The Masiello Employment Services Team is your go-to source on all things work and—since falling in love (and staying in love) usually takes some work—we feel uniquely qualified to take on St. Valentine’s Day! To get you sufficiently in the mood, our love-ly list of suggestions in and around our hometown of Keene, New Hampshire has something to please your special someone. Bonus: If you’re a committed bachelor or bachelorette (or you’re just more Grinch than Cupid), you’ll find a few ideas made especially for you.

FOR BUDGET-MINDED COUPLES

Hit the Road: Travel + Leisure magazine reports that this Keene Road Trip along Route 10 offers a “romantic adventure…” We suggest you stop at least one of the four covered bridges along the way to experience together why they are nicknamed “kissing bridges.”

Hold Hands: Might we suggest taking a stroll along Central Square. After all, sometimes the best way to show you care is to simply hold hands while spending some quality alone time together. Wander on over to a local restaurant and plan to make a night of it by catching a show at the Colonial Performance Arts Center.

Embrace the Classics: A bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates are classic Valentine’s Day gifts for a reason—everyone loves them. Buy a bouquet at a local florist like “In the Company of Flowers” and customize a box of chocolates at a local chocolatier like L.A. Burdick (or opt for a few artisan bars at Vicuna Chocolate).

FOR SPLURGE-LOVING COUPLES

Small Splurge—Dinner with a Side of Romance: Take your true love (or new love) out on the town for a memorable meal. Bonus points for candlelight. Four local restaurants made the cut on TripAdvisor’s list of Romantic Restaurants in Keene.

Big Splurge—An Overnight Stay at a Boutique Inn: VisitNewEngland.com named Chesterfield Inn in nearby West Chesterfield as one of its top romantic getaways (calling the area “New Hampshire’s intimate little corner”). An easy drive from Keene, VisitNewEngland.com promises that “whatever your pleasures, you’ll find them here”—each room is ready for romance with a fireplace and whirlpool tub.

Biggest Splurge—Jewelry: Give something sparkly (earrings, a necklace, bracelet, or all three) from a local jewelry store like Mon Amie or Amidon Jewelers.

FOR SINGLES

Good Book = Good Mood: Get your fill of romance with a good book written by Keene-based romance novelist Peggy Jaeger; we’re sure you can find one of her novels (or whatever you’d most love to read) in town at The Toadstool Bookshop.

Get a Massage: The power of touch has amazing benefits, from loosening a tight muscle to relaxing a stressed spirit. Book a session for yourself at a local place (we have a few to choose from) like Pepper Goodell Massage Therapy, Deep Roots, or Devine Back and Body.

Cupid uses an arrow to help couples fall in love; Masiello Employment uses our know-how to help you find a job you’ll love. We think our life-changing gift is just as powerful! Give us a call today; our recruiting team is available for a free consultation.