Photo Courtesy of La Strata.
There is no more important time than to show love and appreciation for family, friends and your spouse than this Valentine’s Day. Collectively, most people have made it this far through one of the toughest times and need some heart-shaped chocolate, a great dinner, a bouquet of flowers and even a romantic carriage ride to demonstrate some must-needed affection.
A variety of Metro Detroit restaurants, small businesses and florists have put together romantic specials to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Cards and candy are classic, but what about a great horse-drawn ride on Detroit’s riverfront to show off how much you care about someone and raise funds for the city’s beloved RiverWalk?
So whether you’re celebrating with a dinner out, a meal at home or some carryout in your car, there’s plenty of love to go around. Just over half (52%) of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, spending a total of $21.8 billion, according to the annual holiday survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of consumers celebrating Valentine’s Day this year said they feel it is important to do so given the current state of the pandemic.
“There is no question the pandemic has disrupted many aspects of Americans’ daily interactions and activities,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “However, there remains a special significance around Valentine’s Day, and consumers are committed to celebrating friends and loved ones, even if that means having to alter those traditional holiday celebrations.”
And don’t forget to treat yourself. Bestselling author, former immunologist and leading mind-body wellness expert, Jaya Jaya Myra said it also is appropriate to look at Valentine’s Day as a time to take care of you. She recommends finding ways to support your own mind, body and soul is the perfect Valentine treat to help you feel refreshed, rejuvenated and happy.
“We spend so much time focusing on others that many people forget to take care of themselves on or around Valentine’s Day. Well, focusing on you is the most important thing you can do,” Myra said. “One, it’ll make you more attractive in the eyes of others when you have a healthy self-respect and two, whenever you feel better, you give other people permission to feel better about themselves too. You can spread love just by being a source of it to yourself.”
Here are some Metro Detroit eateries and event spaces that are putting their hearts on their sleeves to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Mootz Pizzeria + Bar
Detroit’s only authentic New York pizzeria in the heart of downtown will be welcoming lovebirds to the restaurant with a Valentine’s Day special that includes two 10-inch specialty pizzas, a burrata appetizer and a bottle of Rose. If ordering online, the promo code is one of the best ones out there: Use the word “Love” at checkout.
La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar
Visiting Birmingham’s La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar is like taking a step into an authentic European bistro. Known for its desserts, La Strada is a romantic stop for any couple looking to enjoy a getaway without traveling far. In fact, La Strada gets shipments of fresh and delectable pastries direct from Italy each week. The desserts are just one part of La Strada’s menu, which includes house made pastas, pizzas, appetizers and more.
Detroit Vineyards
Book a private wine flight tasting conducted safely via Zoom with winemaker and general manager Chris Southern. Detroit Vineyards is open for socially distanced hangouts, or you can purchase wines in advance for delivery/ship to your home. You also can safely pick up at the tasting room near Eastern Market. The tasting room will also be open in limited capacity following the governor’s recent orders allowing indoor service.
Pink Elephant Cupcakes
Sometimes, you just want to stay home and eat an entire cake together as a couple. To celebrate all of February as the “months of love,” this cupcake company is sizing up to Mini Cakes. These bigger-than-a-cupcake-but-smaller-than-a-cake treats are perfect to share with a special someone or not if you want to be completely self-indulgent. Pre-ordering these mini cakes is best if you want a special flavor or number.
Valentine’s at Valade
Support your Detroit Riverfront and celebrate an early Valentine’s Day with us at Valade Park on February 11. Take a romantic carriage ride along the Riverwalk, enjoy fireside seasonal drinks and s’mores and receive limited edition riverfront knit caps for you and your date. With a donation of $250 to the conservancy, you’ll enjoy this exclusive preview of the Valentines programming while directly supporting the work on the Detroit Riverfront.