Thoughtful gifts, exquisite dinners, romantic tunes and more for a lovely Raleigh Valentine’s Day this year
By Addie Ladner, Emmie Brooks and Emma Deal

Is it really almost February? Whether you see Valentine’s Day as an over commercialized holiday but still feel like you have to acknowledge it or love to go all out for your sweetie, galentines or kiddos; we’ve rounded up plenty of options for you for February’s day to celebrate all things love.

Gift Your Lover Locally-Made Valentine’s Day Chocolate

Lucky for us in the City of Oaks, there’s no shortage of really good chocolate here. Videri Chocolate Factory (327 W. Davie Street; viderichocolatefactory.com) in the Warehouse District is known for its hand-crafted chocolate bars and decadent soft serve ice cream. Escazu Chocolates (936 N. Blount Street; escazuchocolates.com) offers fine, beautifully decorated truffles with unique flavor combinations. Spring & Mulberry (multiple retailers; springandmulberry.com) was founded by a local woman looking to consume less sugar after a battle with cancer. These chocolates are naturally sweetened with dates, and paired with unexpected ingredients like lavender, bee pollen and mango. 

Make or Buy a Beautiful Bouquet for Your Special Someone

For truly local blooms, visit the North Carolina State Farmers Market (1201 Agriculture Street; ncagr.gov/markets/) and grab a bundle of seasonal stems, wrapped in brown paper and tied up with string. Order a bouquet from Kelly Odom Flowers (102 Glenwood Avenue; kellyodom.com) for something over-the-top or if your sweetheart likes exotic blooms from around the world. Fallon’s Flowers (700 St. Marys Street; fallonsflowers.com) offers a range of bouquets, but if you prefer to make your own, visit on a Friday, when it offers single-cut stems from the cooler for 50% off. 

Send Someone a Creative Local Card

Whether it’s sweet or funny, the perfect card is something to cherish. Visit If It’s Paper (445 Daniels Street; ifitspaper.org) for pretty, painterly stationery. Stationery Decree Company downtown has a small selection of handmade letterpress greetings at its new downtown location (135 E. Martin Street; decreecompany.com). And for funny, edgy cards from both local and national designers, swing by DECO (207 S. Salisbury Street; decoraleigh.com) or Edge of Urge (215 E. Franklin Street, Suite 110; edgeofurge.com) to peruse the offerings.

Head to the Ballet

Indulge in the spellbinding beauty of Carolina Ballet’s Boléro. Set to the music of Maurice Ravel’s iconic masterpiece, the performance promises a blend of elegant choreography and dynamic movement. Taking place at Raleigh’s Fletcher Opera Theater at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, this performance is perfect for a romantic outing or an enchanting evening with friends.
Feb. 6 – 23; from $32.37; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com

Toast the Holiday with a Bubbly Beverage

From cava to prosecco to actual champagne, there are lots of effervescent options at local purveyors. Visit a wine shop for guidance on one that’ll please your palate. Raleigh Wine Shop (317 S. Bloodworth Street; theraleighwineshop.com) offers a broad selection and a cozy back room to sit and sip. Wine Authorities has a large range of old-world European options and a knowledgeable staff (211 E. Franklin Street; wineauthorities.com). If you’re up for a drive, Rocks & Acid in Chapel Hill (712 Market Street Chapel Hill; rocksandacidwineshop.com) was recently opened by sommelier Paola de Pano, who brings lively enthusiasm to her recommendations.

Take a Love Stories & Broken Hearts Walking Tour

Take some time Feb. 11 to appreciate the history and romance of Raleigh through an immersive guided walking tour hosted by Raleigh Walking Tours. Grab a significant other or a group of friends and listen to local stories of true love and broken hearts before Valentine’s Day. Spend your afternoon viewing the beautiful buildings of Raleigh, such as the Governor’s Mansion, while hearing tales of love and tragically broken hearts. 
Feb 11 | 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.; free with advance registration; 200 N. Blount Street; eventbrite.com

Make Something Sweet for your Sweetie

What better way to show your love for someone than making them a delicious dessert yourself? Have some fun this Valentine’s Day by experimenting with different chocolate recipes to discover your new favorite. From spiked hot cocoa to cookies, pies and more, we have 8 chocolate recipes from Raleigh foodies that are sure to make your holiday even sweeter. 

Say “I Love Ewe” at My Little Farmer’s Valentine’s Day Farm

Bring the kids, don your farm-friendly attire and get ready to make some baa-rilliant memories! Enjoy a morning of farm fun, including storytime, animal visits, a sheep-kissing booth (yes, really!) and a take-home Valentine’s Day keepsake. With its welcoming charm and family-friendly fun, this event is the perfect way to share some love and laughter with your kiddos.
Feb. 8, 10, 11, 14 & 15 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.; $24; 8794 NC-751, Durham; https://www.mylittlefarmer.com/

Order a Table & Twine’s Valentine’s Day Meal Kit

Instead of stressing over preparing a romantic meal for two, have a meal kit delivered that cuts out all the extra prep work. Table & Twine’s expert chefs have curated the perfect selection of Valentine’s Day meals on their website to choose from. With options like filet mignon, lobster carbonara, a four-course dinner for two bundle, a cookie decorating kit or the Cupid’s Arrow Cocktail Mix, you can decide whether to make your date fun and interactive, or a simple elegant dinner for two.
From $11.99 to $127.99; tableandtwine.com

Sip Wine and Paint Watercolors for Valentine’s Day at Artspace

Local muralist and art educator Janice Withers is hosting this lovely date night idea for Valentine’s Day. Start the evening sipping on fine wine while jointly creating a work of art with your sweetheart or galentine at Artspace. Tickets include art supplies and beverages for two. 
Feb. 14 | 6 – 9 p.m.; $61; 201 E. Davie Street; artspacenc.org

