Active Valentine’s Day Ideas
While dinner, a movie, some heart shaped chocolates and a dozen red roses are always a nice way to spend Valentine’s day, mixing things up may be just the spark you need to make this year extra special. Here are 5 active date ideas in the Poughkeepsie area:
- Ice Skating at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center
14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
If you’ve seen the film Rocky, you know that Rocky and his crush Adrian’s first date was at an indoor ice skating rink and from there they fell in love. You too can have your romantic scene straight out of a movie at the Mid- Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie this Valentine’s day. Whether it be a first date, one of many, or even the right moment to take the next big step with a proposal, ice skating is definitely a romantic setting. According to Sal Manteria, McCann Operation Supervisor, the rink normally gets a lot of couples, especially during the DJ Skates on Friday nights. Manteria also mentioned that there have even been a few proposals on the ice. “Usually they talk to the DJ, they give him the music they want played and just before the zamboni hits the ice, they get down on one knee and propose,” explained Manteria.
Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for children 10 and younger; Skate Rentals: $3 each
Tuesday/Valentine’s Day Hours: Tuesday 12 p.m.-2 p.m.
For further information call (845) 454–5800
2.Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gym
6 Neptune Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Test the trust, communication, and strength in your relationship with a full body workout at Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gym in Poughkeepsie. “It definitely relies on trust, so it’s a great way to test that in a relationship, but it’s also fun and a great exercise,” according to Jessica Grootendorst, Shift Lead. Grootendorst also said that rock climbing is “all about communication, so if you’re having issues communicating, you have to communicate when your rock climbing.” There will even be two Valentine’s day specials. The first is a “Couple’s Belay Class” from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. and 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. It is a buy one get one free deal, a $35 value. The second special is a “Parents’ Night Out” from 5:30 p.m.-8:30p.m., this special allows you to drop off the kids so you enjoy a romantic night on the town together. There will be climbing, fun and pizza for ages 5 and up.
Tuesday/Valentine’s Day Hours: 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
For Rates go to: http://www.gravityvault.com/locations/poughkeepsie-ny/pricing
Call ahead to make your Valentine’s day reservations at (845) 462–1920
3.Bounce
2 Neptune Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Right next door to the Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gym is Bounce, an indoor trampoline gym. Here, couples can feel like kids again as they bounce around with one another. Luckily, Valentine’s day falls on a Tuesday this year, just in time for the two for one special at Bounce. With this two for one special you get two hours of bounce for the price of one. When discussing why Bounce would be a good Valentine’s day date compared to a typical movie and dinner kind of deal, Bruce Katz, part owner of Bounce, said “Bounce is special because it’s something different.” Katz also explained that the music played at Bounce will most likely feature some softer/lighter songs in honor or Valentine’s day according to Katz.
Tuesday/Valentine’s Day Hours: 3:00 p.m.-7:00p.m.
Rates:
(Jumps times begin and end every half hour)
1 hour: $14, $10 for each additional hour, 1.5 hours: $20, 2 hours: $24
For further information call (845) 206–4555
4. Hunter Mountain
Main St, Hunter, NY 12442
If you’re a married couple, for just an hour trip out of Poughkeepsie, spending your Valentine’s day skiing/snowboarding at Hunter Mountain might be the right choice for you. Hunter Mountain is having their annual vow renewal at the top of the summit. Couples ride to the top of the lift, get off at the summit and the vow renewals take place on the wedding deck with beautiful views of the surrounding Catskills. A reverend will be up there to initiate the vow renewals. The couples then renew their vows and say what they would like. Then immediately following that, a reception in the summit lodge takes place with hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and cupcakes. Once the reception is over, the group of couples who participated ski down the mountain in unison. The vow renewal itself is free, but you must have a lift ticket. Katie O’Connor, Marketing and Communications Manager, said “it’s a great way to get out especially during the winter season, you can be active and have fun, it’s not just about skiing and snowboarding, but about being together.” O’Connor suggests to arrive at 9:00a.m. when the lift opens so the couples can take a few laps, then around 10:30a.m. head up to the main lift for the vow renewals. At 11:00a.m. everyone participating in the vow renewals should meet at the summit. After that, couples can take a few more laps. If they are of age, they can get a few drinks at the main bar and make reservations at Hunter Mountain’s main restaurant, Van Winkle’s.
If you would like to participate this Valentine’s day make sure to go online and register at www.huntermtn.com
Tuesdays/Valentine’s Day Hours: 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
For Rates go to:http://www.huntermtn.com/winter/2016-2017-lift-ticket-rates/
For further information call (518) 263–4223
5. Vanderbilt Mansion
119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538
Maybe the most romantic way to spend your Valentine’s day is with a scenic winter walk at the Vanderbilt mansion in Hyde Park. The landscape around the Vanderbilt property is absolutely stunning with a Gilded Age feel. That’s why many couples have taken wedding photos, gotten engaged and even had their weddings on the property. Mike Autenrieth, U.S. Park Ranger/VIP Coordinator/ Special Park Use Coordinator, who has worked at the Vanderbilt Mansion for 25 years, writes the permits for weddings and wedding photography. One romantic spot that Autenrieth suggests is the overlook one, which is on the way out of the Vanderbilt Mansion property between the parking lot and the exit. The overlook looks northwest of the Hudson all the way to the Catskills. “Its breathtaking,” said Autenrieth. This spot has been famous since 1935 when Currier and Ives, successful American printmaking firm, painted it. It may be too cold for the winter, but a picnic in that spot is stunning and very romantic.
There is even some historical romantic in the air of the Vanderbilt property. Autenrieth told an old story from the Vanderbilt family: “Frederick married a woman named Louise, who he married against her father’s wishes because she was divorced from his first cousin. And so, he thought it would be a great embarrassment to the family. Frederick eloped, secretly marrying Louise. His father found out about two months later and was not pleased. But Frederick stood his ground and in less than a year, his wife became his father’s favorite daughter in law.” Fredrick really gambled his inheritance because he really wanted her as his wife. Now that’s a real love story and maybe you’ll find yours too this Valentine’s Day at the Vanderbilt Mansion.
Tuesday/Valentine’s Day Hours: 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
