Cupid’s arrows are soaring these days. But despite their trajectory — whether you’ve been struck, stuck, or missed — there’s plenty to do this Valentine’s season.
For Animal Lovers
Cupid’s not the only one fluttering about these days.
Why not gather the whole fam’ to learn about some of our favorite feathered friends? Join this virtual, family-friendly experience by the Leslie Science and Nature Center (LSNC) to learn about owls, how animals find love in the wild, make Valentine cards as a craft, and more. This experience is a twist on the former ‘Owl Do I Love Thee’ program, this year tailored to encourage social distancing while still sharing a love for nature’s wilder side. Hoo wouldn’t enjoy that? Registration is required.
Sunday, February 14, $15-$50. 3-4pm. 734-794-6230. Lesliesnc.org. Suitable for all ages.
Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org.
For Bon Bon Bon lovers
At some point in our lives, we’ve all said, “You had me at bon-bon.”
Okay, perhaps not — but only because we’ve not experienced such circumstantial fortune. So, why not join the babes from Bon Bon Bon in Gutman Gallery for the Bon Bon Bon Pop-Up on Friday, February 12, and Saturday, February 13, from 11am to 5pm? The gallery also offers a variety of unique gifts, handcrafted jewelry, love-themed artwork, and more for the sweets in your life.
Gutman Gallery, 118 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-662-3382. theguild.org.
For Cookie Lovers
So, this includes everyone.
While sometimes the best summary of love is, ‘it’s how the cookie crumbles.’ With Valentine’s Day cookie kits and hot cocoa bombs from Lala’s, it’s the sweetest bomb.com to satiate your bestie’s taste buds and satisfy your honey’s sugar infatuation. Cookie kits include 12 sugar cookie hearts with icing and sprinkles to decorate as your heart desires. Hot cocoa bombs come in multiple fun and delicious varieties. While products are already sold-out at Lala’s, their cocoa bombs are still available at The Produce Station (1629 S. State St., Ann Arbor), and will be at Rock Paper Scissors (216 S. Main St., Ann Arbor) on Galentine’s Day (Saturday, February 13), from 11am to 4pm.
Lala’s, 5827 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-263-2543. lalasannarbor.com.
For Crafty Lovers
Gettin’ crafty with wood.
Wooden it be fun to craft together with the gals and/or your significant other? Of course, it would. Grab your fave ladies and head out for some Galentine’s fun at AR Workshop on Saturday, February 13, from 6 to 8:30pm. Choose from a variety of fun wooden projects — from home décor and signs to a wood clock, cake stand, and more! Or bring the beau for AR’s Valentine’s Day Date Night on Sunday, February 14 at either 1pm or 6 pm. Or, perhaps you prefer to get crafty at home (paired with some vino?). No problem. AR offers plenty of craft kits to take home as well. See their selection and reserve your spot at arworkshop.com.
AR Workshop, 3260 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-546-7545. arworkshop.com.
For Fine Dining Lovers
Where DID your little black dress go?
With restaurants now open, Valentine’s Day is the sweetest excuse to dust off the suit jacket and claw away the dry cleaner plastic from your LBD. Yes, it’s time to be wined and dined. Take a gander at what Gandy Dancer is offering for Valentine’s weekend. Located within the iconic, historic 1886 Michigan Central Depot railroad station, it’s an elegant setting for a romantic meal — or, pick up a meal and indulge in your own romantic setting at home. During Valentine’s weekend, from February 12to 14, Gandy Dancer is offering their special three-course prix-fixe meal for an extra indulgent culinary experience. Reservations may be made online for takeout, delivery, or in-person dining.
Gandy Dancer Restaurant, 401 Depot St., Ann Arbor, 734-769-0592. Gandydancerrestaurant.com.
For Oysters and Greenhouse Lovers
Because clearly, they DO go together.
It’s the best greenhouse effect you’ll ever experience. In fact, it’s downright fun and romantic. Black Pearl Restaurant in Ann Arbor transformed winter dining into a greenhouse experience. Instead of igloos, tiny greenhouses dot its restaurant’s patio. These warm, quaint settings seat four people and allow for outdoor dining beneath the stars. And for Valentine’s Day, Black Pearl is offering specials to help you fall in love. Bring on the oysters and champagne. Serving French Kiss, Cupid’s Arrow, and Sex on the Beach oysters to celebrate the holiday of love, variety is king, and the Chef is also featuring a special entrée and dessert from Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14. For indoor, outdoor, or takeout dining, reserve online or give them a call.
Black Pearl Restaurant, 302 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-222-0400. Blackpearlannarbor.com.
For Cheese, Wine, and Dessert Lovers
Umm, yes, please.
It’s a new special created just for Valentine’s Day — and just for you. On Saturday, February 13, enjoy ‘Hearts In The Yard’ at York Food & Drink. Two seating times are available in the Wedge (the space between the new wooden gate and the top of the Yard, near Packard). Seating times are 5:30pm and 7:30pm for groups of two or four only. Reservations include your choice of a wine selection, an artisanal cheese board, and desserts by Ellen’s Fine Goods. Reserve online.
York Food & Drink, 1928 Packard St., Ann Arbor. 734-662-0798. Yorka2.com.
For Movie Lovers
Movies, romance, and history, that is.
This Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14 at 3pm, take your valentine to the movies at Michigan Theatre, in the historic Main Auditorium. Enjoy a rare opportunity to watch A Hero For A Night (1927) — the same film that opened the Michigan Theater in January 1928. (So cool.) The event also features an original music score by organist Andrew Rogers on the recently restored Barton Theater Organ. As the event will likely sell-out, grab a virtual seat and join the livestream from the cozy comforts of home, beginning at 2:30pm.
Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty Street, Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397. Michtheater.org.
For Shopping Lovers
Grab the gals + shop local this Galentine’s Day!
As we say, six feet apart but still close at the heart. Such is the mantra for this year’s Galentine’s celebration on Saturday, February 13. Grab your gals for fun shopping where it’s ‘ROSE’ ALL DAY!’ At Rock Paper Scissors Ann Arbor, look forward to local flower bouquets, hot cocoa bombs, extra rewards, and VIP discounts. Plus, shoppers who RSVP here are eligible for an exclusive gift bag from RPS.
Rock Paper Scissors, 216 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-531-6264. Rockpaperscissorsshop.com.
For Snuggling and Sleeping Over Lovers
Pack fuzzy slippers, a toothbrush, and leave the rest at home.
Hey, romantic valentine’s getaways needn’t be far away. Looking for a place to rekindle some romance, rejuvenate with spa services (a couples massage, perhaps?), and rest peacefully without an early checkout time? If so, take your honey on a romantic getaway, complete with champagne and specialty house-made chocolates served in your room at The Kensington Hotel.
Kensington Hotel, 3500 S. State St., Ann Arbor. 866-553-0434. kcourtaa.com.
