Sweet Things to Do for Valentine’s Day

Looking for romantic things to do on Valentine’s Day in Southwest Michigan? Now’s the perfect time to plan a spark-filled date or weekend getaway with your Valentine. Whether you’re leaning toward an intimate candlelit dinner, a snowshoe walk through winter vineyards or discovering which wines pair best with Girl Scout cookies, you’ll find plenty of romantic moments. Here are a few ideas to make your time together unforgettable:

Where to Reserve a Romantic Valentine’s Dinner

Choose from waterfront views, sharing small plates with your sweetheart or savoring a meal by the fireplace. These are several great options, but also look into other Southwest Michigan restaurants. Be sure to call ahead to check times, reservation policies and Valentine’s Day specials.

Overlook Lake Michigan: Bistro on the Boulevard

One of the most romantic dinner destinations is the Bistro on the Boulevard with views of Lake Michigan and the festive lights along the bluff prelude or finale. The upscale American restaurant is known for its locally sourced ingredients, award-winning wine list and an intimate atmosphere designed for unhurried, quiet conversation.

Surprise your sweetheart with an overnight stay: The Boulevard Inn

Few places feel as special as The Boulevard Inn. This all-suite hotel overlooks Light Up the Bluff and Lake Michigan and is within walking distance of St. Joseph’s Victorian-era downtown. Their Valentine’s Package for two includes an overnight in a spacious suite, a dinner credit at the Bistro, a bottle of chilled champagne, keepsake flutes and a dozen decadent chocolate-covered strawberries. There is no hurry to leave the next day. You can stay until 1 p.m.

In the Heart of the Arts District: Houndstooth

At Houndstooth, Chef Cheyenne believes food is about togetherness, making this one of the most intimate, creative restaurants in Southwest Michigan. Housed in the Benton Harbor Arts District, the restaurant immerses you in the energy of its open-kitchen design. Share small plates paired with deliciously crafted beverages. Favorites include BBQ carrots, short rib tartare, sunflowers and burrata. Be adventurous when you order. You won’t be disappointed.

Vineyard Hideaway: Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

Let the drive through wine country begin your Valentine’s escape. Start with tasting award-winning wines, then enjoy a fireside or vineyard-view dinner crafted by Chef Sam William. His Valentine’s Dinner menu pairs housemade starters with indulgent entrees like tomahawk ribeye, Chilean bass and black truffle polenta ragout.

Arrive early to snowshoe or hike Mt. Tabor Trails with a craft beverage in hand. It’s pure bliss.

Along the Coast: Timothy’s Restaurant

Timothy's Restaurant is celebrated for its contemporary Asian-flair cuisine and focus on fresh, local ingredients. Chef Timothy’s passion for preparing imaginative creations will wow your taste buds. His weekend three-course dinner options and affordable eight-course dinner selections fit a range of budgets. The warm ambience and exceptional service make it ideal for a Valentine’s toast.

Incredible Sunsets: Grande Mere Inn

Traveling up the lakeshore between St. Joseph and Bridgman, you will discover a cottage-style restaurant, Grande Mere Inn, that offers a spectacular bluff-view of Lake Michigan and its stellar sunsets. Known for its classic American cuisine, for several decades it has drawn lovers for its perfectly prepared lake perch, steaks, Alaskan king crab legs and African lobster tails. House-recipe soups, breads, dressings and sauces are made daily. The instant you arrive, you will feel like you belong.

Memorable Valentine’s Day Experiences

Sweetheart Soirée: A Valentine’s Night

Treat your Valentine to a very special evening featuring a delectable four-course dinner, DJ and dancing at the Inn at Harbor Shores. This year’s Sweetheart Soirée is in the elegant, second-floor Harbor View Ballroom. Then create a perfect ending with a night away at the Inn.

Romantic strolls through St. Joseph

Don’t let winter fool you into thinking this isn’t one of the most beautiful times to be in Southwest Michigan. It’s easy to see why in St. Joseph, a walkable Lake Michigan resort town with boutique shops, wineries and breweries, tantalizing cafes, a spa and plenty of nearby parking. Find gifts for each other, your family and tail-wagging Valentine. Handpick sumptuous chocolates, hot cocoa or a Swiss pastry and tea. Walk along the St. Joseph River or down to Silver Beach to see nature’s frozen artistry. On your way back up to the Light Up the Bluff displays, let your hearts soar riding the magnificent indoor Silver Beach Carousel. All the time you are here, every moment feels special.

Valentine’s Day classes and creative dates

Experience the thrill of making beautiful wine tumblers on Valentine’s Weekend at Water Street Glassworks. Sign up quickly. Their classes fill fast. Even if you can’t attend the class, Water Street’s gallery is full of keepsake glass art you can bring home to remember your special day.

Cooking together is extra fun in The Culinary Cottage's spacious kitchen. Have expert guidance hand-making lunch from appetizer to pasta to dessert. Or gain new baking and decorating talents creating gluten-free and regular sugar cookies. Choose from these yummy workshops.

Both stops are part of our Creative Connections Challenge, an inspiring way to earn rewards. Download the Visit Southwest Michigan App and start playing.

Celebrate Your Love on the Makers Trail

Southwest Michigan is the Napa Valley of the Midwest with over 50 wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries along the lakeshore and into the picturesque countryside. Download the free Visit Southwest Michigan App to access the Makers Trail Passport and earn exclusive rewards! Here are three of dozens of exceptional date ideas.

Peat’s Cider Social

Are you a competitive couple? This vintage bowling alley and arcade game spot is also a craft cidery. Peat’s Cider Social will fill your Valentine’s date with great cider and bragging rights as the better bowler or pinball wizard.

River St. Joe Brewery

This farmhouse brewery is on the scenic, certified organic Flatwater Farms. Its rustic beauty pairs perfectly with the deliciousness of eating and drinking farm-fresh beer, food and cider. You and your Valentine will love walking through the frosty hop field, cuddling by the toasty fire pits and warming up inside the restaurant. 

Yet what makes this a standout Valentine’s Day destination is its one-of-a-kind River Rocks rink where you can play shuffleboard on ice together. Visit their website to reserve your time on the rink. Then laugh, kiss and cheer each other on!

Lazy Ballerina Winery

The downtown St. Joseph Lazy Ballerina Winery is a relaxing place to taste wines all year-round. But their Valentine’s Day Weekend events are extra special. On Feb. 13, gather your girlfriends for a fun night of sweets, sips, shopping and celebrating women at their Annual Galentine's Day Party or bring your sweetheart on Feb. 14 or 15 for the delightful Wine & Girl Scout Pairing. If you love Girl Scout cookies, wait to see how tasty they are with wine!

Plan the Best Valentine’s Date Ever

One of the easiest ways to plan your Valentine’s Day visit to Southwest Michigan is to follow our  Wine & Chocolate or Culture & Romance itineraries. Choose the activities that celebrate your unique bond, then book your stay at one of our amenity-filled hotels. 

The ideas above are just the beginning. The first step is following your hearts to Southwest Michigan.