We are so in love with love that The National Retail Foundation estimates Americans spent about $21.8 billion in 2021 for Valentine’s Day-related items and activities - all month long. Keeping those dollars local and enjoying a night in your hometown is a fabulous idea!
Buying local helps preserve our economy and there’s no shortage of romantic and fun places to enjoy. So, where will you take your love during this month of love? Indulging in Italian fare is, of course, classic romance and there is no shortage of quality and authentic Italian restaurants in southeast Michigan.
Or maybe you want to try something a bit different. Whether it’s a friend, love, or family member, we have ideas to keep it local and keep your honey happy to celebrate love all February long:
NOVI
Novi Ice Arena, 42400 Nick Lidstrom Drive, (248) 347-1010
A perfect Valentine’s Day lunch date: You pack a lunch, grab your skates, head over to the Novi Ice Arena, lace ‘em up, and pretend you’re in the 2022 Winter Olympics as you and your partner glide across the ice. The arena offers open skating Monday through Friday, from noon to 1:50 p.m. Either enjoy your lunch before or after your routine.
ROCHESTER
https://www.toniasvictorianrose.com 118 W. 3rd St., (248) 652-8595
For those looking for an alternative to noisy nightclubs and hard-to-get-into restaurants, consider Tonia’s Victorian Rose in Rochester. This tea house combines old-world charm with a wide variety of teas, hot chocolate and other unique beverages such as hot rose milk and lavender lemonade. The tea house also features vegan and gluten-free menu options. Tonia’s also serves up soups, salads, sandwiches, and a variety of quiche. Reservations are encouraged, after all how adorable are the heart-shaped sandwiches pictured here?
PLYMOUTH
E.G. Nicks, 500 Forest Ave., (734) 414-6400
You must try the Chocolate Martini! The theme is “life is for great friends and good food.” Perfect for friend’s night for Valentine’s. However, E.G.’s is also great for a date! Catch a dinner show at E.G. Nicks. For a classic Valentine’s Day date night, plan on a Sunday date for a dinner show featuring Bobby Vali, brother of Frankie Vali of the Four Seasons. Now that’s vintage romance! The menu features entrées such as steak, chicken, lamb, fish and shareable items!
NORTHVILLE
Winter Tea: All About Maple Syrup Cozy time with your love outside and talk about sweet things! Enjoy hot tea while listening to maple syrup experts explain the process of extracting sugary sap from maple trees. This one-time event will take place on Feb. 12, 1-3:30 pm. Registration is required. For details, please visit Mill Race Village online or call 248-348-1845. Also, head on over (reservations of course) to Tiramisu of Northville, 146 MainCentre, (248) 735-0101, for Northern and Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Try the Spinach and Ricotta Rigatoni!
Table 5, 126 E. Main St., (248) 305-6555 Located in the heart of Northville’s Historic District on Main Street, Table 5 is a stone’s throw from the local theater and an eclectic mix of unique shops. Established Detroit food critic Molly Abraham raved about Table 5 in a recent review. And The Metro Times recently ranked the restaurant in the Top 10 in the Detroit area. A restaurant to impress! Here is where the romance of France meets the love of Italy in the Parisienne Gnocchi dish! Pair it with their fabulous red wines!
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Nonna Maria’s Bistro, 2080 Walnut Lake Rd, (248) 851-2500
Family-owned, family-friendly but also romantic. This is where you go in West Bloomfield for some of the most romantic wine in the world, Amarone from Italy! Try the Amarone, one of the boldest reds in all of wines and perfect to go with chocolate desserts and big pasta dishes. The Amarone Classico Cesari Veneto or the Riserva, Rocca Sveva are a must here.
Have a fabulous month to show affection to everyone you care about!