Top 5 Tips to Put Romance in Your Local Valentine's Weekend

Looking for a romantic escape this Valentine's weekend? Five near and dear spots to show and share with the love of your life:

1. — What is more romantic than French cuisine, fine wine and white table cloth dining? "French food most profound at its simplest," raved NJ Monthly about our local — and sometimes overlooked — gastronomic jewel, Verjus on Springfield Avenue. NJ Monthly rated Verjus as one of the top 25 French restaurants in the state. And, lucky for you and your love, there are still some reservations available this weekend. "At this point we have a few reservations at 5:30 p.m., and number of spots from 8:15 onward," said Jane Witkin who runs the restaurant with her loving husband, chef Charles Tutino. "We do an a la carte, not prix fixe, menu and will give away strawberries dipped in Belgian chocolate" at the end of the dining experience. Since Valentine's Day falls on Monday, Witkin and Tutino are finding that many couples are making reservations throughout the weekend.
2. Just 10 minutes away, the Hilton Short Hills is featuring a Romance Package with overnight accommodations, available on February 11-14. Couples may check-in at 3 p.m., relax in a beautifully appointed guestroom where they can enjoy complimentary sparking wine or cider, followed by an optional four-course dinner at The Dining Room.  In the morning, relax in bed and have breakfast delivered to your room or dine at the Terrace Restaurant. Expect exceptional service and lots of pampering throughout your stay. 
3. But wait! The Hilton has more: The new eforea: spa at Hilton Short Hills is offering the Pure Love Couples Massage which takes place in the spa’s Couples Room and features Pure Love essential oil and complimentary sparkling wine or cider and white chocolate hibiscus truffles. To make an appointment, call (973) 912-7956.
4. — On Saturday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., follow the pink and brown balloons to explore everything that Maplewood Village has to offer and enjoy chocolate treats along the way. Last year, our favorites were the chocolate fondue pot at (plus Able Baker's "I Love You" cookies!), the wine tasting event at , and the chocolate chevre at .
5. — Okay, Maplewood is blessed with wonderful florists — from to to — but for a sheer explosion of Valentine exuberance, step into Jerry Rose and take in all the red hearts and floral displays, while breathing deep of the purified air. I get all mushy just thinking about it....