February is the darkest month of the year, but perhaps that is why Valentine’s Day is there, to warm our spirits during long dark and cold days. At The Millbrook Inn, we are embracing February: our fireplaces are lit, the music is romantic, the flowers are red. How’s that to pick up everyone’s spirits?
This year, as Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday night, what better time to plan a romantic getaway! What is even better is that we have special room rates available to stay for the weekend! Our serene inn is a perfect place for winter romance, whether in our 9 beautiful rooms and our intimate restaurant, The Vintage. Book one of our 9 rooms before it’s too late!
ON THE CHOCOLATE TRAIL AROUND MILLBROOK NY
In a region known for its dairy, it’s no wonder that the Hudson Valley produces some amazing chocolate! There are dozens of renowned chocolatiers all over the valley…so the morning after your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at the inn, continue the romance by “chocolate hopping” around town on Saturday! Here are some great ideas for Valentine’s Day weekend:
KRAUSE’S, RHINEBECK
It’s obvious why they have been voted Hudson Valley’s Best Chocolate shop for nearly 15 years in a row: traditional hand-dipped chocolate family recipes that have been passed down and refined for 4 generations. Spend all the time you like tasting, and then let them hand-pack a custom box of all your favorites. Surprise your loved one by calling ahead and having a custom mold made just for you…and have it ready and waiting for you when you visit… as the ultimate chocolate treat!
NOTE: While in Rhinebeck, stop by Paul Rudd’s candy store, Samuel’s Sweet Shop, for a retro candy and chocolate experience like no other!
ALPS HUDSON VALLEY, FISHKILL
This family-owned chocolate shop has been operating since 1922! Founded by chocolatier Peter Charkalis, it is now run by his grand-daughter Sally, and her husband, master chocolatier Terry Craft, who studied all over the world, including a stint in Belgium, to take the best international secrets and bring them back to the Hudson Valley.
They do small batches of their classic 100-year old family recipes, but they have also added a line with a playful twist: offering chocolate covered twinkies, devil dogs, pretzels, and even potato chips!
MILK HOUSE CHOCOLATES AT THORNCREST FARM, GOSHEN CT
A trip to Thorncreset farm is an hour’s drive from the inn, but its worth it. Milk House Chocolates is located right ON the dairy farm: you can taste from dozens of unusual chocolates, truffles, and bars that are on the menu and change daily at the shop, PLUS visit with the cows that make all the delicious milk for the confections!
The dairy stable is free and open to visitors, but check ahead to make sure it doesn’t close for undue cold weather (the cows need to stay warm!). This activity checks a lot of boxes in the delicious and charming departments.