For a romantic adventure that’s more unpredictable and spontaneous than a candlelight dinner, consider an island escape — to Nantucket. Dress warmly for a day exploring the charming old whaling town. For coffee and other goodies, The Bean is home to Nantucket Coffee Roasters. The Even Keel Cafe ends its winter break on Valentine’s Day. Among other lunch options with creative fare are Centre Street Bistro and Fog Island Cafe. Mitchell’s Book Corner and Nantucket Bookworks are resources for local books while the Artists Association of Nantucket presents ‘‘The Art Colony and the Sea: New and Historical Maritime Art on Nantucket,’’ 60 works from its collection. Love without chocolate is a no-no, so stop for a treat at the Nantucket Chocolatier’s Sweet Inspirations Chocolate Workshop.

Steamship Authority, South Street dock, Hyannis, 508-477-8600, steamshipauthority.com. One way $15, round trip $30. First ferry leaves at 9:15 a.m., arrives at 11:30 a.m.; last return ferry at 5:30 p.m.