We’ve got hearts in our eyes and lots of love to spread now that Valentine’s Day is on all of our minds.
And if you’ve been feeling like romance has been in the air more than usual as of late, you’re right. Delaware has been named the third most romantic state in the country.
Delawareans have been bitten by the lovebug and are searching high and low for all the ways they can make this Valentine’s Day special.
According to a study from Bookings.com, Delaware has been named one of the Top 10 most romantic states over the past six years, a distinction based on the number of residents looking up “Valentine’s Day” on Google in the 30 days before Feb. 14 each year.
If you’re still scrambling for a Valentine’s Day gift and are one of the eager Delawareans hoping for some answers while browsing the web, look no further.
Chocolates and flowers might be the first ideas to come to mind, but perhaps the best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with that special someone or your PALentines is with a holiday excursion.
An experience is always a great gift that leaves you with one-of-a-kind lasting memories, and you can still go all out on the candy and floral arrangements, too.
Here are 14 local spots that will have you feeling like love is in the air this Valentine’s Day.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Lewes
Treating your honey to a boat ride doesn’t have to break the bank, and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is the perfect local example.
The ferry sets sail from Lewes for a short trip across the Delaware Bay to Cape May, New Jersey. Passengers can travel by vehicle, bicycle or on foot.
More:Exit 0 makes headway at Cape May – Lewes Ferry Terminal with new restaurants
The Lewes Terminal features Grain on the Rocks, a great dinner option once you complete your round trip, while the Cape May Terminal has Café 64 in colder months, and more dining options in season.
While in Cape May, you can visit Cape May Point State Park, the Cape May Lighthouse, Washington Street Mall, the Lobster House and much more.
Brandywine Creek State Park, near Rockland
Brandywine Creek State Park is located along Brandywine and contains 933 acres of land, most of which used to be part of a du Pont family estate and dairy farm before 1965.
The park has more than 14 miles of trails, an old-growth forest and four nature preserves. The rolling meadows are often filled with wildlife, including chipmunks, ground-nesting birds and rare native plants.
This local attraction would be a nice way to spend the morning before hitting up the local dining scene or sweeping your significant other off their feet for the next surprise of the day.
Longwood Gardens, near Kennett Square, Pa.
Longwood Gardens is located near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, but we promise the short drive across the state line is well worth the effort.
Instead of tossing and turning over the perfect floral gifts, ditch the bouquet and give your partner the whole garden.
More:Longwood Gardens travel guide: What you need to know if you go
Longwood has more than 1,077 acres of gardens, meadows and woodlands in the Brandywine Creek Valley and is known for its extravagant floral arrangements on display year-round.
The botanical garden always has limited-time showings and events going on, including this year’s “Winter Wonders” exhibit and a Valentine’s trip here is sure to be worth more than all the petals in the world.
Newark Reservoir, Newark
Picture this: You and your boo at the top of the Newark Reservoir, silhouetted by sunset with a homemade picnic in tow.
It can’t get any more romantic!
The reservoir is located off Old Paper Mill Road and has a 1.8-mile walking trail, a connected park and a beautiful view of Newark.
If you’re a little iffy about your kitchen skills and want to forego the picnic portion, Main Street is a short drive away and is a great alternative for an evening wine and dine.
Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach
You might be wondering how anyone can romanticize a boardwalk that is usually filled with gaggles of families and hyper children during the sweltering summer months.
Well, let’s just say we’ve been inspired by Cupid to see the world through rose-colored lenses, and that includes the boardwalk in Rehoboth.
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The 1-mile stretch of planks is lined with plenty of shops, eateries, arcades and other fun attractions that are bound to fill up an entire day’s itinerary.
A fun Valentine’s Day idea for couples is to walk the entire boardwalk and see how many pink and red objects, foods and clothes you can incorporate into your day.
Supporting small businesses and staying on theme for the holiday? We can always get behind that.
Riverfront, Wilmington
The Riverfront in Wilmington overlooks the Christiana River and is a great alternative to trekking to the beaches.
