Xoxo: Romantic Valentine's Day options around Philadelphia

Valentine's Day is just days away, so it's time to get your plans in order. If you and your loved one are seeking an intimate date night for Valentine's Day in the Philadelphia area, we've got plenty of picks for a lovey-dovey night.

Here are a few options to choose from:

Written letters are timeless. The Rosenbach Museum and Library (2008-2010 Delancey Place) will present Love Letters – a hands-on tour that displays numerous romantic scripts from various poets, soldiers, and even a reading from James Joyce's book, Ulysses. The tours run on Friday, Feb. 13 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 14 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Go deep sea in love at the Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Dr., Camden) on Friday, Feb. 13 as couples can get an exclusive look at underwater and aquatic life in numerous areas. Gets hands-on at the touch tanks, wave hello to the penguins, and get a special view of Ocean Realm – home to numerous sharks and other exotic fish. Complimentary drinks, light fare, and a memorable take-home photo will be included with admission. The event will start at 7 p.m.

The Blue Cross RiverRink WinterFest (101 S. Columbus Blvd.) is a great place to take a date anytime this season, but on Saturday, Feb. 14, cupid's arrow strikes this location for a special Sweetheart Skate night. With four sessions to choose from, you and your date can glide across the rink, receive holiday flowers, enjoy the complimentary champagne lounge, and take home a photo to remember the fun day. Sessions are as follows:  5 p.m.-6:30 p.m., 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., 9 p.m.-10:30 p.m., and 11 p.m.-12:30 p.m.

Military love letters are some of the most heartfelt written messages in history, so you should take some notes when you visit historic Fort Mifflin (82 Fort Mifflin Road) which is hosting Sweet History: Chocolate and Love Letters. Visitors can get a little history lesson on the creation of chocolate and view the display of preserved notes soldiers mailed to their families and loves. The tour starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Climb aboard a horse and carriage at the Howell Living History Farm (70 Wooden's Lane, Lambertville) on Saturday, Feb. 14 for free Valentine's Day horse rides. Starting at 11 a.m., guests can get a scenic tour of the farm, followed by a house tour with food and beverages for purchase.

Love is a form of art. The Barnes Foundation (2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway), along with the Koresh Dance Company, present Valentine's Day in the museum on Saturday, Feb. 14. Admission includes a live dance performance, followed by a tour of the galleries and live music. Complimentary champagne and chocolates will be served. The night starts at 6 p.m.

Warm up on the ice with your babe on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Dilworth Plaza's Rothman Institute Ice Rink (1 S. 15th St.) as it hosts a Sweetheart Skate from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The night will feature a couples skate, love songs to sing and glide to, a complimentary rose, and a photo of the night so you can remember it forever.

If music is the way to your significant other's heart, the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall (300 S Broad St.) will certainly be the perfect venue for your Valentine's Day evening. On Saturday, Feb. 14 The Philadelphia Orchestra presents a heartwarming performance led by principal guest conductor, Stéphane Denève. The act will feature works by William Shakespeare such as As You Like It, and Romeo and Juliet, and a show by the Shakespeare Theater. The concert is set to begin at 8 p.m.

For those who like to show off their dance skills, The Philadelphia Swing Dance Society will host a Valentine's Day dance party at the Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid (715 Paxon Hollow Road, Broomall) on Saturday, Feb. 14. If you want to boogie but are a bit nervous to show off your not-so-pro moves, there will be a beginner's lesson at 7:30 p.m., followed by the grand bash at 9 p.m.

Entertain your ears with romantic tones at the historic Arch Street Friends Meeting House (320 Arch St.) as Love Notes: A Special Valentine's Day Concert takes place on Saturday, Feb. 14. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., enjoy an ensemble led by pianist/vocalist V. Shane Frederick as he sings alongside the voices of Michael Andrews, C Young, and Jacob Winterstein.

Feel the Latino Heat on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Painted Bride Art Center (230 Vine St.) during Valentine's Salsa Dancing at 8 p.m. Learn the basics of salsa from Flaco's Dance Factory, then spice up the dance floor with live music by Adriel Gonzalez.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.