s if last week wasn’t enough, this weekend brings one holiday after another. The opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics are Friday (February 12), which is reason enough to hunker down at your favorite bar or bistro and throw back a few; after all, Boston has its own Olympic legends.

Since the whole weekend seems devoted to Valentine’s Day, I’ll refrain from plugging events around town. After all, V-Day is a time to be with someone special, not sweating up on some poor stranger in some grimy nightclub (although hip nightspots do abound for those still looking for love).

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday are what’s really got my eye. Sunday is Valentine’s Day; Monday, Presidents' Day; and Tuesday, the beginning of Mardi Gras (congrats to the Saints for winning the Super Bowl in time for one of the most ridiculous weekends on the calendar). My friends have been fond of describing this three-day streak as “one day for those in love, one day for those without love, and one day for those desperately looking for love in all the wrong places.” That being said, here are my Hidden Agenda picks for the holiday trifecta.

Valentine's Day

There are obviously well-worn, tried-and-true ways of making Valentine’s Day special. Here are ways to turn the hackneyed and trite into romance galore, Boston-style:

Doe-eyed fawning over hot chocolate (chocolate in general being a smart Valentine's Day move, for all you guys out there who have been living under a rock;

Cooking dinner for your significant other with the freshest ingredients; or,

Gazing at the stars, or perhaps just at the skyline.

For you music aficionados out there, the Beehive is running a “3 Days of Luvin’” jazz spectacular, featuring the stone-cold grooves of the likes of Akashic Record, Toni Lynn Washington, and “Evil Gal” Michelle Wilson,” as well as Sunday salsa for young lovers.

President’s Day

Boston has a presidential history most people don’t know about. Of course, there’s the home of John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams, and the birthplace of John F. Kennedy. But George. H.W. Bush was born in Massachusetts, too. Looking for some more contemporary history? Check out where Barack Obama lived as a student at Harvard Law School.

Of course, the JFK Library and Museum is marking the weekend with a week of activities and promotions, including $2 off admission with a coupon you'll find on the website, valid February 13 to 21. On Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 15, from 2 to 3:30 p.m, historian Douglas Brinkley will discuss, and sign copies of, his new book, The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America. And the museum café will offer make-your-own sundaes for the kids, and cookies from the recipe book Presidential Cookies.

Not really in the mood for anything educational on your day off from work or school? Then celebrate the holiday with a beer at John Adams's favorite bar.

Mardi Gras

You don't have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. Try out this combo of Louisiana BBQ and live blues. Looking to get decked out in Mardi Gras style? Get your beads (um…) and other costumed goodies here.

Bottoms Up

A decent cocktail will make any holiday special, whether you’re with your significant other, your buddies, or a potential life partner. Dbar hosts a creative menu (“Grapes of Wrath,” a white grape martini, anyone?) and—get this—bring a an iPod or iPhone with a dbar-labeled playlist and be the DJ for the night.

…And I’m Spent

And now, the story of my life (and no, I’m not Bradley Cooper, obvi). Also: If you go see this on Valentine’s Day, you shouldn’t be reading this blog. Keller