Greetings!

If you, like us, are sorely missing that holiday season sugar rush, this January issue of marlo monthly goes out especially to you from the bottom of our candy conversation hearts. From decadent dining and drinking to accessible experiences for all, read on for inspired ideas on how to celebrate and gift all those you love during this sweetest time of year.

steak 'n shake
Trouble deciding what to get your sweetie with a sweet tooth this Valentine's Day? Look no further than a deliciously decadent Oreo® Red Velvet Milkshake at Steak 'n Shake. Yep, nothing says love at first sip more than a frosted glass of blended ice cream, red velvet cake, and Oreo cookie pieces topped with whipped cream + a cherry on top. It's only available for a limited time, so find the closest location to you toot sweet!

puro gusto
Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, and Acts of Service are great and all, but they ain't got nothin' on our primary love language: coffee and pastries!

If your S.O. is anything like us, do right by your Valentine with some QT at Puro Gusto, our favorite Italian café in Washington, D.C. Their scrumptious Coffee Date package includes two handcrafted coffee bevvies and two cornettos (Nutella for the win!), and is the perfect way to tell your soul mate, office mate, yoga mate - or truly any mate - "I love you a latte." Now that's some language we really love.

narragansett
If the glut of Valentine's Day nonsense leaves a sour taste in your mouth, have we got the cure for what "ales" you. Yep, rally the crew and visit everyone's fave neighbor, Providence's Narragansett Brewery, on Saturday, February 11th for their Pucker Up Buttercup party. Slide up to the bar for a delightfully saucy evening of crushing a delectable line-up of sour craft beers including Tropical, Dragonfruit, Strawberry Rhubarb, and more. The anti-saccharine soirée will also feature snacks from Cultro Food Truck and sick sounds from Funkademic. So...Hi-Neighbor, won't you please be our anti-Valentine?!

bully boy
What's better than a cozy night canoodling over cocktails? Not a whole hell of a lot, if you ask us! This V-Day, Boston's first craft distillery, Bully Boy, has date night covered with their all-new winter cocktail menu exclusively available at their tasting room. Toast to your true love with the perfectly pink Roxbury 44 - crafted with Estate Gin, Cranberry, Rosemary, and a hint of Timut Peppercorn - served in a festive champagne glass for a sweet yet spicy start to the night. From there move on to matching flights of Bully Boy's ready-to-drink cocktails while you plan your next romantic outing...speaking of which, who needs Valentine's Day as an excuse for romance anyways? We'll see you, same time and place, next weekend!

castle hill inn
Feel like your holiday plans are missing a certain je ne sais quoi? Look no further than a romantic rendezvous and dinner at Newport's Castle Hill Inn. Indulge in their "Retreat to Romance" package and you'll find yourself sipping champers and enjoying a couples massage as you overlook the iconic Inn's panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. End your stay by tantalizing your taste buds with the delectable Valentine's Day menu featuring no less than four playful courses like the "Perfect Partners" oysters and caviar, "Lovebirds" squab and foie gras, and the "Kissed by a Rose" chocolate mousse and red wine velvet cake. The whole experience will leave you and your paramour saying oh la la!

showcase cinemas
What's Valentine's Day without chocolate and a dimly lit room...at the movies, of course! Whether it's digging your nails into your date's hand during a scary flick, sharing an adrenaline rush with your bestie at an action thriller, or indulging in a guilty pleasure chick flick with your gals (Magic Mike's Last Dance, anyone?), Showcase Cinemas has you covered.

Hot Tip: Sign up for their Starpass loyalty program now because this Valentines holiday, members get a special bonus chocolate treat with their concessions purchases. (Popcorn plus a side of chocolate? Sign us UP!). And as if this deal couldn't get any sweeter, this year February 14 falls on "Bargain Tuesday," meaning $5 movie tickets for Starpass members ALL DAY LONG. Say no more. If you need us we'll be in the middle row enjoying chocolate meets movie magic.