Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just in it for the chocolate, St. Clair County has plenty to offer. From romantic dinners to quirky gift ideas, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in, lovebirds!
Valentine’s Day History: Love, Legends, and Lupercalia
Ever wondered why we celebrate Valentine’s Day? Spoiler alert: It didn’t start with heart-shaped chocolates. The holiday is named after Saint Valentine—actually, two different Valentines who were martyred on February 14th in ancient Rome. Legend has it that one of them secretly married couples against the emperor’s orders. Talk about risking it all for love!
But wait, there’s more! Before Valentine’s Day became a celebration of romance, it replaced Lupercalia, a Roman fertility festival involving some fascinating rituals (we’ll leave it at that). Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and thanks to poet Geoffrey Chaucer, February 14th became synonymous with love. So next time you hand over a card or flowers, remember—you’re part of a centuries-old tradition.
Dance, Dine, and Dazzle: The CityFlatsHotel Valentine’s Day Soiree
Looking for a night to remember? Head to the CityFlatsHotel in Port Huron on Friday, February 14th, for their Valentine’s Day Soiree. This isn’t your average dinner date—it’s an experience. Here’s what you can expect:
- A private table for two (because sharing with strangers isn’t romantic).
- A complimentary glass of champagne to toast your love (or your excellent taste in events).
- Hors d’oeuvres and a dessert station that’ll make your sweet tooth swoon.
- Live music and dancing courtesy of Ultimate Sounds Entertainment Group.
- A plated dinner featuring your choice of:
- Tuscan chicken and sirloin steak duet with green beans and mashed potatoes.
- Or a vegetarian option that’s just as delicious.
Tickets are $150 per couple, which is a small price to pay for an evening this magical. Reserve your spot by visiting their Eventbrite page or calling (810) 432-0010 ext. 3012. Pro tip: Dress to impress—this is the kind of night where you want to look as good as your date.
Gift Ideas That Say “I Love You” Without Saying “I Forgot”
Let’s face it: finding the perfect Valentine’s gift can be tricky. But don’t worry—we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are three ideas that’ll earn you major brownie points:
- Customized Spotify Acrylic Plaque
For music lovers, this plaque mimics a Spotify screen and features a photo of your choice along with personalized text. It lights up too—just like their face when they see it. - Heart-Shaped Mini Waffle Maker
Breakfast in bed just got cuter! This waffle maker creates heart-shaped waffles that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. - “I Wrote a Book About You” Fill-in-the-Blank Book
Get creative and fill out this quirky book with why you love your partner. Bonus: It’s funny and thoughtful.
Cooking Up Romance: Steak With Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce
If staying in sounds more appealing than going out, why not cook up something special? Imagine this: juicy steak smothered in a rich bourbon garlic cream sauce. The aroma alone will have your partner swooning before they even take a bite. Pair it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a meal that says, “I put effort into this.” Want the recipe? Check out Delish (but don’t blame us if you drown on your keyboard).
DIY Date Night Ideas in St. Clair County
Not every date has to break the bank—sometimes the best moments are simple ones spent together. Here are some local ideas:
- Stroll Along the Blue Water River Walk
Bundle up and take a romantic walk along this scenic path in Port Huron. The views of the St. Clair River are stunning any time of year. - Visit Sperry’s Moviehouse
Catch a romantic flick at this boutique theater, where you can enjoy comfy seating and food service right to your seat. - Explore Local Shops
Pop into downtown Port Huron’s unique boutiques to pick out something special together—or just window shop while holding hands.
This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re dancing at CityFlatsHotel or cozying up at home with waffles shaped like hearts, St. Clair County has everything you need to make it memorable. Now go forth and spread some love!
Sources: CityFlatsHotel Port Huron Instagram Page, bestproducts.com, delish.com, countryliving.com
Header Image Source: Mara Ket on Unsplash
