Students can celebrate and spread the love in a variety of ways this Valentine’s Day.
1. Visit a nearby restaurant
Some students are taking advantage of local restaurants this Valentine’s Day, as there are many near campus to choose from.
Josh Smith, a sophomore finance and business management major, said he is planning on going out to one of South Orange’s local restaurants. He decided on taking his significant other to the Fox and the Falcon to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year.
“The village has a lot of different options for food,” Smith said.
From breakfast spots like Jackie and Sons, to dessert staples like Cold Stone Creamery or Carvel, the village offers places to enjoy for students. There are several places to choose from in South Orange for lunch or dinner as well, including Miti Miti Latin Street Food, BGR, and The Order.
Anna Soltys, a sophomore biology major, said she plans to go a little further out of South Orange this Valentine’s Day to Montclair, N.J. Due to exams on the actual holiday, she and her significant other are celebrating the weekend prior to Valentine’s Day at Ah Pizz restaurant in Montclair.
“I don’t mind that we are going out before the actual day of Valentine’s Day,” Soltys said. “With school and everything else, I’m glad we could find a day that worked out.”
2. Video call with a long distance significant other.
Although many students are able to celebrate the holiday with their significant others at the university, some are celebrating a long-distance relationship this year.
Kelsi Loewen, a sophomore biology major, is celebrating her long-distance relationship with her significant other by sending each other gifts to each of their schools.
“We’ll go out to dinner the next time we get to see each other, but this is great for now,” Loewen said.
3. Visit the Turtleback Zoo in West Orange.
The Turtleback Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and has over 20 different animal exhibits; it is also only a 12 minute drive from campus.
Emily Balda, a sophomore psychology major, said she has spent a day at the zoo with others from school, and said she enjoyed her time there.
“I took my roommate to the zoo for her birthday, and we all had so much fun. I love how close it is to campus, it’s so accessible for us,” Balda said.
4. Go to the Movies
The South Orange Performing Arts Center is less than a mile from campus. Students are able to visit and enjoy a movie with their significant other or friends.
Matthew Madonna, a sophomore sports management and pre-law major, said he visited the SOPAC theater months ago with friends, and enjoyed the theater.
“I enjoyed seeing Spider Man: No Way Home with my friends when it came out, the half-off deal on Tuesdays is really great, I just wish the seats were more comfortable,” Madonna said.
5. Hang out at a favorite spot around campus.
Another idea for students who find themselves to be busy on Valentine’s Day, is to get together at a favorite spot on campus like Dunkin’ Donuts or the living room.
Evan Savino, a sophomore engineering major, said he frequently visits the Dunkin’ Donuts on campus.
“I love going to Dunkin’ and seeing all of the employees, it is a great way to start my day,” Savino said. “It’s also great how Dunkin’ is connected to the library.”
Whether it is in person or virtually, off or on campus, or on Feb. 14 or not, any way that Valentine’s Day is celebrated will have its own special meaning.
Alexa Toohey can be reached at alexa.toohey@student.shu.edu
