Things to do for Valentine’s Day in Southwest Michigan
It isn’t too early to start planning a romantic, fun night out with your Valentine! There are so many things to do for Valentine’s Day in Southwest Michigan — regardless of if you prefer a romantic dinner, a weekend getaway or a fun night of enjoying new hobbies. Here are a few ideas to start your planning!
Make a reservation for a romantic dinner
Choose from waterfront views, sharing small plates with your sweetheart or enjoying a meal by the fireplace. There are several great options, and we encourage you to look into other Southwest Michigan restaurants, too. Make sure to call ahead to check reservation policies and Valentine’s Day specials!
Plank’s Tavern
Plank’s is part of the Harbor Shores Resort experience. Call ahead for reservations if you would like to be seated on the outdoor patio so staff can have the stand warmers on when you arrive. You will enjoy looking out on one of the oldest harbors on the Great Lakes while sipping wines, beers and cocktails paired with scrumptious American food choices. Be sure to ask about their Valentine’s Day Specials when you order! Previous year’s menus have included prime age rib with twice baked potato, Cupid’s oysters, lobster tail with shrimp and other seafoods, and lobster mac and cheese.
Don’t let the magic of the night end. Book a room with the Inn at Harbor Shores’ Valentines Getaway. This package includes a harbor view guest room, a half dozen roses, Michigan-made chocolates and sparkling wine for $219/night for a weekday or $269/night on weekends. Taxes and fees are not included in this price, and black out dates may apply.
Tabor Hill Restaurant & Winery
You can’t go wrong with this Southwest Michigan favorite, complete with a crackling fireplace indoors as you share a glass of locally made Michigan wine with your partner. The Raspberry Chicken is also a must! Enjoy the crunchiness of a pecan crust with the decadence of a raspberry sauce — it’s delightful.
Houndstooth
If you need to bump your date out a day, then head on down to Houndstooth! Enjoy fine dining in this restaurant with an open kitchen design. This food favorite is located in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Their sibling-chef team creates refreshing New American small plates to share and big plates to enjoy on your own with your favorite beverages. Pick two or three that sound the best to you and split them with your sweetie.
Stroll under the last lights of the season
Stroll beneath the lights in Michigan’s most romantic city. Stop for hot cocoa at Kilwins in downtown St. Joseph and walk along the bluff below one million twinkling lights. The “Light Up the Bluff” display will stay up through Valentine's Day.
Celebrate on the Makers Trail
Pick from over 40 wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries, and collect stamps on the Makers Trail Passport app to earn fun prizes! Here are some particularly fun date-night ideas.
Peat’s Cider Social
Are you a competitive couple? The former Lakeshore Lanes bowling alley remains, along with its vintage arcade games, but what’s new is the taproom where you can sample and purchase Michigan-made hard cider. The Peat family has created an atmosphere where visitors can enjoy Peat’s Original Cider the way they’d always hoped — while socializing and celebrating local ingredients. Take your date out for some great cider and see who the better bowler is.
River St. Joe
This farmhouse brewery on the beautiful Flatwater Farms embraces winter so you and your valentine can, too! They focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients, including growing their own hops, when making their beers and taproom menu selections. Once you’ve got your drink and food ordered, step outside, and take a seat around one of their many toasty fire pits. You will love the frosty hop field and farm views. But what makes this a standout winter destination is its one-of-a-kind River Rocks rink where you can play shuffleboard on ice together. Visit their website to see how it’s played and to reserve your time on the rink. Then try to knock their rocks off!
Spend a night together under the stars
Go stargazing at T.K. Lawless Park for a magical, simple evening together. This International Dark Sky Park allows for some of the best night-sky viewings. Grab a blanket, dress warm and cuddle up beneath the stars for a romantic evening outdoors. The park is open until 7 p.m. on most nights, but there are select dates where it is open until midnight, including Feb. 24-25.
Take a class in glassblowing
This nonprofit studio, gallery and school is dedicated to the glass and metal arts. Visitors are invited to overlook the school's “hot shop” and watch students and artists glassblowing and casting. If you are interested in more than observing, a wide range of classes and workshops are open to the public. Together, you two could create pieces for your own home as a reminder of your love and a special date. Get a Creative Connections stamp while you are there!
Explore other events and itineraries
Make a date night out of a cookie decorating class, a Valentine’s Day concert, open mic night or wine glass painting. You can also explore our Wine & Chocolate and Culture & Romance itineraries. What’s more romantic than the rich culture of Southwest Michigan, some delicious chocolates and celebrating your love with a glass of wine? We can’t think of a better occasion!
