Love is in the air…or at least its about to be!  Dazzle your date, indulge yourself, and sweeten your soul all weekend through.  From restaurants to roses, sweet somethings to notions, we left no stone unturned in our pursuit to bring you and your loved one a heart filled Valentine’s.  For those of you who prefer to skip it, there’s even something for you Anti-Valentine’s lovers.  Get ready to be moved by this list of happenings in New Castle County that will help make your February 14th be a truly indelible occasion.

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Valentines’s Day HAPPENING Spots & Activities
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~ Out On the Town ~Delaware Art Museum Valentine's Speakeasy 2016

Valentine’s Speakeasy at the Delaware Art Museum

Grab a date or a friend and head to the Delaware Art Museum for a speakeasy-inspired Valentine’s Day soirée!  Dress your best and enjoy prohibition-era cocktails, Jazz Age music by Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society, swing dancing demonstrations from the University of Delaware Swing Club, sketching in the galleries, and more.  The February 11th speakeasy is free for DAM members and only $5 for non-members.  Visit the event page for information and reservations.

Valentine’s Wine Dinner at the Chesapeake InnFourth Annual Valentine's Wine Dinner at Chesapeake Inn menu

Come celebrate your sweetie at the Chesapeake Inn’s fourth annual Valentine’s Wine Dinner on February 12.  The Valentine’s Wine Dinner is held in the Waterfront Ballroom.  The $75 per person price provides an all-inclusive five course dinner and “Wines from around the world.”  Enjoy your love for each other and a bounty of delicious food and wine.  For information, please visit the event page.

Shakespeare + St. ValentineShakespeare St. Valentine Chaddsford Winery

Delaware Shakespeare Festival brings a delightful mix of Shakespeare readings, song, and romance perfect for St. Valentine’s Day to Chaddsford Winery on February 12.  Last year’s event proved so popular, there will be two showings this year — at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.  DSF actors will celebrate Shakespeare’s lovers (and some of his not-quite-lovers) in this light-hearted evening, inside one of the area’s top attractions.  Visit the website for information and ticket package options.

Caffe GelatoCaffe Gelato Valentine's Day Dinner 2016

Caffe Gelato is taking reservations for February 12, February 13, February 14, and February 15 for its special Valentine’s weekend dinner.  Seats are $69 per person, with an additional $10 for special booth seating, including wine and champagne.  Gratuity not included.  Or get your Valentine’s Dinner to go for only $99 per couple, which includes one long stemmed rose.   Contact Caffe Gelato for information, special menu, and reservations.

Valentine’s Weekend at FireStone Roasting HouseFireStone Roasting House Valentine's Day 2016

Bring yourself and your date to the Wilmington Riverfront this romantic weekend.  FireStone has put together a very special Chef’s Menu for all the lovers out there.  The food specials run on February 11, February 12, February 13, and February 14.  Flip Like Wilson (Feb. 13) and Laura Lea with Tripp Fabulous (Feb. 14) will rock the house when it’s time to boogie.  Dinner reservations are suggested, so get on it!  More information can be found at FireStone Roasting House.

Bachetti Brothers Famous Take-Out Valentine’s DinnerBachetti Brothers Valentine 2016

On Valentine’s Day, you want to woo your lover, not waste time on food preparation.  That’s why Bachetti’s has prepared the perfect couples take-out meal.  Enjoy lobster bisque, cheesy au gratin potatoes, fresh asparagus limone, crab & boursin stuffed mushrooms, and Chocolate Decadence for dessert.  For the main course you can opt for either filet mignon (5 oz.) or boneless chicken breast (8 oz.).  The cost is only $21.99 per person!  You must order by Wednesday February 10 for pick-up February 12-14.  Doesn’t that sound delicious (and romantic)?  For information and orders, please call (302)994-4467 or visit Bachetti Brothers Gourmet Meats & Market.

Chelsea Tavern Valentine's Day 2016All Lovers Welcome to Chelsea Tavern

Downtown Wilmington is bringing the love.  Chelsea Tavern is hosting a 4-course special meal for couples on February 12, February 13, and February 14.  Check out the Valentine’s Weekend Sweetheart Package to get a taste for the menu.  The cost is $85 per couple and seating is limited.  For reservations and information, please visit Chelsea Tavern.

Valentine’s Day at Delaware Park’s At The RailAt the Rail Delaware Park Valentine 2016

Bring your special someone to At The Rail Wine Bar & Grille for an evening of delicious dinner specials, romance, and fun!  There will be a special menu for the Valentine’s Day weekend.  The special is only available Friday and Saturday while a Champagne Brunch is offered on Sunday February 14.  For information and reservations, please visit At The Rail.

Harry's Savoy GrillValentine’s Weekend at Harry’s Savoy Grill

Visit Harry’s Savoy Grill in Brandywine Hundred all weekend for your Valentine’s Day celebration.  Friday and Saturday, choose one of our tried-and-true menu favorites OR an optional Valentine’s Day 3-course menu, with or without paired wines.  On Sunday, February 14th itself, we’ll offer a special Valentine’s Day menu plus the 3-course option.  So make a reservation and enjoy your time together over a fabulous mean.  Visit Harry’s Savoy Grill for information, menus, and reservations.

