One week stands between you and the most romantic day of the year. Do you know what your Valentine's plans are yet?
Enjoying romantic candlelit dinners and indulging in heart-shaped boxes of assorted chocolates is standard Valentine's Day protocol, of course, but we wanted to give you some alternative options for what to do with your sweetheart (and entire family) this Feb. 14:
Valentine’s Day Double Feature at Lakewood Theater, Feb. 14 – The historic theater in Old East Dallas is a neighborhood treasure and the quickest way for one to know he’s stepped into Lakewood territory. For more of a relaxed Valentine’s Day evening experience, pop into the Lakewood Theater for a “double feature.” The night starts with a performance by Ricki Derek at 8:30 p.m. and closes with the classic romantic drama “Casablanca.” You can purchase tickets for the event here.
Valentine Cookie Class at Sweet Art Bakery, Feb. 11– If you prefer not to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the big city, head to McKinney’s Sweet Art Bakery and learn how to make a cookie bouquet for your sweetheart or for your kiddos to share. You will learn how to ice the cookies, apply fondant extras and draw on your sweet treats as part of the class, plus the cookie bouquet container will be provided. The class costs $50 per person, and we hear the course from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 is filling up quickly. Click here for more information on the class and call 469-563-9471 to register.
"When Harry Met Sally" at Grapevine Palace Theatre, Feb. 14 – What could be better than a mellow night in a cozy theater watching the Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal classic “When Harry Met Sally”? It’s just $5 a head at the Palace Theatre, and if you come to the Valentine’s Day screening with a same-day receipt from any Grapevine restaurant, you get free popcorn. Who’s with me? Click here to purchase tickets.
Carriage Rides at Watters Creek, Feb. 14 – Make a night of hanging out at one of Allen’s premiere outdoor shopping and dining destinations on Valentine’s Day. You can stop into one of the eateries at Watter’s Creek (many of which are offering special Valentine’s menus) before sliding next to your sweetie for a romantic carriage ride around the lighted area. Even sweeter? It costs just $10 a couple to enjoy a carriage ride from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 14, and all the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. First come, first served. Click here for more information.
Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash at Mockingbird Station, Feb. 13 – Perhaps you’re spending this V-Day solo. On Valentine’s Eve, gather with some cohorts at Mockingbird Station’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash for some heart-shaped piñata bashing and indulgence of sweets at The People’s Last Stand from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The $15 entry fee buys you beer, hamburger sliders, a gift bag and candy. Plus, artist Freddie Jones will be playing the blues to really contribute to the anti-Valentine’s mood. Part of the proceeds go to the American Heart Association, so there’s always that. Click here to purchase tickets.
Love is in the Air at the Meyerson, Feb. 14-16 – That’s right, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra loves Valentine’s Day so much that it’s celebrating all weekend long. Each day of Valentine’s weekend starting at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15 and 2:30 on Feb. 16, soak up romantic melodies by Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Gershwin and more with your hot date at the Meyerson. Experience a classical V-Day, and click here to purchase tickets.
“All You Need is Love”: Beatles Meets Bluegrass Valentine’s Day Concert, Feb. 14 – It’s hard to think of a Beatles song that isn’t about love. So why not celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band and all your favorite tunes from the 1960s British legends? The recipe for love at this concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Valentine’s night: snuggle up to your sweetheart at downtown Plano’s Courtyard Theater, and enjoy. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Plano Stages main office at (972) 941-5601.
Adopt an Aussie for Your Valentine, until Feb. 14 – Nothing says “love” quite like a cuddly little stuffed animal for your valentine, but what if you could give the gift of a real, live furry friend? The Dallas Zoo is giving you the chance to “adopt a koala bear.” Your $75 “adoption” fee gets you a plush koala bear with its photo, an official adoption certificate, a zookeeper report, a subscription to Dallas Zoo publications as well as two tickets to the zoo, where you and your loved one can enjoy the Koala Walkabout. “When you adopt a koala, your Valentine gets all of the parental pride without all the work. We'll handle the cleaning, feeding, and housing for the koalas. You'll receive the satisfaction of knowing that your gift helps support animal care at the Zoo,” says the Dallas Zoo. What are you waiting for? Love a koala and your sweetheart by clicking here.
Wine Workshop: Wines for Valentine’s Day at Central Market Southlake, Feb. 10 – For the adults looking for an opportunity to learn more about fine wines, head out to Central Market Southlake to learn from a beer and wine expert. The love-themed class starts at 6:30 and lasts an hour, and you’ll walk away knowing how to identify types of wine, how the grapes are grown and more. It’s $10 per person for the workshop for wine-os. Click here to sign up.
Valentines Couples Class at We Yogis, Feb. 15 – Experience relaxation and flexibility through yoga the day after Valentine’s Day. We Yogis’ Dallas location instructors will teach couples partner poses, but singles are welcome, too! The class will last an hour and 15 minutes (5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.) on Feb. 15 and costs $20 a person. Click here to sign up for the class and learn more.
Dive Into an Ocean of Love at Sea Life Aquarium, Feb. 10-Feb. 14 – In Grapevine the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, take the whole family to SEA LIFE Aquarium to observe the day of love and romance. All kinds of Valentine’s-themed activities like card-making and coloring, as well as special snacks will be offered at the aquarium. Donate $1 to Merlin’s Magic Wand and you’ll get the chance to leave a custom valentine for your favorite SEA LIFE creature. Spending Valentine’s at the Grapevine location will cost $20 for adults and $16 for kids ages three to 12. Click here for more information.
Valentine’s Day at the Wild Mushroom at Central Market Fort Worth, Feb. 13 – Take tips from the chef and owner of popular seafood and steak restaurant The Wild Mushroom during his demonstration for those wanting to learn how to combine Western and modern cuisine. During this course, you’ll learn how to prepare a beautiful Valentine’s Day dinner, including waldorf salad, sous vide filet of beef and scallops, cumin butter carrots and a decadent cheesecake with raspberry sauce to top it all off. Snagging a valentine when you can whip that up should be no problem at all. This class is $65 per person and is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Eve. Click here to register.
For additional Valentine’s Day activities in your community, be sure to check in with your local libraries and recreation centers for special offerings. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your loved ones!