Valatie is a small village in Columbia County, New York, situated between Albany and Hudson. Once home to shipbuilding, it is now home to a number of small businesses and farms, as well as beautiful parks and preserved areas. With almost no nightlife but plenty of nature, Valatie is the perfect spot for a relaxed and romantic first date.
1. PARKS AND PLACES FOR A WALK ON A FIRST DATE
For a first date, a walk in Valatie’s parks and preserved areas can be a perfect choice. The town boasts the Valatie Wetland Area Preservation Park, which has trails and boardwalks winding through the swamp, as well as playgrounds and picnic areas. The Columbia Land Conservancy’s Valatie Nature Preserve is also a great spot for a walk. There are trails, bridle paths and a large pond, as well as spaces for bird watching and photography.
2. PLACES FOR A COFFEE DATE IN VALATIE
For a cozy coffee date, Valatie has plenty of options. There is the Yellowkey Coffeehouse, with delicious locally roasted coffees and teas, and even homemade breakfast sandwiches. For something more intimate, there's Coffee House at the Barn, a hidden spot in the nearby village of Nassau, which serves a wide selection of hot and cold drinks and pastries, as well as comfort foods like soups and sandwiches. Finally, there is the Village Café, a cozy and cozy café right in Valatie, with yummy pastries, homemade bread, salads and wraps.
3. GALLERIES, MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS TO VISIT ON A DATE
Valatie is home to several small galleries, museums and exhibitions. The Columbia County Historical Society Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s past and present. There is also the Columbia County Center for the Arts, which is home to rotating and permanent exhibitions from local and national artists, as well as a variety of workshops and classes. Finally, there is the Annual Valatie Art Festival, which is held every August and showcases artwork from local and regional artists.
4. LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT IN VALATIE
Valatie may not have a bustling nightlife, but there is still plenty of live music and entertainment to enjoy. The Barn at the Valatie Community Theatre is a great spot to catch a variety of live music, from folk and blues to classic rock, as well as a selection of local talent. For something a little more offbeat, the town is also home to the non-profit arts and entertainment venue The Glory Days Drive In, which offers an eclectic mix of live music and performance art.
5. PUBS, BARS & RESTAURANTS FOR A FIRST DATE DRINK OR FOOD
Valatie has some great spots for a first date drink or meal. The local favorite is The Kettle, a cozy bar and restaurant serving up classic pub grub and craft beers. There is also the West End Pub, which has craft beers on draft, as well as a selection of sandwiches and burgers. For a more romantic atmosphere, there is the Valatie French Bistro, a farm-to-table restaurant serving up dishes inspired by local and French cuisine.
6. OTHER DATE IDEAS TO TRY IN VALATIE
If you’re looking for something a little different to do on a date, there are plenty of other options in Valatie. One of the town’s most popular events is the Annual Maple Syrup Fair, held every March, which celebrates the town’s history of syrup production. For something more active, there is the Noontime Nature Walk at the Valatie Wetland Area Preservation Park, a guided tour of the park during which you can learn about the local plants and wildlife. Finally, the nearby towns of Kinderhook and Chatham offer a range of quaint shops and boutiques that you can explore together. No matter the type of date you’re looking for, Valatie has something for you. With its natural beauty, cozy cafes and interesting spots to explore, Valatie is the perfect spot for a romantic and relaxed first date.
