Planning the perfect date for Valentine’s Day can be the most nerve-racking Google search of your life. Finding a restaurant that’s dark-but-not-too-dark, picking out a bouquet that won’t make your lover sneeze or finding the best textured bonbon is not always an easy feat. Of course, you want to factor in your partner’s likes and dislikes, energy levels, expectations and your own happiness.
Here are some tips on how to create the perfect Valentine’s Day itinerary so that your special night is stress-free! Let’s start with the three-prong date model. Get that sweetie pie a GIFT, give them an EXPERIENCE, and always, always, buy them DINNER. With that approach in mind, check out my recs of three cities where I would wine and dine my sweetheart or take some friends out for those perfect Palentine’s Day vibes in Gwinnett County.
Feeling first date jitters? Take your darling out for a Hallmark night by visiting the charming city of Lawrenceville. Dive fully into classic romance and buy your special someone an arrangement from Lovin Florist, then whisk them off to the Aurora Theatre to immerse yourselves in the arts for a few hours. After that cultural pick-me-up, walk on over to Local Republic for an exclusive Valentine’s Day dinner menu, where the chefs put their hearts into the dishes and the bartenders make sure you have a truly excellent nightcap. Just be sure to make a reservation, because reservations are sexy.
If you want a more casual feel for your perfect date, head to downtown Duluth. Nothing says I love you more than a sweet treat, so visit The Chocolaterie to buy your lover some luxury confections! Start the date off sweet, then catch a show at Eddie Owen’s Red Clay Music Foundry, where you can hear anything from live music and stand-up comedy to dueling pianos. After building up an appetite by bopping along, treat your partner to a refined meal at Falling Rabbit to add a little wine-and-dine touch to your night. Experience fine dining in a whimsical and cozy atmosphere and indulge in Falling Rabbit’s Valentine’s weekend tasting menu, which includes a prix fixe 5-course meal, wine pairings and lovably made cocktails!
Single ladies and gents, I didn’t forget about you. It’s time to take back Valentine’s Day and invite the whole group chat on an easy-going date to Suwanee! Start your platonic date off right and treat the person beside you to some classical music, coffee and delectable macaroons at Mozart Bakery. Then, take turns embarrassing each other, serenading each other and snacking on Lamb Kabobs at Echo Karaoke (which is only a few steps away from the bakery. How handy!) After damaging your best friends’ ears, slide a few doors down to my absolute favorite Ramen bar, Umaido and buy your buddies some apology takoyaki. Laid back, fuel-efficient and fun, this (platonic) date night in Suwannee never fails!
I hope everyone’s three-prong holiday is a success this year; Cheers to all the flowers bought, experiences sought and dinners…served hot? Sorry for the cheesy rhyme but The DiG wishes you luck this Valentine’s Day!