Your Shore Weekend: Valentine's Day Edition

Before you start pelting me with rocks: this is a guide for things to do whether you are in a couple or not (hello? Jen's single, so why would I put myself through that torture?) With Valentine's Day on a Saturday, there's lots to do at the Jersey Shore, even if you would love to murder that bow and arrow toting baby. So here goes -- each category kicked off with a musical selection.

But before I begin: there's a LOT going on. I couldn't get to every single event (I have paying work to do, kids), so this is a selection of what's available. If you're aiming to stay at a specific place and want to see if they have a special, I bet they do -- call and ask. Or you can search specifically for Atlantic City Valentine's Day events here.

The Look of Love


If you want to drop big cash, head to Red Square at the Tropicana. They're offering a $500 Caviar Special showcasing an assortment of four 1 oz. servings of caviar, paired with a bottle of vodka. They'll also be dishing up a a one-of-a-kind $1,000 dessert for Valentine’s Day (makes that Lucy dinner look like a STEAL).

For something more in most people's price ranges, check out the Palm (also located in the Quarter). They're offering an all-inclusive, three-course Lobster & Champagne Dinner for Two for $125. P.F. Chang's got a special going, too -- $39.95 dinner for two menu that's being introduced on February 14.

If you're looking to stay overnight at the Trop, they're offering a Valentine's Day special. It includes a one night stay, $40 gift card good throughout the Trop and The Quarter, breakfast for two at the Fiesta Buffet or Seaside Café, two drinks at Tango’s Lounge or Rumba Lounge, and two revue show tickets. Price tag: $395.72.

Absecon Lighthouse is hosting what they call "An Evening of Romance and Renewal" from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Couples can swap spit in the lighthouse tower with catered aphrodisiacs on each level while dancing to romantic DJ spins. An on-site minister will conduct a vow renewal at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per couple.

This sounds fun: Resorts is offering a “Dinner and Disco” menu at Gallagher’s Steakhouse on Friday and Saturday. The three-course, prix fixe menu for two includes admission to Resorts’ hit 70s and 80s dance club, Boogie Nights. Price is $160 per couple.

The Pier Shops at Caesars is having a Valentine’s Weekend Reception on Friday and Saturday with live entertainment, champagne bars and specialty chocolates available to shoppers on its third floor. [UPDATE NOTE: Apparently, this event is not free, but the people at the Pier won't tell me how much it costs. Take that as you will].

Like wine? Check out Cape May's Wine weekend, which -- of course -- is this weekend. Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts has the details.

The Chelsea's offering a package called the "Penthouse Serenade" (bomp chicki wow wow!) If I had a sweetie and could pay in Monopoly money, this would be my choice: You'll stay in the penthouse suite, which has a fire place. You'll also get champagne, Sweet Tarts and Red Hots delivered at your arrival. Dinner is a five course, dinner for two served in the suite plus a late night snack that includes a pint of Haagen Dazs Dulce de Leche Ice Cream (with two spoons, of course), Courvoisier Cognac of 2 Riedel Brandy Snifters (which you can keep). But that's not all -- you'll also get a two-course breakfast in bed and a late checkout. The price of the Penthouse Serenade varies depending on what night you want to stay: Thursday is $999, Friday is $1,099 and Saturday is $1,299 (plus tax).

The Ocean City Theatre Company's holding a one night only cabaret of Broadway love songs on February 14. Check out www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com for details.

Or you could just get married. Atlantic City holds a group ceremony every year. I'm hearing there's already a waiting list for Saturday's event. No surprise. Brother and sister, shield your eyes (yes, both my brother and sister are getting married in 2009, but not to each other, duh): who can spend big buckets of money on a wedding, especially in this economy?

Kill Cupid


TAKE THE PLUNGE! The Sea Isle City Polar Plunge is on Valentine's Day this year. Perfect! Here's the details. I hemmed and hawed about participating, but had my answer handed to me: I have to work on Saturday (which would have sucked if I had a boyfriend, but it's not so bad all around). If you do go (and I know some of you are), PLEASE take pictures).

Howie Mandel is performing at Resorts, and nothing says "I don't" like the Deal or No Deal guy -- at least to me. I can't stand that show.

Like ghosts? Check out Cape May's Historic Haunts Combo tour, which includes a trolley tour of the town's most haunted houses and then a tour of the Physick Estate. It all takes place on Saturday. More info here.

Aaron Lewis of Staind is playing the Borgata Friday and Saturday night. I listen to Staind when I lift weights -- enough said, eh?

I don't know what I'll be doing for the rest of February 14, outside of that interview. I know I need to get in a four mile run, and I'm toying with the idea of going to Speed Hating at Drinker's in Philly, but I'd rather not create a scene. Whatever I do, it will be better than having to listen to the amorous evening of the couple downstairs (though I shouldn't complain -- after that incident, I started looking for another apartment and ended up buying a house).

I'll probably get a round of this song in, too...



...and hope that I never hear that "It's not you, it's me" speech again...ever because if I do, I might have to strangle someone.

In re-reading this post, I can see there's a little bite to it. I actually don't mind Valentine's day. I had a lovely date last year, and I think it can be a fun, but the timing stinks, at least for me. And my momma says I'm funnier when I'm ticked off, so I hope you enjoyed it :-)

You might also notice an addition to the side bar on your left: My dailymile.com updates. It's been a great tool to track workouts as I get ready for the OD 10 Miler, and to meet other folks who are doing the race as well. So if you're on the site, let me know! I'm into week four of my 10 week training schedule, and logged over 25 miles last week. I feel great, too -- like I'm improving and will hopefully post a faster time this year!