Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and between storms, and the Eagles parade you may be wondering what you could do to make it a great one. Here are my suggestions for some in home and out of the home Valentine’s Day fun.
Make it Personal
Some of the best Valentine’s Day memories I have had started when my husband makes it personal. Instead of just the cliché items like candy and flowers he has always thought about the things that I enjoy or life. For instance, he listens when I talk so for the last few years, he would gift me a new blog equipment that I would have bought myself.
If I said how I needed to purchase new lipsticks he would get a gift card and inside of the card would be a saying like, “no matter the shade your kisses bring me joy.” These small things really make a gift no matter how big or small feel like you hit the jackpot.
So, think in and out of the box. My first Valentine’s Day married instead of flowers he got me a dozen cupcake flowers from a local bakery. They were cute and I often look at the pictures. This goes for both men and women. Do not think that men are the only one to give gifts. Make their day special too. I like to do gift baskets of the items my husband needs but won’t buy himself. To save on Flowers from 1-800 use my link to help. Think facial and other skin care, gift cards to his favorite store, candies and more.
Here are some in Home Ways to Celebrate:
• Dessert or other charcuterie board
• Make desserts or cook together for dinner for two
• Netflix and chill with elevated experience with the food, go all out with décor
• Paint and sip
• Indoor picnic
• Spa day
• Breakfast in bed
• Mixology competition
• Game Day
Want to add in a little love flare with pizza? Lamberti Pizza and Market is offering special heart shaped pizza-grams this year – available in cheese ($18), pepperoni ($20.25) and margherita ($21.00) (fresh mozzarella, evoo, fresh basil, filetto di pomodoro sauce). Other pizza varieties on gourmet menu are available for $18.00 base plus the cost of additional toppings.
Looking to go out in Philadelphia for Valentine’s Day
City Winery Philadelphia is a wonderful choice. From wine tasting, dinner, or dinner and a show they have you covered. My husband and I just went, and we chose a seat to ourselves, and it was beautiful to be in the company but also enjoy some alone time. The food was good, and they customized my pizza to my liking. The wines are always good I recommend their Chardonnay and their Sweet Philly Red as some of my favorites. We just danced, sang, and enjoyed each other.
Here are some of my personal favorite restaurants to recommend:
Positano Coast
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti will go dark and light up the restaurant, bar, and dining rooms with hundreds of candles for one of Philadelphia’s most unique Valentine’s weekend traditions!
Valentine’s by Candlelight returns this year and expands to two days in 2025 – Friday, February 14th and Saturday, February 15th. Look up as you walk through Old City as the warm glow will light up the windows and out into Historic Philadelphia on both days! The Lamberti family presents the most romantic and elite vibes to partner with their extensive list of Valentine’s weekend food and drink features. Make your reservations.
Rosy’s Taco Bar in Rittenhouse
They have a prix fix menu for $90 which includes a pitcher of house margaritas, three orders of tacos, and churros. Rosy’s Taco bar is a great taco place too. Add a little more to your order it is worth the trip.
Fearless Restaurants
They have several restaurants. Honestly, any of them I have featured and stand behind their food and service. Moshulu is a great one. Nothing like being on a boat docked by the water with great options. They have a $125pp that includes a 3-course menu. You can always add things to this menu, but the options have something for everyone. The ambiance on the Moshulu is stunning to say the least too.
Thinking of staying far away from the city due to the Eagles parade?
No problem. I have a few of my favorites.
Amada Philadelphia or Radnor
This is a great spot for tapas and the best selections of wine. There is also valet parking at the Radnor location. I like Radnor one a little more due to great parking options and it’s a bit bigger. The Philadelphia location is special too! Both are honoring the specials! They have a Galantine’s and Valentine’s special. For Valentine’s head in for a four course $85 Chef’s tasting menu with the Prix Fixe menu available too. Make a reservation at Radnor or Philly.
Autograph Brasserie
Think steak and more for their special. Make sure you make a reservation. Dinner for two for $150 includes
- 32oz Dry Aged Porterhouse
- Anchovy butter
- Sauce Flight: Chimichurri, Au Poivre, Red Wine Demi-Glace
- Sweet Potato Puree grated horseradish
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts apple cider vinaigrette
You can also add:
- Day Boat Scallops $50: crab agnolotti, sweet peas, garlic gremolata, lemon butter
- Surf & Turf Add On
7oz Lobster Tail $52 - Milk Chocolate Passion Bomb $12
Eagles Parade but make it a Valentine
The Eagles parade is happening this Friday. I would suggest that you go and take your Valentine with you. Get yourself some new gear and enjoy. Also, there are several area spots to stop at while there for a quick cocktail before heading home for in home time or make a reservation for dinner. Steak 48, Attico, or Loch Bar Philly.
Looking for Drink Specials
Craft Hall is a fantastic way to spend Valentine’s Day. They have excellent selection of food. Its spacious and there is nearby parking. Honesty it’s a wonderful way to have a low-key day or weekend. They have a lot of mocktail and cocktail specials.
Don’t forget the Kids this Valentine’s Day
I have been seeing so much chatter online about how Valentine’s Day is for romantic love. Listen no it’s not just that. I show my kids how I care in all that I do for them. As a parent I’m the uber, chef, and more however on these specials day I am going to show it a little more. I am an extra type of parent. So along with my Valentine’s Day décor, the table will be decorated and ready for them at wake up. They get gift baskets and so much more.
Make them a Valentine’s Day to remember too. My son is learning that being thoughtful for the right type of young lady matters. If we do what we do, we remind our daughters not to accept any excuses from someone’s raggedy son.
Gift Giving
Make it personal. Add the things that will make your person special. Think about ways you can take things off the plates of your person. If there are things like special lotions or more that your person would love, and you add them to a basket that just helped with one less thing for them to get. Has your person been saying they needed more clothes, gift them a gift card to their favorite store. Use my Amazon store to help you. This will help you get the items in enough time to make their baskets special.
So, you have options and time to make Valentine’s Day special. Yes, we know it’s a manmade day. You don’t have to go all out for the day. However, I will say this don’t play yourself either. Some people have spouses who like the fanfare, but they aren’t into it. Get your person something and make the day special even if you don’t want anything in return. However, speak up. Too many couples aren’t honest with one another. As these days come and go the built-up resentment increases.
Mushroom foraged mushroom / fresh ricotta pesto and I added drizzled hot honey courtesy of Toi of Toitimeblog at City Winery
Be kind, loving, and respectful to one another. Also respect yourself too. If you are not with someone do not find yourself with someone else’s spouse just to avoid being alone. Sending love to everyone.
