#valentines-day

#valentines-day

My daughter came home from school the other day, talking about having to go get Valentine's Day cards. Ugh, oh yeah ... that time of year again. I'll need to get my wife a card as well, I suppose. I know how that "I suppose" might sound, but it's not what you think. My wife actually thinks they're a waste of money. The card is more for the kids than anyone.

If the pressure of finding a spot for Valentine's Day dinner is making the holiday more stressful than romantic, a low-effort steakhouse dinner at home might be just what you're looking for. While the relaxation and ambiance of a restaurant always seems like the ideal, the reality on Valentine's Day is that you're often fighting for a table in a packed spot with prices that can take all the fun out of the occasion.

From a candelit dinner to a dance party for situationships, everyone's feeling the love. Whether you think it is the most romantic day of the year or a full-on capitalistic cash grab, Valentine's Day is right around the corner-and there's no escaping it. I f you happen to have a sweetie, we recommend getting a plan together ASAP so you aren't left with a heart-shaped box of chocolates pulled straight o ut of the discount bin.

The centerpiece is Empire for Two, a date night that gives one lucky couple private access to the building's interactive exhibits and Observation Decks. The experience culminates in an intimate dinner for two on the 102nd Floor, complete with a specially decorated setting, a professional musician, vintage Dom Pérignon and a three-course chef's tasting menu by STATE Grill and Bar, paired with wines selected by the building's sommelier.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you might be starting to plan out a date night for the occasion. While some people love the idea of celebrating at a romantic restaurant, others prefer the intimacy of being at home. That said, if you've decided to stay home on the 14th, you don't have to resort to the same old food and drink you consume all week. Instead, consider being intentional with your food and wine pairing to highlight the date.

The World Ballet Company is staging a sweetheart of a production on Feb. 14 at Campbell's Heritage Theatre. Cinderella is a family-friendly Valentine's Day ballet featuring a cast of 40 international dancers representing more than 10 countries, over 150 hand-sewn costumes, handcrafted sets and choreography by Marina Kesler. The production is in line with World Ballet Company's belief that ballet is for everyone; performances are designed to appeal to both newcomers and seasoned ballet-goers.

Winter is a season for romantic gestures. Not only does Valentine's Day arrive in the middle of February, but the colder temperatures also bring a cozy atmosphere that's conducive to spending quality time with your loved one. Think nights in front of the fire, holding hands, and cuddling up to stay warm. But after the holiday rush, winter at home can also become a bit monotonous-by late January, the shorter days lose their charm-so you may want to consider booking a trip to keep romance alive and spark a sense of adventure.

Sat in a nineteenth century pub, the wine bar is hip without being pretentious, sultry without being intense and low-key without being boring. Time Out contributor Daniela Toporek paid Godet a visit back in October. She said that Godet 'can easily be spotted by its peachy-pink exterior and checkered curtains' and that, inside, the 'the vibes ridiculously cool', with vinyl DJs playing funk, soul, disco and house at a reasonable volume (one that doesn't force you to yell at one another in a deeply unromantic way).

You could lean into tradition with white tablecloths and candlelit Italian - perfect for a Lady and the Tramp-style spaghetti moment. Or perhaps French fine dining is more your speed. Some couples gravitate toward seafood, sharing a chilled platter of oysters or a towering shellfish spread, while others prefer the intensity of an omakase counter, where the evening unfolds course by course.

But in San Francisco, a growing number of people are looking for something more intentional: flowers that feel like a gift the moment they arrive. That's where Flower Icon stands apart. Instead of a traditional flower delivery service, the studio is a design-led gifting brand in which every detail, from social media to packaging, contributes to the experience. At the core of Flower Icon's Valentine's Day collection are premium seasonal blooms selected for freshness, longevity, and visual impact.