Dance Your Way into Valentine’s Day at Dix Park

Step into a night of romance, rhythm and fun at The Chapel at Dix Park. Celebrate love with a memorable Date Night event featuring an exciting salsa class where you and your partner can learn some new moves. With salsa instructor Cuqui leading the way, even if you have two left feet, this evening promises to be full of fun. Get ready to get loose and enjoy a delightful evening with lively dance moves, delicious desserts from Creations with Grace and plenty of laughter to go around. Whether you’re a dance floor expert, or just in it for the treats, this night will be full of love and laughter.
Feb. 14 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.; $24; 1030 Richardson Drive; dixpark.org

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner at The Merchant

Treat yourself and your Valentine to an unforgettable evening at The Merchant, a Raleigh speakeasy, where a meticulously crafted 5-course prix-fixe menu awaits. Begin the culinary journey with a fresh tuna tartare and a smooth avocado mousse. Next, savor the rich flavors of the chef’s wild mushroom parmesan risotto with white truffle oil – a dish as comforting as it is elegant. Enjoy a tender filet mignon complemented by a red wine demi-glaze and charred asparagus for the main course. Handcrafted cocktails will accompany each course, adding the perfect touch to your Valentine’s evening.
Feb. 14 | Reservations from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.; $115; 126 S Salisbury Street; themerchantnc.com

Join Cupid’s Undie Run

This Valentine’s Day, show some love and participate in Cupid’s Undie Run to help raise awareness for neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. As a fundraiser for NF research through the Children’s Tumor Foundation, Cupid’s Undie Run invites hundreds of participants in Raleigh to go on a mile(ish) run in their… underpants. With drinking and dancing before and a dance party after, this fundraiser is a fun opportunity to join the community and support those battling NF. 
Feb 18 | 12 – 4 p.m.; $40; Motorco Music Hall, Durham; my.cupids.org

Take a Class about Italian Wine

Famous for both romance and wine, Italy is home to unique grape varieties that produce numerous styles of wine. Take Vitis House Wine’s class Romantic Reds to to taste Lambrusco, Refosco, Nero Di Avola, Bolgheri, Amarone, Vin Santo. Learn how to describe them properly, understand the labels and taste Chef Doreen Colondres’ Bolognese Pasta (Bologna’s style). Whether you are a new or experienced wine-lover, with this class you will be able to taste rich and bold wines from Piemonte, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, Sicilia, among others. 
Feb 8, 14 & 24  | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; $99; 1053 E Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh; vitishouse.com

Stay at The Durham Hotel

The Durham Hotel has everything you need for a romantic Valentine’s Day retreat. Enjoy the Valentine’s Dinner for a candle-lit three-course dinner with your Valentine in the Restaurant alongside a Valentine’s Room Package to receive a bottle of sparkling wine in your room upon arrival, complimentary valet parking and breakfast for two in the Restaurant the following morning. Then, combine your morning coffee run with shopping for romantic gifts from some favorite local purveyors at the Valentine’s Mini Market in the lobby Coffee Bar to shop for fresh flowers, chocolate, jewelry and candles Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lastly, curl up with a half-priced bottle of wine and a fleece blanket on the heated and covered Roof, open every Wednesday, 5-10 p.m. to enjoy the sunset six stories above the city. 
Feb. 12-14; (see website for prices); 315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham; marketing.revinate.com

Experience Love with Candlelight

Immerse yourself in a night of romance and music at the Rialto with the Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special. Under the warm glow of candlelight, enjoy a stunning hour-long performance by the talented Lyricosa String Quartet, as they bring to life iconic songs from across the years. Be swept away by Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers, Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley and Your Song by Elton John. With beautiful renditions of other unforgettable tracks such as All You Need is Love by The Beatles, Shallow by Lady Gaga and La Vie En Rose by Edith Piaf, this performance is an ideal way to celebrate love in the most enchanting setting.
Feb. 13 | 8:45 pm. (doors open at 8 p.m.); from $32; 1620 Glenwood Avenue; feverup.com

Savor a Special Four-Course Valentine’s Dinner

Celebrate your love with an unforgettable evening at CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, where you’ll be wined, dined and swept off your feet with a four-course Valentine’s dinner for $65 per guest. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to offer a perfect balance of indulgence and romance, including rich lobster bisque, filet mignon and a decadent molten chocolate cake to finish the night with a sweet touch. Enjoy a cozy, intimate atmosphere where every detail enhances your dining experience.
Feb. 14-15 | Reservations from 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; $65; 9 Fenton Main Street, Cary; cruwinebar.com

Hear the North Carolina Master Chorale at The Rialto

Spend the weekend of Valentine’s Day with the North Carolina Master Chorale’s 16-voice chamber choir at The Rialto. The group will perform romantic tunes from legendary artists Elton John (including “Your Song” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”) and Billy Joel (look forward to “Just the Way You Are”), accompanied by drums, piano and bass. Maybe dinner at Bloomsbury or Margaux’ Restaurant is in order for the occasion? If not, alcohol and refreshments will be available for purchase at The Rialto. 
Feb. 15 | 4 p.m.; From $36; 1620 Glenwood Avenue; therialto.com

Enjoy A Four-Course Meal at Lakeside

For romance seekers, Lakeside will also be hosting an intimate Valentine’s Day Dinner on the 14th. This special evening features a luxurious four-course meal with a prix fixe menu including pork belly confit, beef tenderloin en croute and caneles. Feb. 14 | Reservations from 5 p.m.; $80; 2450 Alumni Drive; akesidekitchenraleigh.com

This article was originally published on January 18, 2023 on waltermagazine.com and was updated on January 23, 2025.