Looking to have a low-key Valentine’s Day? Then put down the cliché teddy bear-and-chocolates gift and listen up: Boston offers plenty of relaxed and romantic activities to take advantage come February 14th. Here are a few of our favorite activities that are simple, easy, and most of all, meaningful.

Find “L’Amore” at the North End

With many North End restaurants crafting specialty entrees and offerings this Valentine’s Day, heading north for some authentic Italian cuisine seems like a good idea. Take your sweetheart to the intimate and inviting atmosphere of the North End to enjoy some of the best pizza, pasta, and wine outside of Italy itself. Finish off the night with a delicious twist: instead of the classic Valentine’s Day chocolates, grab a cannoli from one of the many pastry shops that populate the area.

Let the Cold Bring You Closer on Commonwealth Ave.

For a refreshing and romantic stroll, head to the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Here you can walk hand-in-hand underneath the snow covered branches and be transported straight to the Parisian boulevards the Ave was modeled after. If it’s a little chilly out, meander two streets on over to Newbury to warm up with a hot chocolate at the award-winning Wired Puppy Café.

Stay in and Get Cooking

And finally, for the simplest option of them all; stay in with your loved one. If you want to avoid the crowded restaurants or were perhaps too late making a reservation then this is the option for you. Experiment making your own homemade Valentine’s Day truffles, or for the less experienced bakers, give fudge making a go. Fudge is an easy and quick dessert that is sure to be a hit with everyone. Here is an easy fudge recipe, courtesy of allrecipes.com:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 2 1/2 cups prepared chocolate frosting
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Line one 8×8 inch square pan with foil. Lightly butter the foil.

2. In a small saucepan melt the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the frosting and the nuts stirring until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan and refrigerate until firm. Once firm cut in small squares (or hearts, if you’re feeling festive!).