Show some love to your special someone (and yourself!) this month with these Northern Michigan Valentine’s Day events, specials and getaways.
TADL Blind-Date-with-a-Book Program // February 1–14
Looking ahead to Valentine’s Day, the Main Library in Traverse City is offering readers the chance to go on a blind date with a book. The books are selected by librarians and wrapped in paper. Adult Services Librarian Melissa McKenna notes the program has been popular with readers in past years. If you would like to have a blind date with a book just ask your Main Library curbside operator to set you up—they’ll check out the wrapped book for you and put it in your curbside bag.
Free Fishing Weekend // February 13–14
Take your Valentine … fishing? Heck yes! Two weeks a year, residents and out-of-state visitors take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend (license fees waived and Recreation Passports are not required for entry into state parks).
Beaver Dam Olympics // February 14
The Annual Beaver Dam Olympics at Otsego Resort in Gaylord features four-person teams competing in four activity relays including sack race, corn hole, beer pong and plank skis. Prizes available for 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place teams.
Virtual Movie “The Kiss” with Gretta Garbo // February 14–21
“The Kiss” is a 1929 American silent drama film starring Greta Gabo, Conrad Nagel and Lew Ayre in his first feature film. Based on a short story by George M. Saville, “The Kiss” bears the same title as the 1896 short that “shocked” the American public by being the first motion picture to depict a couple kissing. This is the second virtual silent movie being hosted by The Music House Museum in Williamsburg.
Fall in Love with Hotel Earl // February 10–14
Looking for a sweet escape with your Valentine? Enjoy the perfect stay for two and share the love at Hotel Earl, Charlevoix. The Valentine’s Package includes overnight accommodations, continental breakfast for two, a personal cake specially created from That French Place, a chilled bottle of Prosecco, rose petal turndown and a late 2 p.m. checkout.
Moonlight Snowshoe Hike // February 20
White Birch Outfitters and Tubbs and Atlas present a guided snowshoe hike on an interesting new route followed by an outdoor fire and refreshments at the River Cabin at Otsego Resort in Gaylord. Limited rentals are available; reserve yours here.
Black Star Farms Valentine’s Dinner for Two // February 13
When only the best will do for your loved one! Treat your sweetheart to a special three-course takeaway dinner created with love by our inspired culinary team. Let us help you create a romantic evening at home!
Igloos & Outdoor Heated Pool // Thru February
West Bay Beach, a Delamar Resort, in Traverse City knows that options to get out of the house and have a great, safe night are limited, so they’ve worked to make their igloos a special experience. Enjoy a full dinner or a sharable menu alongside the outdoor heated pool (open throughout the winter and kept at 95 degrees). You don’t have to be a resort guest to reserve an igloo. Looking for something more intimate? Let them take care of everything for you and your sweetheart with the Month of Love & Exhilaration package or book the romance package to relax with the one you love in the beautiful waterfront setting.
Shady Lane Cellars Fireside & Trails // Thru February
The staff at Shady Lane Cellars in Suttons Bay are embracing this winter season with a newly-expanded outdoor trail and a chance to warm up by the fire with a bold red wine and your Valentine.
February Valentine Gift to Our Healthcare Workers // Friday-Sunday thru February
Throughout the month of February, the Music House Museum in Williamsburg will be offering free tours to medical workers. “You sacrifice so much for us and we want to offer a little break to enjoy the enduring magic of music.”