The special Valentine’s Day menu at Concord’s Colonial Inn is affordable as well as elegant. In this historic inn on Monument Square, once briefly home to Henry David Thoreau, an intimate dining room sets the mood for love with white tablecloths, candles, flowers, a strolling violinist, and chocolate truffles. After dinner, linger with a cocktail at the sitting room fireplace, or visit the rustic Forge Tavern to hear live jazz, blues, or folk music. All this romance can be had for the price of your food and beverages. Entrees run from $15-$28. It’s enough to make you swoon. (That is the point, isn’t it?)

48 Monument Square, Concord, 978-369-2373, concordscolonialinn.com, reservations recommended.