Start your evening on the Riverwalk, taking in all the sights and sounds along the way, and end up at one of the many dining options nearby.
Options include places like Iron Hill Brewery, which boasts an extensive spirits lineup and a variety of meal options, and Docklands Riverfront, which has plenty of sandwiches, pizzas and desserts.
Grain H2O, near Glasgow
While Grain H2O on the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, it’s a great place to have an early Valentine’s dinner this weekend or a belated celebration next weekend.
Grain has a menu filled with shareables, perfect for the holiday of love, brunch staples and cocktails.
Pets are welcome, too, if your pup is the other half of your heart.
Rockwood Park & Museum, Penny Hill
Rockwood Park & Museum features 72 acres of serene parkland and a Rural Gothic mansion that can be found on the National Register of Historic Places.
Six acres of the park belong to the historic garden while the rest is home to park trails and greenery, along with tours of the estate onsite.
Looking for something more outside of the box? Rockwood offers ghost tours for the horror lover in your life. A trip through this might be scarier than what would happen if you forgot to get a Valentine’s Day gift.
Crooked Hammock Brewery, Lewes and Middletown
Crooked Hammock Brewery mimics its name with a relaxed atmosphere focused on good times and even better food.
The establishment has yard games to keep the fun going, a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. with Addictive Eats under $10 and plenty of beer on tap to wash down the tasty menu.
Menu highlights include grilled shrimp taco salad, pineapple express wings, longboard nachos and charbroiled steak skewers.
The Kissing Arches, University of Delaware
Whether you’re a Blue Hen or not, the University of Delaware in Newark has a spot that’s perfect for a special Valentine’s Day moment.
If you find yourself strolling through campus and get hit with Cupid’s arrow, make your way toward the kissing arches located along the central green on the main campus.
As legend has it, infatuated couples have been known to indulge in five smooches while standing under the brick-walkway trio to receive a marriage blessing.
Don’t be alarmed if wedding bells aren’t on your mind just yet. The Kissing Arches won’t tell anyone if you kiss only once before continuing your travels through campus.
Junction & Breakwater Trail, Lewes
The Junction & Breakwater Trail features a variety of paths welcoming hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts alike to enjoy the views.
The trail’s total distance is 7 miles and runs all the way to Rehoboth. Connections to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail and the Gordons Pond Trail are present.
Plenty of signs throughout share local history and information about plants and wildlife of the Delaware coastal region.
If you’ve been seeking a quiet local oasis to pop the big question, a Valentine’s Day trip here might leave you feeling inspired.
Delaware beaches, various locations
Hopeless romantics past and present always have been avid fans of long walks on the beach. They might be onto something.
Delaware beaches always deliver breathtaking views against crashing waves, a sound so perfect you might wonder if Cupid played a part in this bit of everyday magic.
Consider taking a sunrise or sunset walk along the beach this Tuesday, leaving footprints in the sand to mark the memory of your Valentine’s Day-inspired trip.
Delaware’s sandy shores stretch for miles along the coast, and there’s bound to be a quiet spot for you and yours to get away for a moment of relaxation together.
Bellevue State Park, near Wilmington
Bellevue State Park is a former du Pont estate that is now a well-known spot for local hikers and nature lovers.
The site includes a horse track, meadows, rentable pavilions and a small pond for fishing.
More:Delaware’s Gilded Age: Here’s a guide to 15 du Pont family estates
Bellevue Hall, William du Pont’s home, is the park’s centerpiece, but there’s plenty more to catch the eye, including Percheron Barn that overlooks community gardens, a disc golf setup and the paved Northern Greenway Trail fit for biking, hiking or walking with pets.
Old New Castle, New Castle
Old New Castle is the perfect area to keep you entertained for a short day trip.
Battery Park borders the Delaware River and offers plenty of scenic views and walkways to enjoy on a sunny day.
If you get hungry, the historic area is filled with plenty of good eats, including spots to get a quick bite, a tavern and ice cream for dessert.
Once you’re fueled up, consider checking out the historical spots and buildings that paint a vivid picture of a Delaware from the past.
