Northern Michigan Events: Away, we say, with the tired box of chocolates, the kitschy Teddy Bear, even the clichéd bouquet of roses.
Choose one (or all!) of these six ideas for a distinctly Northern Michigan Valentine's.
A Pre-Valentine's Day Cooking Class:
Make your way to Chateau Chantal this February for a Valentine-themed cooking class with Chef Perry Harmon. Come solo to learn your way into your loved one's heart, or bring your date to the class and cook a gourmet meal together while also enjoying your preparations with wine pairings.
When: 12:30-4:30pm, February 9
Where: Chateau Chantal, Traverse City
Call for more information or to reserve a spot (or two!): 800.969.4009 or book online on the Chateau Chantal website.
Take a Northern Michigan Wine Tour:
The wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail are hosting their annual "Taste the Passion" winter wine tour—meaning you and your sweetie can visit up to 20 wineries. Each winery will offer a savory or sweet food with a wine pairing. Enjoy this pre-Valentine's wine tour and stock up on your favorite vintages to pour together on February 14.
When: February 2-3
Where: Leelanau Peninsula
For more information on tickets or lodging packages visit lpwines.com
Sipping Wine, Enjoy a Concert:
Take your date to the gorgeous Black Star Farms for a night of wine and romantic jazz. The winery will be hosting its second jazz cafe in the Aquarius Room on Valentines Day evening. The ensemble features talented local musicians Mike Davis, Jack Dryden, Steve Stargardt and Janice Keegan. So cozy up by their fireplace, indulge in some Northern Michigan spirits and appetizers while enjoying the sounds of local jazz.
When: 7pm, February 14
Where: Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay
To make reservations call 231.944.1251 or visit the Black Star Farms website for more information.
Make it a Family Matter:
If the Valentine's Day weather is looking to be ornery, bring the whole family into the kitchen and celebrate Valentine's Day Betty Crocker style with these delicious Northern Michigan Recipes. Here are five of our favorites. Yum!
1. Traverse City Valentine's Cookies with Dip-It Icing!
2. Chocolate Pâté (from the chef-owner of Traverse City's Patisserie Amie)
3. Truffles (a holiday favorite from the chef-owner of Traverse City's Patisserie Amie)
4. Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with Northern Michigan Balaton Cherry Compote
Find a Special Someone:
Looking for someone to say "be mine" to? We've got you covered. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting "Mitten Mixers" for those of you who are single and ready to mingle in the Northern Michigan outdoors. There will be four days of different activities held at numerous Northern Michigan state park and recreation areas. Activities include lantern-lit snowshoeing, stargazing walk, sunset snowshoeing, ice skating, scavenger hunts, and coffee tasting.
When: Thursday February 14 – Sunday February 17
Where: William Mitchell State Park, Wilderness State Park, Proud Lake Recreation Area, Muskegon State Park, Holly State Recreation Area, Pinckney State Recreation Area
To plan a night at one of these events or for more information, visit the park websites listed above. Or visit Michigan's DNR website.
Get Your Laugh On:
Traverse City is hosting its first annual winter and comedy festival. You and your lover can enjoy tons of stand-up comedy shows, skits, movies and more. You can even enjoy ice skating, a winter ferris wheel ride (SO romantic), sledding and sports—making it perfect for a fun date, or a family Valentine's celebration. No better way to spend a Valentine's Day than a weekend filled with laughs and fun!
When:Thursday February 14 – Sunday February 17
Where: Downtown Traverse City
To buy tickets, get more information or check out the line up, visit the Traverse City Winter Comedy and Arts Festival website.
What about possibly using a sluice box to find more coins.