Life’s not a sitcom: You don’t have to dress up and go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy Valentine’s Day in West Michigan. Whether you’re single, dating or married, there are a ton of unique things to do and places to visit to guarantee a totally sweet day. We’ve got the scoop.
Sip and Sample at House of Wine
53 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids
houseofwinegr.com
Skip the steakhouse and discover more than 70 great glasses of wine at one of West Michigan’s hidden gems: House of Wine. Create your own charcuterie board and wine flight to explore wines from all over the world, including local and Michigan wines. They’ll also have a special cocktail just for Valentine’s Day! Then, bundle up and finish your evening with a walk around Rosa Parks Circle.
MISSING U: A Robyn Valentine’s Party at Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Feb. 14, 9:30 p.m., $10
pyramidschemebar.com
A full night dedicated to Robyn’s music is back at the Pyramid Scheme! Whether you’re single and looking for love or want to dance the night away with your date, you should wear your best outfit, strap on comfortable dancing shoes, and show your love for Robyn on Valentine’s Day. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit the Grand Rapids Pride Center.
Save Pups With Pints at Kalamazoo Beer Exchange
211 E. Water St., Kalamazoo
Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
kalamazoobeerexchange.com
Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is generously donating 25% of proceeds on Feb. 14 to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Southwest Michigan. Bring your friends, family or significant other and support your love for pups while enjoying 28 beers on tap and excellent food. Pro-tip: Visit between the hours of 6-8 p.m. for a chance to meet adorable, adoptable puppies.
Candlelit Hike at Blandford Nature Center
1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Feb. 13-15, $25 for non-members
blandfordnaturecenter.org
Bundle up and hit the trails with your sweetie for a candlelit snowshoe hike through Blandford Nature Center. This event is beginner friendly and will take place regardless of snowfall, but it’s also for ages 21 and older, because after your hike, you’ll cozy up by the fireplace while enjoying a bite of chocolate and refreshments. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow a pair.
Spirits, Chocolate and Cocktails Pairing at Long Road Distillers
Feb. 14, $50 for two adults
537 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids
longroaddistillers.com
Nothing pairs better with Valentine’s Day than chocolate — except for chocolate and cocktails. Loosen up with some tasty libations from Long Road Distillers, perfectly paired with handcrafted chocolates from Mokaya Chocolate Boutique. Hang out at the private Rickhouse Bar Event Space and be guided through four unique pairings. Each pairing features a chocolate, a spirit, and a cocktail sample. The Valentine’s Day event is offered at four different times. Visit Long Road’s facebook for more information and reservations.
Passion and Art at the Grand Rapids Ballet
341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Feb. 14-16
grballet.com
Explore the timeless themes of love and desire through the powerful medium of dance with the Grand Rapids Ballet. From the classic scenes of Romeo and Juliet to the contemporary takes on love and loss in Wild Sweet Love, the Eternal Desire show is a fresh look at humanity and our innate desires. Featuring a world premiere of Artistic Director James Sofranko’s take on the Romeo and Juliet Pas de Deux; the return of Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love; and music by Queen, Roberta Flack, and The Partridge Family; it’s a night full of hopes, dreams, and the passion of dance.
Create a Signature Scent at Wax Poetic
1423 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
waxpoeticcandlebar.com
Whether it’s conscious or subconscious, we attach smell to memories, events and people. Wax Poetic offers a unique opportunity to craft your own custom scent at their Candle Bar. Select the size, container, and up to three scents to mix into the wax and your candle creation is ready for pickup the following day. Plus, on Valentine’s Day, you can pay a tad extra for two cupcakes and a bouquet of flowers! ν
