If you're anything like me, you may feel like we're in the midst of the worst time of the year. The magic of the holidays are over, the sun is not out nearly long enough (if we even see it at all), it's cold, wet, and, oh yeah, Valentine's Day is coming.
As a chronically single person, I'm basically the Scrooge of Valentine's Day. I'm sure you can imagine my excitement when I remembered that part of my job requires me to talk about all of the romantic and sweet things you can do in Berks County with your special someone. I may not be the first one to jump at the opportunity to board the sweetheart's train ride, but I'm not totally unreasonable. I will gladly pick up a take-out order from one of our delicious restaurants on my way home, heart-shaped chocolates clenched in hand. That is, of course, unless Mr. Right miraculously falls from the sky prior to the 14th.
In all seriousness, there are many special things to do this month, whether you're happily taken or are in the same boat as me. Regardless, you can enjoy most of these events alone or with a group of friends. Naturally, I had to include non-romantic, non-Valentine events in this list, too!
Courtesy of Colebrookdale Railroad
Valentine's Trains (Dates Vary):
Colebrookdale Railroad:
Enjoy a delectable meal followed by a scrumptious dessert. The height of romance in the Secret Valley!
First Class Parlor car includes a Tapas plate, dessert, complimentary beverage, and complimentary champagne.
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Passenger:
Take a romantic train excursion through Pennsylvania’s beautiful landscape to Jim Thorpe, PA!
Ice Harvest: February 3rd:
The annual Ice Harvest at the Historic Dreibelbis Farm will include a demonstration of antique ice harvesting tools and (weather permitting) cutting and harvesting ice blocks from the ice pond. Horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides will be offered for a small fee. A bonfire, homemade soup, and hot chocolate will be available, and the farm grounds and nature trail will be open to the public. The event is free to the public and will be held rain or shine, with only blizzard conditions or pouring rain to cause cancellation.
Courtesy of Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery
Pierogi Flights at The Vineyard in Robesonia: February 4th
Flights include three handmade Black Forest Deli pierogies paired with three 2 oz. samples of Clover Hill wine. Featured pierogies include: Traditional Potato and Cheese, Farmer’s Cheese, and Apple. Seating is limited; reservations are required.
Autism Acceptance at the Reading Royals: February 4th
The annual Autism Acceptance game presented by Prospectus Berco. Enjoy an autism-friendly environment, $1 kids tickets with the purchase of an adult ticket, and $2 hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos!
- $1 Kids Tickets with Adult Ticket
- $2 Hot Dogs, Nachos, and Popcorn
- Specialty Jersey- Chinese New Year
Chocolate & Wine Pairing Weekends: February 10/11,17/18
Join the Berks County Wine Trail’s annual Chocolate & Wine pairing event! Four weekend days of pairing fabulous wines of the region with chocolates and other sweet confections.
With your sweetheart, create your own self-guided tour of ten wineries along the trail.
Valentine's At Judy's: February 14th
Ala Carte Dinner Service for Sweethearts! (You order and Pay for ONLY what you want! No fixed-price menu!)
With a bunch of hot new specials, Valentine-friendly craft cocktails, and unique desserts!
Call to Reserve Early! 610-374-8511 or email your reservation to judy@judysoncherry.com.
Snowshoe With Your Sweetheart: February 14th
Grab your honey and enjoy a snowshoe walk down the Union Canal Trail with Parks staff. We’ll grab a cup of hot chocolate and discuss snowshoe tips before trying out a few pairs outside. In the event we don’t have snow, we’ll still look at snowshoes and then go for a hike on foot on the trail.
The program is FREE, but registration is required.
Golfin' in the Galleries: February 16th
Join in the Museum Galleries for a mini golf tournament on February 16, 2024 from 6-9pm! Golfin’ in the Galleries makes for a great night out with friends or a fun team-building and networking event for clients and colleagues! The night promises to be filled with a putting contest, 18-holes of mini golf, open bar (beer and wine), food stations, and exciting raffle prizes!
Harlem Globetrotters 2024 Tour: February 23rd
The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters – THE originators of basketball style, captured by dynamic athletes with unmatched skills and influencers of today’s game. The team has showcased their iconic brand of basketball in over 124 countries and territories across six continents since 1926. Winners of 2 Cynopsis Sports Media Awards and Emmy® nominated for their hit NBC weekly series, “Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward,” they continue to break barriers and stand as leaders across diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Maple Sugaring: February 24
Learn how to identify the right kinds of trees to tap and make your very own syrup. Observe the process of taking sap to syrup and see just how much it takes to get the sweet and sticky liquid we love.
$5 per person, kids under 3 FREE.