox, Mass.

www.chocolatesprings.com