Valentine’s Day amidst a global pandemic is not something many — if any — of us thought we would encounter, but here we are. Nonetheless, Airbnb experience hosts from around the state are offering activities to share with your special someone.
Whether online or in-person, these hosts hope to help their guests create memories, and even help you document the experience to look back upon. You could virtually travel to places like Ireland or France, but there are many experiences available right here in New York state. Here are some Upstate New York Valentine’s Day date ideas that span from a picturesque hike, to a cooking lesson, to getting in snuggle time with some friendly goats.
Catskills Hiking and Photo Adventure
Find some of the most Instagram-worthy locations in the Catskill Park with a New York State Licensed Hiking Guide. The guide will lead you on a hike and take photos of you and your sweetheart with some of the most beautiful backdrops in Upstate New York. Weather permitting, they will also use a drone to get an ‘aerial tour’ and pictures and video of your experience. Snacks will be provided as well as a backpack to carry them in if needed.
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Hugs, Hike, and Hang with Rescue Goats
Frederick Farm is home to several goats, each with a different rescue story. The nine-acre farm is located in the Catskill Park within walking distance to the Rondout Reservoir. Guests get a dose of hands-on “goat therapy” with their herd who love a lot of attention. Go on a hike, snuggle, and even take a selfie with one of their resident goats. Attendees will also get a fun fact booklet and sticker of their favorite goat. If you want to wake up with the goats, you can also stay in Fredrick Farm’s A-frame chalet with Catskill Mountain views. Want to enjoy the farm from the comfort of your own home? They also offer virtual animal sanctuary visits.
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Experience Hamilton’s New York
A statue of Alexander Hamilton in Central Park. Take a virtual tour of New York and see notable locations from the Founding Father’s life. Screenshot from Airbnb.com.
The founder and owner of GothamGuru, a NYC based tour guide, will take you on a virtual walking tour that brings to life the Revolutionary War period in the history of New York City and Alexander Hamilton’s place in history. The tour has references to the award-winning “Hamilton” Broadway musical interwoven through the tour with lyrics and scenes that correspond to the sites visited. Great for both history and “Hamilton” the musical fans alike.
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Couples Ceramics and Welding Art Class
Couples learn how to weld in a private art class at Hot Art Studios. Screenshot from Airbnb.com.
This two-hour experience at Hot Art Studios in Romulus, NY gets participants to get creative with ceramics and iron work. The host will give instruction as well as document your experience, designed specifically for couples. Couples will also walk away with a goody bag from the host as well as their iron sculptures. For pottery, the process takes about a month, so you will get to enjoy it all over again when they arrive through the mail.
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Wine Tasting and Making at Lakeland Winery
Lisa Wadsworth and her husband, Shawn of Onondaga Hill try a sample from Andy Watkins, owner of Lakeland Winery located in Lakeland, NY.David Lassman | syracuse.com
Lakeland Winery, located in Syracuse, NY, opened in December 2005 and has won top awards in the New York State Fair Wine Competition. Guests will get the option to taste a variety of wines made on-site and enjoy appetizers that they bring in themselves or purchase from the winery. There is also an option to have a personal wine making experience under the guidance of their staff.
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Intro to Plant Based Cooking
For some, food is the the way to their heart and if this describes your special person, a cooking class like Emily’s in the Hudson Valley might be the ticket. Emily Forbes, or as she calls herself: Mrs. Pleasant, is a plant based personal chef who will teach you how to make plant based appetizers and entrees. Classes are held at her home and participants will go home with a recipe packet and a list of local purveyors to help support Upstate NY businesses. Want to stay and cook? Stay in Mrs. Pleasant’s Airbnb on the Hudson River which provides accommodations combined with cooking classes.
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Finger Lakes Wine and Photo Tour
Airbnb experience host Luz will take photos of participants on a wine and photo tour in the Finger Lakes. Screenshot from Airbnb.
Let someone else take the wheel, and the photos, and the planning of a Finger Lakes wine tour with host Luz in her Jeep Wrangler. Guests will get a tour of Luz’s favorite wineries on Cayuga Lake and stop for special photo ops. Water and snacks will be provided in the car and guests are encouraged to enjoy sampling the wineries while having a designated driver. Previous guests say it was a unique and safe experience through the Finger Lakes.
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Blacklight Psychedelic Paint Experience
Take a walk on the wild side and head to Ithaca with your partner for a unique painting experience. Myztico Campo practices what he calls Visionary Shamanic UV Art and he invites couples to embark on a psychedelic journey and paint UV reactive creations either on canvas or on their own bodies. Campo will take a series of 3-D photos for you to take home along with 3-D glasses to continue to enjoy your creations.
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Climb to a winter summit
Take your love to the top at 3,653 feet on the summit of Twin Mountain in the Catskills. Your guide will provide hot tea, cider, and coffee as you enjoy breathtaking Catskill Mountain views. Continue on to the crest of Indian Head for more vistas and photos before heading back. Your host Jack Bynum is an experienced hiker and a wilderness first responder who will also provide Micro Spikes and make sure you have all the gear you need before heading out on your six mile adventure in the mountains.
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Restorative Contact
Restorative Contact hosted by Gabrielle Revlock in New York invites guests to a virtual experience, offering deep relaxation and human connection. Screenshot from Airbnb.com.
Host and creator Gabrielle Revlock will lead couples and groups in Restorative Contact, a floor-based sequence of touch and weight-sharing intended to provide deep relaxation and boost those feel-good hormones in your body. This virtual experience lasts for 90 minutes and participants are asked to wear comfy clothes in a comfy space.
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