Spend Valentine's Day With Friends in the Clifton Park Area
The holiday of love is here once again, and if you're currently single, there's no need to be down in the dumps just because it's Valentine's Day. Here are some fun things to do with your friends that will keep you in high spirits during the whole holiday week.
Warm Up & Have a Drink in a Cozy Bar
Rather than reserve a table at a busy romantic restaurant on Valentine's Day, try checking out a cozy bar. The Clifton Park area is home to more than a few cozy bars where you and your friends can enjoy a warm atmosphere and great winter drink specials.
30 Park is an excellent option and is located in the Hilton Garden Inn in the Clifton Park Center. The bar has really welcoming and cozy vibes, an award-winning menu, and a large selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Food restrictions? No problem. 30 Park has delicious gluten-free and vegetarian options for you to try.
If you don't mind making the short trek to Saratoga Springs, there are a ton of cute and cozy bars to check out. We would highly recommend The Wine Bar, which has superb wines, gourmet cheeses, and even a separate cigar lounge, Saratoga City Tavern, which has five floors of incredible space for you to check out—the third floor is "The Apartment" and is especially cozy—and Harvey's Restaurant and Bar, a chef-owned traditional Irish pub with a commitment to great ingredients and excellent customer service.
Explore a Local Trail on Your Cross-Country Skis
If you're looking to experience the winter weather on Valentine's Day, why not try exploring a local trail? There are a variety of cross-country skiing destinations and trails that are perfect for a fun afternoon outdoors in the snow.
If you're looking to make a day of it, definitely take a drive to Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center in Northville! It's about a 90-minute drive north of Clifton Park and features 38 km of scenic cross-country ski trails for all ability levels, as well as 12 km of marked and mapped snowshoe trails to enjoy.
Plan a Ski Day at Your Favorite Resort
Do you prefer downhill skiing over cross-country skiing? Plan a trip with your friends to one of the local ski resorts within driving distance of Clifton Park. If you can, book your lift tickets early so you can make the most of your time there.
One great option is West Mountain Ski Area, just outside of Glens Falls. The mountain is small and beginner/family-friendly, but it also has several black diamond slopes for skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge.
Go on a Shopping Spree & Pick Out a Gift for Yourself
Since your non-single friends will be buying each other gifts for Valentine's Day, you should buy yourself something that you want. Try shopping at Clifton Park Center or some other local stores and boutiques in the Capital Region.
In Albany, you can head to Crossgates Mall for shopping, food, and entertainment. The mall is absolutely massive and has a ton of great shops, such as Banana Republic, Dick's Sporting Goods, H&M, and Carhartt. If thrifting is more your vibe, The Vandy Thrift Shoppe in downtown Albany sells clothing, accessories, and home décor—plus it's a nonprofit that benefits families, so you can feel good about your purchases.
Want to check out Saratoga instead? Downtown Saratoga has a ton of amazing shops you can peruse, including Tailgate and Party, a fun and funky store for unique gifts and games, Spoken Boutique, which has a curated selection of designer clothing, and Studio-Sweet, a custom furniture shop with heirloom designs and gorgeous local art. If you feel like treating yourself to something special for V-Day, stop by deJonghe Original Jewelry and check out their stunning handmade jewelry. You deserve to treat yourself!
Attend Fun Events With a Group of Friends
There are always plenty of exciting events happening in Clifton Park and the Capital Region during the week of Valentine's Day. Pick an upcoming event and invite your friends to go along with you.