Whether your sweetheart loves to explore the Northern Michigan outdoors or enjoys a glass of locally-made wine, these romantic ideas and events are sure to make your Northern Michigan Valentine’s Day celebrations extra sweet.


1. 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 over 20 Leelanau wineries. Each winery will offer a savory or sweet food with a wine pairing. Enjoy this pre-Valentine’s event and stock up on your favorite vintages to pour together on February 14.

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Buy Tickets Now2. Make a Batch of Sweet Treats

Chocolate is a necessary ingredient for a successful Valentine’s Day. Bring the whole family together, and spend the day making these easy-peasy holiday desserts from MyNorth’s recipe directory.

3. Escape to Leelanau County

The Leland Lodge is offering a special Valentine’s Day package for you and your sweetheart. Enjoy dinner for two at the Wine Cellar, dessert brought to your room, chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling wine. Call 231.256.9848 to make a reservation.

4. Celebrate Your Love for Craft Beer

Who says you have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Grab your friends and a drink at the 7th annual Traverse City Winter Microbrew and Music Festival. Breweries, cideries, meaderies, and wineries will have their finest craft brews on tap. Plus there will be great music, delicious local food, and thousands of other craft brew and music lovers.

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5. Visit Chocolate-Covered Boyne City

A whole weekend dedicated to chocolate? We’ll be there! Celebrate everything cacao at the Chocolate Covered Winterfest in Boyne City. There will be plenty of chocoholic events including the ultimate chocolate breakfast, a chocolate dessert contest, and hot chocolate in the park. Get the full schedule of events here.

6. Take a Winter Retreat to Mackinac Island

The hearty few who venture to the island during the off-season are rewarded with a quiet winter paradise perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. Join the locals on Valentine’s weekend for the Great Turtle Chili Cook Off & Washington’s Birthday Bash. The annual chili cook-off takes place at Cawthorne’s Village Inn on Saturday, February 13, giving chefs and average Joe’s a chance to duke it out for the first, second and third place honors. If you would like to compete, please call Travis at the Village Inn at 906.847.3542.

7. Catch Your Fish

We’ve all heard there are plenty more fish in the sea. Well, go catch yours! For two days, twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premiere outdoor activities, fishing, for free! This year, the winter weekend falls on February 13 to 14. During those two days, all fishing license fees will be waived, and residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes’ waters for all species of fish (all fishing regulations will still apply).

Still looking for a gift for your Northern Michigan Valentine’s Day? Here are 11 Michigan-inspired Valentine’s Day gifts on ShopMyNorth! Or, drop a not-so-subtle hint with the 2016 issue of MyNorth Wedding!

Michigan Destination Wedding


More Northern Michigan Weddings

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Photo(s) by Courtney Jerome