Rocky Horror Valentine’s Show at That Performance PlaceRocky Horror Picture Show Valentine

Formal Dress Optional is putting on a special Valentine’s Day screening of the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at midnight on February 14.  Dress up and compete in the annual lingerie competition for a fantastic trophy!  Audience members are encouraged to participate in the festivities, including shouting jokes and obscenities, throwing props at each other (and you!), and generally having a good time.  This is an 18+ event and the doors open at 11:30 on Friday night (Feb. 13).  For more information on the show, visit the website.  Let’s do the Time Warp again!

hagley-victorine-2015-ValentinesVictorine’s Valentine’s Day at Hagley Museum

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones at Hagley.  Guests can enjoy decorating a candy bar wrapper, designing a Valentine’s card, and nibbling a gingerbread heart.  Visitors can taste gingerbread, make a Victorian Valentine using the “scrap” method, write Valentine verses with a quill pen, and design a candy bar wrapper.  This event is fun for all ages!  For information, please visit Victorine’s Valentine’s Day.

happy valentine's DayValentine’s Dinner and Overnight Stay at Clarion Hotel – The Bell

Enjoy an evening out with your special someone on February 13.  Join us in the Augusta Grille at Clarion Hotel – The Bell for a very special evening of great food and romance!  Dinner for two is $95 per couple (includes gratuity) or combine your dinner with a special Overnight Package for $195 per couple.  Visit the website or call (302)428-1000 for reservations.

Valentines Day....Be My Val-INN-tine

Enjoy a prixe menu and limited ala carte menu at the Columbus Inn on Valentine’s Day.  Both Sunday Brunch (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Dinner (5:30-8:30 p.m.) will be seated on this special day.  A “Couples Menu” is also available on Friday and Saturday nights.  Reservations are strongly suggested.  For more information, please visit the Columbus Inn.

Valentine’s Weekend at Piccolina ToscanaPiccolina Toscana Valentine 2016

Enjoy a romantic a la carte or prix fixe menu ($49 per person) on February 12, February 13, and February 14 at Trolley Square’s go-to fine Italian restaurant.  For “Lovers to Go,” pay $80 for a 4-course take-out meal that will feed a couple of lovebirds.  Piccolina Toscana is also asking patrons to “Share the Love” by bringing a food donation to benefit the Emmanuel Dining Room.  For information and reservations, please visit Piccolina Toscana.

Stone BalloonStone Balloon Valentine's Day 2016

The Stone Balloon is “the perfect place for the perfect date.”  That tagline could refer to any decade in the long-standing Newark venue’s rich and varied history.  Check out the Stone Balloon’s Valentine’s Day Facebook page for information and menu.

~ Sit Back & Relax ~

Mélomanie Valentine’s Day ConcertMelomanie

Come listen to a special Valentine’s Day musical collaboration of Mélomanie with the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts.  Guest artists are Priscilla Herreid (oboe) and Kile Smith (composer).  For information and tickets, visit the event page.

Harmony Spa ValentineValentine’s Day at Harmony Spa

Take out the stress of Valentine’s Day at Harmony Spa in Newark.  Book a chocolate scrub or a specialty massage — solo or with your lover.  Visit the event page for packages and prices.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Cielo Salon and SpaCielo Salon and Spa Valentine's Day 2016

Love is in the air at Cielo Salon and Spa in Downtown Wilmington.  Make a date with your lover for a couples massage or chocolate wrap or rose petal facial.  Complimentary wine, cheese, and chocolate will be served while you relax with that special someone.  To schedule your Valentine’s date, please call Cielo Salon at (302)575-0400.

 

~ Sweets for your Sweet ~

Sweet Somethings Desserts makes handmade cakes, pies, tortes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and more at its 1006 North Union Street, Wilmington location.chocolates

The Govatos family has been perfecting the art of making chocolates since 1894, so when you taste their wonderful treats, you experience more than 110 years of pride, craftsmanship, and tradition.  Govatos uses recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation which gives their chocolates a consistent, old-fashioned quality.  That’s why Govatos Chocolates are a time-honored Valentine’s Day favorite.  Govatos is “The Taste of Tradition” and can be found at 800 North Market Street in Wilmington.

Check out more sweets via our Happening List Nominees:

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~ Sweet Notions ~Valentines-love-note-napkin

  • “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.” — Thomas Merton
  • “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” — Charles M. Schulz
  • If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” — A. A. Milne
  • If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love.” — Maya Angelou
  • Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love.” — William Shakespeare
  • For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” — Judy Garland

Anti-Valentine's Day

Not everyone is enamored with Valentine’s Day…the lonely, the broken-hearted, the singles, the victims of the 1929 The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre where seven mob associates were murdered in Chicago.  There is an alternative…

Anti-Valentine’s Day Concert at Rainbow RecordsAnti-Valentine's Day at Rainbow Records

Join the downtrodden lovers on Febuary 13th at the Anti-Valentine’s Day Concert in downtown Newark.  Weekday Warriors are proud to be putting on this event with the help of Rainbow Records and can’t wait to share the stage with our friends Talay, Sarah Koon, and DJ Gingerfox!  This is a BYOB show so feel free to bring alcohol to loosen yourselves up so you can dance with us.  There is NO COVER, but we will have a band donations jar to help them out.  For information, visit the event page.

 

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