Whether you’re a married pair of classic rockers or a collegiate duo gaga over Lady GaGa, Valentine’s Day is a great way to show you care about the person you are closest to. Our area is rife with great gifts, events, and places to make the special day – this year it falls on Sunday, February 14 – one to remember.
   Here are many suggestions to make Valentine’s Day a moment your loved one will never forget.
– The Editors
 
Long Island

One of the most legendary and luxurious ways to spend Valentine’s Day weekend in Long Island is to enjoy the famous Valentine’s package at The Garden City Hotel. Romantic weekend lodging and dining packages are available at a variety of price points; take it from us: this will be a Valentine’s Day neither of you will ever forget.  If a whole weekend isn’t in the cards, try a reservation at The Polo Restaurant or Rein Bar & Grill at the Garden City Hotel.  For reservations and information, call (516) 747-3000 and learn about four romantic options.
More opulence: Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate in Huntington will be the site of a Valentine’s Day dinner and dance, with special packages offered for those who choose to stay overnight as well.  To learn more, call (631) 659-1400.
Lighthouses are for lovers: Spend Valentine’s at The Fire Island Lighthouse, as on February 14 at 4 pm begins an event where couples will enjoy a romantic sunset with their Valentines. Enjoy light refreshments served at sunset (5:24 pm) on the terrace. Reservations suggested. A free flower and chocolates will be given out to couples with reservations. Cost is $30 per couple; for more information and reservations, call (631) 661-4876.
During Valentine’s weekend, February 12 through 14, J.C.’s Restaurant at The Pine Hills Golf And Country Club in Manorville will feature a special A La Carte menu; reservations are required.  The popular cover band That 70s Band will headline a dance party on February 15; a $5 cover gets you in to the big room, which includes a drink coupon.  For more information or reservations, call (631) 909-3525.
If you just can’t wait a week to party, The Holiday Inn in Ronkonkoma will be the site of a Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday, February 6 at 8:30 pm, featuring a deejay, buffet, and dancing; the event is a benefit for the Parents Without Partners program.  Call (631) 218-9414.
For kids, The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum is offering “Sailor’s Valentines” classes on February 14 at 1:30 pm.  Children ages 4 through 12 can learn about shell shapes and design a Valentine out of a sea shell mosaic.  Registration is required; for more information, call (631) 367-3418 or log on to cshwhalingmuseum.org.
A Valentine’s Day chocolate and wine pairing will be February 14 at 11 am at Duck Walk North Vineyards in Southold.  For more info, call (631) 765-3500, or log on to cookingwithchefmichelle.com.
What film in this history of motion pictures is as romantic as Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in An Affair To Remember? The Picture Show at The Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor will spool the classic film for only $5 on February 14 at 7:30 pm.  For info, call (631) 725-0818.
Here’s something different: The Nassau County Museum Of Art in Roslyn Harbor will present a lecture entitled “Intimate Encounters” on February 14 at 3 pm. Actress and television personality Shirley Romaine will discuss female poets in their intimate encounters with lovers, friends and others.  The lecture will explore works by Christina Rossetti, Nikki Giovanni, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anne Sexton, and many others, and will complement the museum’s current exhibitions of art by women and art that depicts women. For more information, write to rforlenza @ nassaumuseum.org.

Queens

London Lennie’s in Rego Park is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a “Romance To-Go Package” as well as “Love Shuck Raw Bar” oyster shucking lessons.
London Lennie’s Romance-To-Go Package is a pre-prepared four-course dinner that comes complete with everything but instructions on where to eat it. The four course dinner to-go includes (no substitutions) two jumbo lump meat crab stacks with avocado and mango drizzled with tomato sherry vinaigrette and chive oil; lobster bisque for two; a three-pound lobster for two split and stuffed with jumbo lump crab meat stuffing; one "dark chocolate bag" for two filled with raspberry mousse, whipped cream, mixed berries and raspberry drizzle; a “Romance-to-Go Kit” with votive  candle, rose petals, and a foolproof prep instructions; and a bottle of Prosecco (optional).  The Romance-to-Go Package is available February 12 through February 15.
The Love Shuck Raw Bar, available the same days, is $25 per person and includes lessons, three oysters to shuck, and a glass of champagne. Oyster selections may include Wellfleet, Blue Point and Kumamoto.   For reservations: (718) 894-8084.
Spirit Cruises is offering New York and New Jersey Valentine Weekend Dinner Cruises, featuring a buffet, deejay entertainment, dancing, and strolls beneath the stars.  For more information, call (866) 483-3866.
Also of interest: The Valentine’s Day tango event at The Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside (718-729-3880); pre-Valentine’s Day concerts at The Flushing Library featuring international folk and love songs (February 6 at 2 pm), and the Auburndale branch featuring The Claremont Strings on the same day at 2:30 pm; more music with Trio D’Amour at The Jackson Heights Library on February 13 at 2:30 pm; and more Valentine’s-themed music on February 13 at 2:30 pm at The McGoldrick - Queens Library in Flushing.

Sexy Area Motels
 
Finally, if your particularly spicy Valentine simply can’t wait to show how much he or she wants you, we can’t think of a better place to check out than the couples-oriented Commack Motor Inn, where passion rules and packages of hourly rates and a variety of room sizes are available.  It’s located at 2231 Jericho Turnpike in Commack; contact them at (631) 499-9060.  In Queens, The Kew Motor Inn in Kew Gardens Hills (Flushing) is legendary in New York City for its 69 romantic rooms, many featuring themes such as Arabian Nights, Fantasia, Safari, Waterfall, and many more.  This amazing intimate experience is located at 139-01 Grand Central Parkway; call them at (718) 969-3000.
The best part is that both motels offer rooms and hourly rates 24 hours a day and never close, making any day a virtual Valentine’s Day.