It’s February, which means love is in the chilly winter air once again—Valentine’s Day is here.
As life keeps moving forward and new distractions constantly arise, it’s easy to let romance slip through the cracks, which is why Valentine’s provides the perfect opportunity to give your significant other the attention they deserve. It’s not just about buying expensive jewelry, but doing something thoughtful and intentional to show you care.
We’ll let you handle the gifts, but we’re here to help provide a few ideas for the perfect Valentine’s Day dates with your loved one, whether it’s going out to eat, cooking together, learning to dance or snapping some intimate photos.
Visit the Planetarium
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St., NW, Grand Rapids
grpm.org
Nothing says romance like lying back in a dark room and soaring through the stars while holding hands. You could visit on Valentine’s Day itself for one of the fun cosmic movies like Under Starlit Skies and Big Astronomy, or wait for Concerts Under the Stars, featuring live local music and visuals. February has Phabies performing Feb. 12 and 13 with artist Kristin Zuller.
Learn to Dance
Moveir Dance Studio
2483 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming
moveirdancestudio.com
Dancing with your loved one is a bit of a lost art, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how to work and move together with a dance class at Moveir, teaching you whatever styles you want to learn, whether it’s a casual and social waltz to a more complex and physical swing dance. Bust out your new moves at the next dance party and all your friends will be jealous.
Couples Massage
Design 1 Salon Spa
Multiple locations
design1.com
The only thing more relaxing than a massage is getting to see your partner relax along with you. There are a few places around West Michigan that offer side-by-side massages, and at Design 1 you can even ramp up the experience with special touches like hot stones, warm bamboo or cupping. Head home blissed out and cozy up!
Learn How to Cook Together
The Local Epicurean
1440 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
thelocalepicurean.com
Cooking for your significant other can certainly be romantic, but first you should learn how, and doing so together is a great date on its own! Head somewhere like The Local Epicurean, where you can take basic cooking classes that require no background, like Pasta 101, making ribbons and ravioli. These classes also come with a cooked meal, and you can buy tasty drinks while there.
See the Gardens in a New Light
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 E. Beltline Ave., Grand Rapids
meijergardens.org
Just about everyone has been to Frederik Meijer Gardens at some point in the sunny seasons, but you might not know they’re just as beautiful in winter! Enjoy a nice warm time inside with cacti, big tropical plants and art galleries. Then head outside for sculptures and the Japanese Gardens, designed to be enjoyed in winter.
Love On Ice
Rosa Parks Circle
135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids
Rosa Parks Circle is back open and ready for all skaters. They’ve streamlined things with 90-minute skating sessions (and resurfacing in-between), which you can either reserve ahead of time or just show up and walk in. There’s nothing like holding hands, desperately trying to keep each other from falling on the ice while laughing the whole time. Head to a café nearby for hot cocoa afterward. And on Valentine's Day itself, stop by for Love On Ice, a romantic, fun-filled evening of ice skating, sketch portraits and photo ops.
Book a Boudoir Shoot
We have an incredible amount of quality photographers in West Michigan who are highly skilled at boudoir shoots—the perfect gift to spice things up with your significant other, or even just to help yourself feel empowered and sexy! A great boudoir photographer will help you pose, hype you up and do everything possible to make you comfortable. Boudoir X Alyssa, K. Suzanne Photography, and Mod Bettie Portrait are just a few local choices.
Go Out for Dinner
This is the classic, tried-and-true Valentine’s experience. It’s the perfect excuse to splurge on a nice dinner you wouldn’t typically have a Tuesday night. While absolutely any eatery can be a date spot as long as you treat it like one, here are just a few of our suggestions:
MDRD: Upscale and high up (27 floors). Get your reservation ASAP!
Gin Gin's: Stylish yet warm and inviting, high-end food in a comfortable setting.
Allora: The coasts of Italy brought to West Michigan, with plenty of wine and cocktails to pair.
Grove: Experimental and forward-thinking, for the true blue foodies.
Principle: Modern deliciousness and craft cocktails in Kalamazoo.
San Chez: Tapas! Perfect for sharing, and sharing, and sharing.
Mertens Prime: French excellence in a gorgeously historic setting.
Café Mamo: Cute and cozy, with an everchanging, always fantastic menu.
