Best Valentine’s Day Date, Gift Ideas in Bangor

Here’s what I know about Valentine’s Day.  It’s really more about quality of thought than quantity or price of the gift. 

What means the most in a Valentine’s Day gift is that you really considered the person.

For example, men, if your significant other is a weight-conscious person,  little chocolate as part of the gift is nice, but a 25-pound box screams, “I DON’t KONW YOU AND I CAN”T BE BOTHERED TO TRY!”

And ladies, please let’s leave the ugly ties to his mom.

That said, here is what science tells us about making a happy life for you or someone you love.  We benefit more from experiences than we do from stuff. Therefore it only makes sense if the goal of a Valentine’s Day gift is to win you points and increase their happiness an experience is the best advice I can give you.

So what does that mean?

Well, Maine is full of romantic, historic inns of every price range, Some beautiful examples not too far from home would be …

• Clefstone Manor in Bar Harbor
• Blackberry Common in Camden,
• Lucerene Inn in Dedham
• The Captain Lord Mansion in Kennebunkport.

However, if you are thinking of actually staying there on Feb 14th, now is the time to look and book.  Have no fear though, a gift certificate for a future getaway is just as pleasing.

If you have kids, take the time and plan for the sitter (enlist the help of one of her friends if you need to) and make it a night about that person. Some great examples of area restauranst for a romantic dinner out would be…

• Paddy Murphy’s or Luna in  downtown Bangor are some great choices
• Woodman Grill in Orono call ahead very intimate restaurant
• Thistles or Zen in Bangor very creative chefs
• 11 Central new in Bangor has nice atmosphere
• Kosta’s in Brewer has wonderful food

Dinner out … dinner in … movie out … movie in, even live theater or dancing is nice.

Remember, it’s one day that done well can carry good will for a long time.

Cards are really a must and, yes, take the time to actually read it.

Flowers are nice optional addition, but not all women like cut flowers. In that case, a potted plant is lovely. Some folks who can help you are are…

• Chapel Hill Floral
• Lougee Fredricks

Again, know your person or ask a friend because if she kills things, cut or silk is better.

Getting the idea? You can do this.

I had one of my friends whose husband made up a scavenger hunt for his wife finding a bunch of little things reminders at each location of one thing he really loved about her.

Creative is good.  But remember it’s the thought and ultimately time with you that is the really the gift.