by Stockton Inn

The Romantic: A Stockton Inn Guide to Valentine’s Day

In Stockton, the understated charmer in a string of river towns abundant in art, music, vintage, walkable streets and scenic byways, it’s easy to be a romantic. The way Bridge Street is bookended between our centuries-old inn and the Delaware River – speckled with street lamps, trees yawning towards the sky, locals buzzing about the Stockton Market for French baguettes, and old-timers at Hendrick’s Appliances – it hovers in a bygone era. We’ve been told our town is like a Norman Rockwell. Iconic, Americana, a ripple from the past.

The inn has served as a landmark for lovers and creative couplings through the decades, from F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald to Scarlett Ohara and Rhett Butler to Rodgers and Hart. Its bones are historic and hold the stories of lively Prohibition parties in the basement and hidden passages for refuge on the Underground Railroad. We’re a place to be wild, to rest, to romanticize, to taste seasonal flavors, and place spirits to one’s lips in the tavern. And yet, century after century, we evolve, enlivening our essence without every compromising our roots.

In honor of romantics past and present, Curated by Stockton Inn is taking readers through a guide to adore and be adored at Stockton Inn. Expression of love begins within, so that’s where we’ll start. Whether you stay the weekend, take a day trip, or walk from down the road, we’re providing you with a collection of moments to deepen the romantic connection in your life.

Soft lighting and champagne in private quarters.
Sit fireside in our sultry private guest lounge.

An all-inclusive stay for Valentine’s Day

For those who want to immerse in their dearly beloved, we are blending the convenience of an all-inclusive stay with the finery that defines us. Our approach is simple: we smooth the friction of daily planning and provide the gestures, gifts, and indulgences so you have to do is … well, nothing but enjoy. Comprised of a two-night stay, February 13th through 15th, treat yourself and your lover to a weekend away where every detail is accounted for.

It all begins at check-in Friday. Our innkeeper will show you to your intimate quarters, whether you’ve selected the Jr. Suite with private terrace and butler’s kitchen, a Deluxe Room with fireplace and soaking tub for two in the carriage house, or Deluxe Room in the main inn with a speakeasy entrance into our private guest lounge.

Waiting inside your room is a Charcuterie Board for Two, abundant with beautiful cheeses, cured meats, and accoutrements. On ice, a bottle of Champagne from our cellar, sure to impress the refined palate, and a box of chocolates from one of our local confectioners. Nourishment, after all, is important for the nights ahead.

In addition, our team will procure a bouquet of flowers from The Pod Shop in New Hope, Pennsylvania, just across the river, and have it delivered to you.

A plate of pasta, hand-rolled in house. Credit: Liz Clayman
Toast to the one you love over a beautiful tasting dinner.

As a culinary destination, Valentine’s Day weekend guests will get premiere access to our culinary team’s Five-Course Tasting Dinners. Typically $135 per person each night, this sensory experience will be part of your journey here at the inn. For breakfast and lunch, enjoy $75 credit at the Stockton Market for fresh pastries, provisions and unforgettable gourmet dishes.

To learn more about Stockton Inn’s All-inclusive Valentine’s Day Weekend getaway, visit our Exclusive Offers page.

Let our masseuse come to you

Complete your restorative weekend with an in-room massage. Stockton Inn partners with a local massage therapist, who brings the table and technique to the comfort of your guest room. Slip into your plush Matouk robe and allow a little body work to transport you to a state of unparalleled relaxation.

Take a wintry stroll along the river

Historic landmarks, beautiful bridges, and dams line the D&R Canal Towpath beside Stockton Inn.

There’s little more majestic than catching the Delaware River glistening under the February sun. Watch your breath dissipate into the cold morning air and the geese circle tree tops and descend into the icy river. Whether you walk over the Stockton Bridge or New Hope-Lambertville Bridge to Pennsylvania, or stroll arm and arm down the nature-filled towpath, some time in the outdoors replenishes the senses and gets the heart pumping.

Indulge in afternoon tea and treats

Fresh flowers from Stockton Market.
A bright and airy passion fruit tart.

Fragrant teas, rich brewed espresso drinks, house-baked tartlets, cakes and confections line the glass cases at our sister property across the street. A bustling brick market filled with fresh flowers, curated goods and prepared foods is easy to delight in any time of day. Should you need a little extra tuck-in, the market always has a just-right card for your special someone and a range of elevated gifts and homewares.

A five-course tasting dinner by firelight

A fire roars in the historic hearth of our dining room at dusk. Credit: Armando Rafael.

Embark on a culinary journey with a five-course tasting menu from Executive Chef Bob Truitt offered on Friday, February 13th and Saturday, February 14th. In honor of Valentine’s Day weekend, our culinary team has crafted a seasonal menu that captures the essence of the holiday. We invite each guest to dress elegantly and indulge in an evening of ambiance, flavor, and one another. 

Cocktail masterclass and private dinner on the terrace

Head bartender Brian Miller prepares a signature cocktail.
What’s a winter cocktail without the final touch of a flame?

Join us for an ultra-exclusive Valentine’s Day experience. This intimate event is limited to just 10 guests and takes place entirely on our enclosed winter Terrace. Start the evening at the bar built into a natural rock boulder wall. Under the soft glow of string lights, learn how to make cocktails with acclaimed bartender Brian Miller, whose experience spans Death & Co, Pegu Club, and The Polynesian from Major Food Group. After a spirited 30-minute cocktail masterclass, immerse in the five-course tasting menu at a table with just you and your beloved.

Retreat to your guest quarters

As wonderful as the events of the evening have been, sumptuous linens, a crackling fire, and soft textures beckon you back to the bedroom where your king-sized bed awaits. Sink into the resplendence of your private space and celebrate the most important part of the entire getaway: each other.

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Despite his hard-earned pedigree, Chef Bob Truitt is humble. He evokes pride far sooner when asked a question about his sons’ choir or soccer game than when praised for an outstanding dish. His respect for his team is apparent in all he does, and it’s not uncommon to find Chef on the line sharing in various prepwork. Afterall, “team work makes the dream work,” he said while malletting hundreds of tuna filets into delicate carpaccio rounds for a special tasting menu. To get to know more about the man behind the chef’s coat, we sat down on a Tuesday morning over coffee when the inn’s first guests of the day had yet to check in and the restaurant was quiet.