Love is in the Air – Valentine’s Day in STL
Good news for all you lovebirds out there – St. Louis was recently named one of the top 10 romantic cities in the country by OpenTable (just in time for Valentine’s Day!). Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family or a significant other, here’s how you can enjoy the holiday of love in St. Louis this weekend.
- For those with a sweet tooth: Take a Chocolate Factory Tour.
- The Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company factory, candy kitchen and world headquarters, located at Interstate 44 and Kingshighway, offers free public tours six days a week. A tour guide will take you onto the factory floor, where you can see, hear, smell and taste fresh chocolates and candies. For reservations, call 314-338-3501.
- For those with two left feet: Learn to dance at Casa Loma Ballroom.
- Grab your partner and dance the night away at Casa Loma Ballroom for a special Valentine’s Day dance lesson! Friday night’s swing dance lesson features Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers, and Saturday’s lesson features the old time rock and roll favorites of The Facts ‘O Life. Admission is $10/person.
- For the winos: Attend a wine tasting.
- Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, Ill., hosts an afternoon wine tasting on Saturday ($20 for new wine club members), and Mount Pleasant Winery has planned a special romantic dinner for two featuring stuffed pork loin, prime rib and chocolate swirl cheesecake ($99 per couple), just to name a few.
- For the thrill-seekers: Spend the afternoon rock climbing.
- Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned veteran, rock climbing indoors at Upper Limits offers the perfect adventure. With locations downtown and in West County each offering their own unique features and tons of climbing, Upper Limits instructors teach various classes and private lessons for all skillsets. An adult daypass is $14, plus rental fees.
- For the theater-goers: See a live performance.
- Get your live music fix at Blueberry Hill, where Tor Miller will take the stage on Valentine’s night ($10 per person in advance/$12 per person the day of the show), or at the St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall for a special Las Vegas Valentine’s Songbook performance (tickets range from $30 to $65). If you prefer dance, Saint Louis Ballet debuts its contemporary romantic program In it for Love at the Touhill (tickets range from $32 to $51), and Shen Yun performances are scheduled all weekend at the Peabody Opera House (tickets range from $60 to $150).
- For the history buffs: Visit one of STL’s many museums.
- Spend the afternoon taking in the museum exhibits at the Old Courthouse, Missouri History Museum, or St. Louis Art Museum, followed by date night with your valentine at one of St. Louis’ most romantic restaurants, such as Kemoll’s or Cielo at the Four Seasons (dinner with a side of the Gateway Arch? We think yes!).