A Village Valentine: Pascoag businesses unite to create day of romance & fun for visitors

BURRILLVILLE – From twinkling red lights and a photo-worthy heart display, to specials on everything from food and drink, to health and beauty services to prepare for evening of romance, the village of Pascoag will be ready on February 14 to be a destination for both couples and singles.

Organized by the Burrillville Redevelopment Agency, the Village Valentine initiative has brought together nearly every business in Pascoag for a day featuring entertainment and deals.

“The idea behind it is to promote people coming to downtown Pascoag to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” explained Jim Langlois, chairman of the agency.

The village – and its restaurants – will be filled with dining and live entertainment in the evening, but the event aims to be more than just a night out. Businesses operating during the daytime will be involved too, including Small Town Craft Shack, Mindful Aesthetics Kilmatian’s Barber Shop, Dana’s Hair Salon, A Touch of Heaven spa and Good Nutrition with specials, freebies, raffles and more.

“I always participate in all of the downtown stuff,” said Dana’s owner, Dana LaRose. “I love that organization, the Redevelopment Agency – they do a lot for the town.

LaRose said her business will be selling gift certificates and will have extra staff on hand for a meet and greet. Those hoping to get in for services should call for an appointment at (401) 568-7710.

At Touch of Heaven, visitors are invited to enjoy rose foot soaks and mini massages for $25. Small Town Craft Shack will offer 14 percent off any in store purchase.– including custom orders, along with a 50/50 raffle.

A new Pascoag business – Good Nutrition – will offer free healthy snack samples and a chance to meet with the owners from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and New Leaf Coffee Bar will feature Valentine’s Day specials including the Red Velvet – classic white mocha with cream cheese and cocoa topped with cream cheese flavored cold foam.

All of the shops will be decorated for the occasion and Kilmatian’s and Mindful Aesthetics are also taking appointments for those who want to look their best.

“It’s a look good, feel good for Valentine’s vibe,” explained Langlois. “I’m pleased that it’s not just the restaurants. It’s the whole business community in that stretch.”

At night, a 12-foot-high heart light installation with a bench below will add glow – and a photo opportunity – at Fountain Square Park. The agency purchased the feature from Creative Displays out of Kansas, the same company that provided the town with a light-up gift box and ornament for the Christmas season, purchased in 2023.

The permanent light installation that hangs over the village will, of course, be aptly turned to red, and Elayna’s will feature entertainment by The Zero Gravity Duo from 8 to 11 p.m. George’s Pizza & Pub will feature DJ Vlad for a “red light special” and a dinner special of marinated steak tips. Guests are invited to wear red if they’re “happily taken,” yellow if “it’s complicated,” and green if they’re “single and ready to mingle.”

“We are very pleased with the amount of enthusiasm that the Pascoag businesses are showing,” Langlois said, referencing George’s creative plan, which also includes drinks specials like the “Stupid Cupid.”

Two businesses with special menu items – Bravo Brewing Company and Thai Wok Street Food – do recommend reservations. At Bravo, a special Valentine’s dinner including choice of starter, dinner, dessert and drink, will be accompanied by entertainment by jazz pianist Tom White from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

“All of the restaurants are on board,” Langlois said, noting even Cow’s Tail Deli will feature a special menu.

The full line up of events can be found in the flyer below.

Unlike at the agency’s premiere annual events in Pascoag – the Fall and Spring Splash – Pascoag Main Street and the surrounding roads will not be closed on Saturday, Feb. 14.

“It’s going to be good,” said Langlois. “The idea behind this is to promote wintertime business for the redevelopment district in Pascoag, and to do something fun in winter.”