“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” as we at WAG Weekly like to say with the song – time to show our loved ones just how much we love them, and ourselves, too, with a soupcon of something sweet or something sparkly. Or maybe just a romp through Sara Sheridan’s “The World of ‘Sanditon’” (Grand Central Publishing), the official companion to the PBS’ “Masterpiece” miniseries based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, so that we can drool over Theo James, the Mr. Darcy of this slightly racy story. (The “Divergent” star also played Mr. Pamuk in a memorable episode of “Downton Abbey”).
But we digress. V-Day is the day we get the most e-mails announcing ways to remember the day (and, in this case, a weekend that includes beloved Presidents’ Day). So let’s count the ways, shall we?
For botanical lovers, the New York Botanical Garden unveils its annual “Orchid Show” this weekend (Saturday, Feb. 15-April 19), with an exploration of the floral creations of Jeff Leatham, artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris. Get ready for hot, hot, hot colors – oranges, pinks, purples and reds – to make for a hot, hot, hot date. Dine at Hudson Garden Grill onsite (or at any of the fine trattorias on neighboring Arthur Avenue). But don’t forget to visit NYBG’s Garden Shop to pick up an orchid or other houseplant – more bang for your buck than cut flowers. Nybg.org
Arts lovers won’t want to miss Wainwright House in Rye’s unusual classical concert of flute, mandolin and harp tonight at 7:30 p.m., with wine and cheese at 7. It features works by Vivaldi, Mozart and Beethoven, 250 years young this year, who composed works for the mandolinist Countess Josephine Clam-Gallas. Wainwright.org
Axial Theatre in Pleasantville’s annual “Twisted Valentines Festival” continues through Sunday, Feb. 16 with eight one-acters on love and lust. A Valentine’s dance follows the Saturday, Feb. 15 performance. Tickets are here. Axialtheatre.org.
You can also have The Westchester Chordsmen send your honey a singing Valentine today, which includes two love songs, a red rose and a card redeemable for two tickets to the Chordsmen’s spring gig. chordsmen.org/singing-valentines
Foodies can choose from a variety of options, from a romantic getaway at the Delamar Hotels in Greenwich, Southport and West Hartford that includes their divine spa treatments (thedelamar.com) to The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges’ special menu and limited edition chocolates (theinnatpoundridge.com).
And speaking of chocolates, “sweet”hearts can indulge in sensuous offerings from La Maison du Chocolat (lamaisonduchocolat.us); heart- and card-shaped goodies from The Snackery Bakeshop in Larchmont (snackerybakeshop.com) and handbags made of Valrhona chocolate at Isabelle et Vincent in Fairfield (isabelleetvincent.net).
Whatever you do, Happy Valentine’s Day and enjoy the long Presidents’ Day weekend.
– Georgette Gouveia
