With Valentine’s Day smack-dab in the middle of the month, it seems like all of February centers on Cupid. The focus of the holiday has traditionally been on romance shared by a couple – but akin to that box of chocolates, love comes in all shapes and sizes. What if you’re single and ready to mingle, or happily solo, or you want to appreciate the special people in your life, however you define them? You can still join in the lovefest with the right attitude. Let yourself go and the feelings will follow with these statewide places just right for couples, dates, singles, and solos!
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Coffee shops are a great place to meet, especially for first dates, but also for longtime romances, pals, or you and a good book. With much less time commitment than dinner, casual cafes provide a great environment to chat. They’re also perfect for gatherings with friends. Remember Central Perk of Friends fame?
Whether you’re seeking a warm oasis after a brisk trek along the Riverside section of the East Bay Bike Path, or coffee, cocktails, and live music after dark in Bristol, Borealis has you covered with two locations made for vibing. Bristol, Riverside
DATE IDEA: Plan a visit to Borealis roastery in Pawtucket for a behind-the-scenes peek at where the magic happens.
There’s always something brewing at this lively spot that prides itself on being a third place where folks can hang out and sip coffee, tea, or their legendary hot cocoa, made from a family recipe. Locals know it’s the place to enjoy a bite while people-watching or gazing at the frosty pond from the covered heated outdoor deck. Wakefield
What’s better than a coffee shop that transforms into an espresso martini bar? Nothing – especially when that first-date conversation is flowing and you don’t want it to end. With its selection of delicious delicacies and an extensive menu of said martinis (served in the typical stemmed glasses or larger versions in mason jars), MainStreet is a treat-yourself haven. Bonus points for a business name that’s also the address, making it a fail-safe meet spot. East Greenwich
Dining together is a wonderful way to get to know one another, whether it’s one-on-one with a new paramour or a special gathering of friends. Taking yourself out for dinner can also be a great way to focus on the culinary experience. Fortunately, Little Rhody is filled with some of the most amazing restaurants.
Ellie’s and Gracie’s, both ventures of restaurateur Ellen Gracyalny, deliver a one-two punch of charm and sophistication to the heart of our capital city. For breakfast or lunch, the menu at Ellie’s transports you to a Parisian cafe, while Gracie’s elevates the locally sourced movement to new heights. Each hosts events, like this month’s Journey Through the Vines: A Wine-Tasting Experience at Gracie’s on February 20. Providence
Whether Valentine’s Day means a seat at the sophisticated bar, a table perfect for a group, or atmospheric seating by the fireplace, India sparkles with possibilities. Follow along on their Instagram (@indiarestaurantri) for updates on Sunday evening henna applications. A memorable, elegant, and tasty experience awaits! Providence
This eatery is ready for amore with red-and-white-checked tablecloths, ample seating, and fire pits that bring heat and charm. Whether you want to slurp spaghetti Lady and the Tramp-style with a partner, or tuck into pasta dishes with friends, Scotti’s has all this and more, including provisions for purchase, hence the salumeria. East Greenwich
Embarking on an escapade of any kind is a great way to grow a relationship – quickly! You learn a lot about a person when you’re trying something new or accomplishing a project together. You might also make some new friends while you’re at it. Workshops and classes are also perfect for solos. Cast your fears aside and explore some of these fun activities.
Painting ceramic bisque pottery can be fun to do by yourself, or on a date that’s going well, as you need to pick up your glazed and fired work seven days later. Brush color on everything from figures to planters to banks, plus special items like heart-shaped dishes. Create! also offers candle-making, canvas painting, clay prints, and more. Narragansett
Art by You at Weirdgirl Creations Pottery Studio, Riverside
Nancy Stephen Gallery, East Greenwich
Pea Poddery, Cumberland
Whether you consider yourself a Heat Miser or a Snow Miser, the enterprise that is Gather on Federal Hill has a class for you. Dig the heat? Let master glassblowers guide you in making a memorable accent from molten glass and a blowpipe. Fans of all things cold can sign up for The Art and Science of Ice Cream Making to enjoy farm-to-cone treats. Providence
Blackstone River Glass Center, Cumberland
The Glass Station, South Kingstown
Thames Glass Glassblowing Studio, Newport
Each month, chef Brian Ashness teaches a popular (read: register ASAP) class where participants learn to make their own Neapolitan-style pie. Have a ball as you go through each step of the process, with snacks, beer, and wine at the ready. It’s destined to be an evening of doughy fun. Newport
Chef Walter’s Cooking School, Cranston
Culinary Arts at Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn, Westerly
Taste Buds Kitchen, East Greenwich
If you made a resolution to get involved and make a difference in 2025, look no further than The United Way of Rhode Island. Peruse an extensive list of opportunities online to volunteer with local nonprofit organizations. Whatever your interest, there’s a way for you to help out, and maybe meet like-minded individuals. Volunteer.UWRI.org
Looking to meet others who share your interests? Consider joining a club. The state is filled with industrious types organizing meet-ups and forming groups of all kinds. Provided below is a sampling. Find more by reading “20 Rhode Island Social Groups to Help You Find Your People” on our blog. HeyRhody.com
Founded as What Cheer Writer Club, this nonprofit provides community and coworking for writers, illustrators, and podcasters. Inventive ongoing programming includes recurring events like Member Mingle, Coffee Hour + Write-In, Open Mic Nights, and more. No- and low-cost memberships are available. Providence
Explore the outdoors and connect with nature lovers on scenic hikes. Check out Warwick-based RI Hiking Club, or look for organized events via orgs like Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council or Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
This 21+ club has a roster that includes dodgeball, soccer, and kickball, and welcomes solos, small groups, and full teams to join the fun. The organizers stress the importance of hanging together after playing to socialize and get to
know each other.
