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! Southwest Michigan offers a plethora of options, catering to all sorts of preferences and tastes. Whether you're leaning towards an intimate, candlelit dinner, a relaxing weekend escape or a lively evening filled with exploring new interests together, you will find it here.

To help jumpstart your planning and ensure this Valentine's Day is as special as your relationship, here are some creative and exciting suggestions:

Make a reservation for a romantic 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 to look into other Southwest Michigan restaurants. Be sure to call ahead to check times, reservation policies and Valentine’s Day specials.

Plank’s Tavern

Plank’s is part of the Harbor Shores Resort experience. Look out on one of the oldest harbors on the Great Lakes while sipping wines, beers and cocktails. Pair your beverages with scrumptious American food choices. Be sure to ask about their Valentine’s Day Specials before you order. Previous year’s menus have included aged prime rib with twice-baked potato, Cupid’s oysters, lobster tail with shrimp and other seafood, and lobster mac and cheese.

Don’t let the magic of the night end. Book a room with the Inn at Harbor Shores Valentine's Getaway. This package includes a harbor view guest room, a half dozen roses, Michigan-made chocolates and sparkling wine for $219/night on weekdays or $269/night on weekends. These special rates do not include taxes and fees. When making reservations, blackout dates may apply.

Bistro on the Boulevard

Enjoy a special Valentine's Day dinner at the Bistro on the Boulevard in St. Joseph. This upscale American bistro, known for its locally sourced ingredients and award-winning wine selection, is perfect for a romantic evening.

Like Plank’s, you can continue the aura until the next morning at the Boulevard Inn. This all-suite hotel along the bluff overlooks Lake Michigan and is within walking distance of downtown. Their Valentine’s Package is available Feb. 9-17 (excluding Feb. 11 and 12). You will receive a $50 dinner credit and a $30 breakfast credit for the Bistro on the Boulevard, two Mimosas or Bloody Marys with your breakfast, a bottle of chilled Champagne, two keepsake flutes and a half-dozen chocolate-dipped strawberries to enjoy in your suite, and late checkout.

Houndstooth

If you can bump your Valentine’s date out a day, go to Houndstooth! Enjoy fine dining in the Benton Harbor Arts District at this intimate restaurant with an open kitchen design. The sibling-chef team creates refreshing New American small and big plates. Pick two or three small plates and share them with your sweetie. Tastebud pleasers include BBQ carrots, stuffed wings Siomai dumplings and more.

Tabor Hill Restaurant & Winery

The Valentine's Dinner at Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant will be on February 10. This Italian-inspired culinary experience will delight your date with a range of dishes. Start with Arancini di Riso, then follow with a soup or salad, and entrees such as Lemon Herb Chicken Piccata and Lobster Ravioli. Because they will not serve their regular menu this evening, the chef recommends making reservations.

To add to the romantic ambiance, sit near the blazing fireplace or snowshoe in the vineyards on Mt. Tabor Trails.

Timothy's Restaurant

Timothy's Restaurant in Union Pier is a celebrated eatery known for its contemporary American cuisine and focus on fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant's warm, inviting atmosphere, exceptional food and service make it ideal for a February celebration of your love.

Grande Mere Inn

Grande Mere Inn in Stevensville, offers a picturesque lakeside dining experience. Known for its classic American cuisine, the restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and steak, complemented by a selection of fine wines. Its inviting cottage-style atmosphere, coupled with stunning views of Lake Michigan, makes it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

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 three 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. 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 can boast of being the better bowler.

River St. Joe

This farmhouse brewery is on the scenic, certified organic Flatwater Farms in Buchanan. This destination blends the beauty of Southwest Michigan’s countryside with the enjoyment of craft beer, delicious food and refreshing cider. You and your Valentine will love the frosty hop field, toasty fire pits and indoor restaurant. 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!

Lazy Ballerina Winery

Celebrate Galentine's Day at Lazy Ballerina Winery in St. Joseph, on February 13, for a laughter-filled night with your girlfriends. This event is dedicated to celebrating women, featuring sweets, sips, shopping and more. For a $15 ticket, enjoy a unique macaron pairing, one beverage of your choice and a free sample of the winery’s specialty drink for the evening. There will be several women-owned businesses showcasing their wares plus a make-your-own earrings station. What a perfect pre-Valentine's Day celebration.

Spend a night together under the stars

Go stargazing at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park for a magical evening together. This International Dark Sky Park in Vandalia allows for some of the best night-sky viewings. The park is open late on select nights including Feb. 9-10.

Take a class in glassblowing

Water Street Glassworks lets your creativity shine. Overlook the school's “hot shop” and watch students and artists glassblowing and casting. Or take a class or workshop together by making beautiful pieces to remind you of your love and this special date. Ask for a Creative Connections stamp while you are there, You will be on your way to earning artsy prizes.

Explore other events and itineraries

Make a date night with a cookie decorating class, a Valentine’s Day concert, an open mic night or wine glass painting. You can also explore our Wine & Chocolate and Culture & Romance itineraries.

Remember, Valentine's Day is all about celebrating your unique bond, so choose activities that reflect your relationship. These ideas are just the beginning – start by following your hearts to Southwest Michigan.