Louie's Trophy House
629 Walbridge St., Kalamazoo
louieskzoo.com, (269) 385-9359
If you're looking to avoid romance altogether, opt for a night out with your fellow single pals at the bar. Treat this day of love as any other night where it's about booze and buddies. Louie's Trophy House offers that rough-around-the-edges appeal that will keep schmoopy and muffin away as they try to recreate The Notebook. If you love live music, Koffin Kats, Murder Party and The Sailor Kicks perform on Feb. 13. Specials that night include $4 Grey Goose and Wild Turkey. Go before 5 p.m. on Saturday and get $1 off all Michigan beers.
Lady Godiva's, Erica's Erotic Accessories, Studs
234 Market St. SW, Grand Rapids
(616) 458-0300
Lady Godivas, Erica's Erotic Accessories and Studs (all housed in the same building) offers all of Valentine's Day pleasures without the commitment. According to General Manager Michelle Blair, Valentine's Day is the one of the biggest days of the year for Erica's Erotic Accessories, which sells adult novelty items. Blair also mentions the benefit of singles coming into Lady Godiva's and Studs. "[It's] entertainment they otherwise wouldn't have," Blair said about those going stag on V-Day. "You get the company of a person versus sitting home alone." Plus, you get the bonus of a breakfast buffet, which runs from 2-4 a.m. on Saturdays. Oh, well look at that. Valentine's Day is a Saturday.
Potterday: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Alamo Drafthouse, Kalamazoo
Feb. 14, 2 p.m.
$5
drafthouse.com/kalamazoo, (269) 532-7990
Spend Valentine's Day afternoon with a few dozen Potterheads at Alamo Drafthouse. The Kalamazoo location is continuing its Potterday series, with Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince showing on Feb. 14. Grab a pint of Butterbeer (OK, Alamo only sells regular beer, but we can pretend) and enjoy HP surrounded by kindred spirits. When you're in a room filled with HP fans and spending two hours with Harry, Ron and Hermione, there is really no way you could feel alone.
Club 616
There are plenty of West Michigan couples looking for an adventurous single at Club 616. The club is the best place to meet up with swingers, if that's your jam. Make this a Valentine's Day to remember and be the object of affection for someone without the hassle of wining and dining them. On Feb. 7, there's a 616 Naughty Valentine's event, where you can forget your relationship status and mingle with others interested in exploring their sexuality.
Treat Yo Self
Anywhere
$HoweverMuchIsInYourBankAccount
OR, you can take all that money you would spend on a date and spend it on yourself. Treat the person you have to spend every day with. Get a massage, buy yourself some gourmet chocolates, get a new wardrobe. In case you need some ideas to get your SplurgeFest 2015 going, we have some:
Spa!
Harbor Health and Massage
29 W. 8th St., Suite 230, Holland
harborhealthandmassage.com, (616) 510-2155
Get a number of therapy treatments from relaxation and therapeutic massages to hot stone treatments, steam therapy and acupuncture.
Books!
Schuler Books
2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561
Vault of Midnight
95 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids
vaultofmidnight.com, (616) 776-9013
The Bookman
715 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
bookmangrandhaven.com, (616) 846-3520
No matter what you're into, there's a book store for you. If comics and pop culture are what you're looking for, Vault of Midnight is your Mecca. Schuler and The Bookman are two local shops that offer both new and used titles. Sift through the used sections and chances are you'll find a recent best seller you've been eying at a reduced price.
Art!
Water Street Gallery
98 Center St., Douglas
waterstreetgallery.com, (616) 857-8485
Gallery Uptown
201 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
galleryuptown.net, (616) 846-5460
If you're a collector of all the fine things in life, add another one to your growing goods. Stop by Water Street Gallery in Douglas for a mix of artists from and outside of West Michigan that work in diverse mediums. The gallery is open Friday through Saturday, but personal appointments can be made during closed hours. Head up the lakeshore to Gallery Uptown, the oldest artist-owned gallery in Michigan. Support local West Michigan artists with a number of pieces available.
