Show Some Local Love
Keep it local this Valentine’s Day while treating your sweetheart to these unique date ideas and romantic gifts.
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Date Ideas
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Art+Chocolate: Seeing Red – It’s hard to go wrong when you add chocolate to any situation, especially when viewing incredible works of art. On February 13, take a guided tour through the Grand Rapids Art Museum that explores everything red, and learn how artists use the color of love to elicit different responses and emotions. Each participant will get a chocolate bar at the end of the tour.
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Lovers & Lookers – Bring (or meet!) your Valentine at this champagne party set for February 11 at Cygnus27 atop the Amway Grand. There will be a live DJ on hand, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, craft cocktails and beautiful views of the city. Don’t forget to stop by the all-new Mia’s on Wealthy to pick up the perfect black dress!
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Pretty in Pink – Believe it or not, it’s the 30th anniversary year of the John Hughes classic ‘Pretty in Pink’ starring Molly Ringwald and Jon Cryer. Celebration! Cinema North and RiverTown will both have showtimes at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
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Yum! – Enjoy a memorable Valentine’s dining experience at Reserve Wine & Food with special chef-created 3 and 5-course menus. Indulge in tagliolini pasta with black truffle, wagyu beef with black sesame seeds and nori, and date cake with dried apricots.
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Relax – Couples can spend some well-deserved downtime with side-by-side massages in the same treatment room at Design 1 Salon & Spa. For the Valentine’s Day holiday, purchase a $75 gift card before February 13 and receive a bonus $15 gift card.
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Family Time – Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just for romantic couples; it can be a fun time for families, too. At The Mud Room in Ada, studio fees to paint pottery or make fused glass are just $12 for the whole family from 1-5 p.m. on February 14.
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Gift Ideas
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6.25 Paper Studio – Find something unique for the love of your life at the specialty paper shop located on Monroe Center. Choose from coloring books, kits, journals, wrapping paper, Michigan-shaped earrings, felted hearts and much more. You can also find all the supplies you need to create that one-of-kind handmade Valentine.
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Connie’s Cakes – The Eastown bakery will create a special 6” two layer heart shaped cake available in chocolate, white, marble, strawberry and raspberry and can include a personal message. Available for pickup or delivery Feb 12 & 13.
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Ball Park Floral – The long-time West Side florist offers everything from classic long stem red roses to specialty gifts like scented candle arrangements, candy bouquets and even ballcaps with a bottle opener for guys. If you’re looking for that ‘wow’ factor, Ball Park boasts a variety of large and colorful orchids in modern and contemporary arrangements.
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DeVries Jewelers – Not sure what to get that special someone for your first Valentine’s Day together? Head to DeVries Jewelers for bracelets, everyday sterling silver pieces (starting at $65!) and even name brand watches for guys.
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Schuil Coffee – Michigan’s first specialty coffee roaster offers custom gift baskets that not only feature intensely-flavored ‘uncommon import’ coffees, but also a selection of sweet teas, tea pots, bulk candy and even craft brewing accessories. Orders can be placed online or stop by the retail space on 29th Street near Lake Eastbrook.
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Art of the Table – At the food and kitchen retailer on Wealthy Street, create custom Valentine’s baskets with red wine, chocolate, hot cocoa, mugs, Michigan products and other special treats and gifts. On Wednesday, February 10, Patricia from Patricia’s Chocolates will be on hand for a special (and free!) sampling event.
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Koeze – There are more than just nuts at Koeze! Stop by their retail shops on the East Beltline and Burlingame for milk chocolate roses or Valentine’s Day bags filled with toffee, turtle chocolates and heart candies. Koeze will also create custom baskets that can be picked up as quickly as an hour or two.
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Have a favorite date idea? Share it in the comments below!
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Photo credit: Schuil Coffee