Valentine’s In Vancouver: Our Local Date Night Guide
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner which has got us putting together the perfect date night to spend with a significant other, a Galentine’s day girls night, or maybe a night of self-care! However you celebrate Valentine’s, we’ve put together a list of local businesses, adventures, and activities that can help you ring in the romance this year.
The Classic Date Night
1) WINE & DINE AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT
If you’re looking for a quintessential Valentine’s Day in Vancouver, complete with wine, chocolate, and a candlelight dinner, then look no further than the amazing local restaurants that have curated special menus for the evening. The Vancouver Waterfront is home to many romantic, highly rated, and locally-owned restaurants like The Cove and DEDIKo, or head into Downtown Vancouver for a night at local favorites La Bottega, Willow Restaurant, or Amaro’s Table.
2)CURATE A SPECIAL NIGHT IN
If you’re looking for that classic Valentine’s Day evening minus the battle for reservation space, we’ve got you covered there too.
With some of the best produce, fish, meats, and wines in the world available right at our fingertips here in the Pacific Northwest, a fantastic way to show your loved one how much they mean to you is by crafting a delicious, locally sourced meal. Try this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe with fresh-caught Salmon, or go for a Valentine’s Day classic with Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with a prime cut of meat from the Butcher Boys. Of course, don’t forget to pour a glass of Washington wine to complete your meal. Look for an oak-aged Chardonnay like Woodward Canyon Chardonnay to pair with the salmon, or a balanced and rich Pinot Noir like Elk Cove La Bohème Pinot Noir to complement the Filet Mignon.
3) DATE NIGHT MINUS THE FUSS
If you and your partner are all about date night but minus the pomp and circumstance, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to explore some of the interesting and off-the-beaten-path spots. Get competitive at Vault31 Video Game Lounge & Bar or enjoy unique drinks at UnderBar, a speakeasy-themed cocktail lounge. For a unique spot to enjoy a late-night coffee and dessert, venture over to Rimsky’s Korsakoffee House (we’re only somewhat convinced that place is haunted…)
Valentines Adventure
1) GET OUT AND EXPLORE
This year, Valentine’s Day is forecasted to be a classic rainy PNW day, but Saturday and Sunday of this week are just begging for outdoor exploration with a balmy forecast of nearly 60 degrees and sunny! Celebrate Valentine’s a day or two early this year by ticking something off your Pacific Northwest Bucket List. Brave the heights and enjoy a picnic at the top of Angel’s Rest Trail looking over a stunning panorama of the Columbia River Gorge, or drive up to the Johnston Ridge Observatory for an unbeatable view of Mount Saint Helens. With truly countless top-rated hiking trails and nature destinations at our fingertips, you’re sure to find a perfect nature adventure to celebrate the holiday.
2) BOOK A STAYCATION
What better way to step away from the hustle and bustle than to escape to a romantic hotel room and enjoy each other’s company? Enjoy a night of luxury at the Heathman Lodge with their romance package, or spend a night with a view at the Fairmont Luxury Waterfront Hotel. To bump it up a notch, stock up on chocolates at locally owned Fleur Chocolatte and flowers at top-rated Stem Floral Design.
3) TRY SOMETHING NEW
One of our favorite ways to spend time with our loved ones is by trying out a new activity sure to leave lasting memories. Do just that this Valentine’s Day by signing up for the “Valentines Special Couples Make & Take” painting class at Vancouver Art Space. If you’d rather be the one buying the art rather than making it, be sure to head over to the annual Valentine’s Day Night Market this Friday, February 11th for a night of live music, dance lessons, and over 80 local vendors and artisans.
Single And Ready To Mingle
1) TREAT YOURSELF TO A SPA DAY
Take a trip to Silk Hands Spa for a day of pampering and primping, get your nails done at Revival Nail Salon, or build yourself a spa day with a bubble bath, face mask, glass of wine, and your favorite movie. We live such hectic lives that self-care is often left by the wayside. This Valentine’s treat yourself to a perfect day!
2) HOST A GALENTINES DAY DATE
It’s time to round up the girls for a night on the town! Head into Portland for a night of food and drinks, go to a movie, or go on any of the date night ideas we’ve listed above. Sample new wines and chocolate with the Southwest Winery Associations Valentine’s Day “Wine and Chocolate Passport” or host a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite comfort foods. This holiday is about celebrating LOVE and all the many ways that it manifests in our lives.
3) SPEND A DAY GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
If you’re looking for a fulfilling way to spend Valentine’s Day in Vancouver, it’s a perfect time to volunteer at one of the many local Clark County non-profits. We are proud partners of the Southwest Humane Society and truly can’t think of a better way to spend Valentine’s than by volunteering to give the animals a little extra love for the day. Check their website for more information about volunteer positions available or give them a call to ask about how you can get involved for a day. There are even ways to get kids involved by putting craft skills to work to create toys and enrichment tools for the shelter animals. There are countless other non-profits in our area always looking for extra hands to assist, so do some research about a cause you are passionate about and volunteer to lend a hand this Valentine’s Day!