Ah, the weekend of love is upon us. It’s a weekend filled with great food, sweet chocolate, romance, wine, and well more chocolate.

Not feeling the love? Then share it with a great yoga class, a 5k race and yes, another icy cold plunge into the Atlantic.

This Valentine’s Day weekend isn’t for the faint of heart, so put on a red shirt, grab your significant other, family or best friend, and enjoy the weekend of love with those you love – no matter who they are! There’s plenty to do at the Jersey Shore this weekend that will make your heart grow at least three sizes (yes, that’s a Grinch reference).

#1 Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Gift Market, Asbury Park 

Location: The Anchor’s Bend, 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park (in the Grand Arcade)
Date: Friday, February 13th 4-8pm

Description:
If you’re like every other person in the world, you probably have yet to purchase your loved one a Valentine’s gift. Don’t get the cold shoulder by walking in with supermarket chocolates. Instead, make it a day to remember by visiting the Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Gift Market at The Anchor’s Bend where you’ll be able to purchase handmade cards, chocolates, and floral bouquets by Faye & Renée Floral & Event Design – making your Valentine just think that you spent weeks dreaming up the perfect gift.

#2 Family Date Night at Jenkinson’s, Pt. Pleasant 

Location: Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach
Date: February 13 -15th, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $39.95 for Family Package

Description:
What says love more than a pair of penguins canoodling? Bring your family to Jenkinson’s Aquarium for a family date night. For under $40, you’ll receive four admission tickets, a $10 play card, plain pizza, a pitcher of soda and a treat from the Sweet Shop. Where else can you take your loved ones on Valentine’s Day weekend for that price? (Loving seals included).

#3 Valentine’s Day
Location: The Jersey Shore
Date: Saturday, February 14th

Description:
If you didn’t know that Valentine’s Day was this weekend until you read this post, then you need this more than we thought. Don’t worry, we’ll save you from total humiliation. Check out our list of Jersey Shore restaurants and activities that will have your Valentine giving you the eye, and not the evil one!

#4 Cupid’s Chase 5K, Seaside Heights 

Location: Race starts at Hemingway’s Café, 612 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Date: Saturday, February 14th 8am Registration
Cost: $50

Description:
What better way to kick off the day of love than by showing your love for others? Lace up your sneakers and pound the pavement with Community Options, Inc. in their Cupid’s Chase 5k in Seaside Heights. The race starts at Hemingway’s Cafe, but that doesn’t mean it can’t end there too. Make a reservation for dinner with your loved one or grab a post-race cocktail to start your evening off right. Endorphins and drinks – what could go wrong!

#5 Valentine Day Plunge, Manasquan

Location: Main Beach, Manasquan
Date: Saturday, February 14th , noon

Description:
Ok, maybe running isn’t your thing. What about a swim? Take a dip in the Atlantic with hundreds of others as they take the ultimate ALS challenge during the 9th Annual Valentine Plunge on Main Beach in Manasquan. With over $160,000 raised to support ALS research, it’s the perfect Valentine’s gift that you can give. And just think, you can put all of those other “ice bucket” videos to shame! Registration is from 10-11am on February 14th or on February 13th from 6-9pm at the Valentine Plunge Pre-Party at Leggett’s Sand Bar.

#6 Yoga and Cocktails in Asbury Park

Location: Watermark, 800 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park
Date: Saturday, February 14th 10am – 7pm
Cost: $15 Donation

Description:
“OM” out for a cause at the Watermark in Asbury Park where you can take three yoga classes, taught by beautiful and prominent Jersey Shore yogis, to benefit Mary’s Place By The Sea. Yoga and Cocktails will not only leave you feeling good about your practice, but with 100% of the proceeds supporting the foundation, you can’t help but feel good about your donation too. And with room for up to 65 yogis per class and an expected group of 200 yogis throughout the day, you can be sure they’ll be some great karma around. Classes will be held at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm, with a cocktail reception from 5-7pm. If you’re hungry after all those inversions, make your day complete by celebrating Valentine’s Day down the street at Brando’s Citi Cucina for some delicious Italian cuisine. That’s Amore!

#7 Wine and Chocolate Wine Trail Weekends
Location: New Jersey Wineries from Sussex to Cape May
Date: Saturday, February 14th 12-5pm
Cost: $5 – $10

Description:

Wine and chocolate? Count us in! In the second weekend of the Garden State Wine Growers’ Wine and Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend, New Jersey wineries from Sussex to Cape May counties are inviting you to enjoy decadent pairings. Make the trip to Colts Neck’s favorite winery, 4JG’s Winery, as they celebrate with live music, tastings of award-winning wines including their debut of the Riserva ’13, and most importantly – sumptuous chocolates! 

#8 Thai Yoga Massage For Couples, Little Silver 

Location: Coba Yoga, 115 Oceanport Avenue, Little Silver
Date: Saturday, February 14th , 5-7pm
Cost: $40 per person, Reservation Required

Description:
If you’re in the mood for getting a little closer with your significant other, reserve your spot at Coba Yoga on Saturday night for an evening of gentle and restorative Thai yoga massage. Together you’ll learn easy and relaxing partner yoga stretches. You’ll also get a little closer as you practice couple’s Thai massage. And if you’re a little shy, they’re even providing wine and chocolate to help you and your partner loosen up, have some fun, and give each other much needed TLC. Afterwards, take your sweetheart out for a romantic meal at Zoe Mediterranean Bistro down the street and indulge as you revel in your electrified connection.

#9 Free Show at iPlay America

Location: iPlay America, 110 Schanck Road, Freehold Twp.
Date: Saturday, February 14th 8pm
Cost: Adult Dinner: $39.95 Children’s Dinner: $19.95

Description:
Bring the whole family for a fun night of live music from The Jersey Four, delicious food, and exciting games at iPlay America in Freehold Twp. After the show, stay for a specially crafted Valentine’s Day three-course prix fixe menu from Chef Joe Raiola. Adults will even be treated to a complimentary glass of champagne with dessert. Rock on!

#10 “With This Ring” Play, Atlantic Highlands 

Location: First Avenue Playhouse, 123 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands
Date: Special Matinee, Sunday, February 15th
Cost: $18-22 per person

Description:
Pop the question this weekend – no, not that question! Ask your significant other if they want to share the night with you at First Avenue Playhouse. “With This Ring” follows the story of couples who come to possess a wedding band that has traveled through five generations. Whether you’re married, engaged, or just dating, you’ll enjoy the story of love passed down through the ages. After reveling in the story, enjoy a glass of wine and tapas at The Wine Bar or a full dinner at Harborside Grill, where you can rekindle the romance over a plate of risotto. You won’t even have to pop the question to make your lover excited, just some bubbly!