Celebrating the state’s LGBTQ+ community over craft brews and conversation, this social club strives to forge a safe, inclusive space to connect. Convening at breweries and other local businesses, this growing group even collaborated with Proclamation Ale Company to release a special beer commemorating their three-year anniversary.
The entire state is dotted with charming locations excellent for strolling about. Some destinations to get started are Tiverton Four Corners, where you can begin with breakfast or lunch, or simply grab a coffee and a treat to-go at Groundswell Cafe + Bakery. Walk arm-in arm exploring the galleries and shops up and down and around Main Road, including recent addition, The Yellow House bookshop. Across the state, discover 5000 South County Trail, an under-the-radar gem housing Charlestown Gallery, Hungry Haven restaurant, and Simple Pleasures – 8,000 square feet of decor, jewelry, and gifts. And don’t forget Providence’s South Main Street; not just for city professionals and students, it boasts a strip bustling with elegant places to eat, drink, and shop.
The Knickerbocker Music Center, Westerly
The Local, East Providence
Moonshine Alley, Providence
Newport Blues Cafe, Newport
Ocean Mist, Wakefield
The Parlour, Providence
Portside Tavern, Bristol
Top of Pelham, Newport
Valley Inn Restaurant, Portsmouth
Finding the perfect match isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are apps aplenty, and you can always rely on friends, family, and coworkers to help you meet that special someone. You can also hire a professional to do some of the work for you. Debra L’Heureux is a certified matchmaker and relationship coach who brings people together, helping adults find love. After an interview, she will hand-select other candidates who are a match. From there, the sparks will fly. GetReadyToDate.com
We can thank TV sitcom Parks and Recreation for the phenomenon that has become Galentine’s Day. Though marked for February 13, it can be celebrated on any day you wish with your besties or palentines. Same deal with February 12’s lesser-known but gaining traction, Malentine’s Day.
Pro-tip: Look for Valentine’s Day specials and make reservations.
Beech, Jamestown
Capriccio, Providence
Circe, East Greenwich
The Coast Guard House, Narragansett
George’s of Galilee, Narragansett
Homestead Restaurant, Exeter
India, Providence
JB’s on the Water, Jamestown
The Narragansett Cafe, Jamestown
Rise ‘n Shine Coffee Bar, Providence
Sardella’s, Newport
White Horse Tavern, Newport
Wickford on the Water, North Kingstown
Sip a mimosa while getting a blowout at DryBar
Cranston, Providence
Receive fresh flowers each month from Twigs via subscription
East Greenwich, Providence, Newport
Build a box of your favorites at Sweenor’s Chocolates
Cranston, Wakefield
Experience an immersive salt water therapy session at Float
Warwick
Buy yourself something sparkly at Flaunt Boutique
Smithfield
By Abbie Lahmers
There’s a new spot in town for board game enthusiasts to find each other. Whether you’re dropping in to purchase a two-player for date night, meet new people with a round of something from the board game library, or signing up for a Warhammer tournament, The Crypt has an open chair for you.
“I am keenly aware of how hard it is for femmes, queer people, and people of color to break into board gaming spaces that predominantly consist of cis-het white men,” says owner Ryan Praditkamollert, who opened the unique gaming space in October. “Because of this, I am adamant about giving every person that walks in my doors the tour and going over our code of conduct.” This code is simple: zero tolerance for homophobia and racism, and no CHUDs (referring to “cannibalistic humanoid underground dwellers” from the 1984 film of the same name).
All experience levels are welcome. Praditkamollert was motivated to open The Crypt by a lack of spaces devoted to board gaming and tabletop wargaming. The backroom is home to five custom-built 4x8-foot tables equipped with playmats and terrain for Warhammer tournaments, while more casual tabletop enthusiasts can peruse shelves of games to try in the front. Almost every day of the week brings folks together for regularly occurring gaming events, including Old-School Essentials, Arkham Horror: The Card Game, Netrunner, Magic: The Gathering, and rotating roleplaying game (RPG) one-shots, which welcome drop-ins.
In February, watch for a RPG Speed Date event. “We’ll have indie pick-up-and-play RPGs without a GM [game master] on different tables in the store and participants will scramble to find a new table every 45 minutes to try a new RPG with a new group of people,” shares Praditkamollert. Puzzle competitions are also on the horizon for jigsaw buffs.
Praditkamollert has a knack for bringing folks of varied gaming passions together. “I’ve been calling myself the nerd herder because I want to gather all of the disparate gaming groups in Rhode Island under my roof,” he says proudly. “Each gaming group is like a stray cat that needs to be offered a warm and comfortable place to stay.”
To any strays looking for fun and camaraderie, Praditkamollert offers these parting words: “Come as you are. Don’t be a ding dong. Treat each other well or get out.” 161 Chestnut Street, Providence, @thecryptpvd
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