First off, how much you spend on a loved one for Valentine’s Day doesn’t determine how much you care. There’s a solid date idea for every budget. What follows are some of the better Valentine’s Day weekend events happening in Orlando this year, starting from “I love you but I didn’t pay a cent for this” to “I had to get a second job to afford this date.”
Mennello Museum
Feb. 13, noon to 5 p.m.; free
Couples of the indie persuasion will fit right in at Indie-Folkfest, a picnic-like happening that will host local artists (Eugene Snowden, anyone?) and local food vendors to fill your lil independent heart.
Photo via Shainajoy/InstagramAero
Feb. 12, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; free
Aero is hosting the “Under the Stars Party” on Valentine’s weekend, where couples can dance and chill on one of the best downtown rooftop patios. Oh, and one more thing, there’s no cover and there’s free beer!
Photo via aeroorl/InstagramThe Venue
Starting Feb. 5, 10 pm; $15
Who says Valentine’s Day can’t be sexy? Neo burlesque and movie lovers-extraordinaire The Savannah Sweet Tease Burlesque Revue will be bringing their “Affairs of the Heart” show to Orlando in an attempt to examine the many ways one deals with love.
Photo via The Savannah Sweet Tease Burlesque Revue/FacebookParliament House
Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.; $17-$32
Those looking to add more music (and less clothes) to their date night might consider checking out Naked Boys Singing! Just for the holiday, the self-explanatory event is offering a free dessert buffet before showtime.
Photo via Parliament HouseBoiBrazil Churrascaria
Feb. 13-14; $35
Take your lover to this Brazilian Steakhouse for a full rodizio, salad bar and a dessert for $35 per person. Nothing says Valentine’s Day like meat carved off of a sword.
Photo via Boi Brazil Churrascaria/FacebookSwirlery Wine Bar
Feb. 12-14, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; $35
If you’re looking for an afternoon sweet sweet wine drinking, bring your significant other to “Love and Wine” Valentine’s Day weekend at Swirlery. The event is $35 per couple, which includes two flights and a red rose.
Photo via swirlery/InstagramEmeril’s Tchoup Chop
Feb. 14; $49
Come in with your date and enjoy the inventions of Food Network-star Emeril Lagasse. This choose-your-own-adventure three-course meal features options ranging from braised beef short ribs to strawberry tiramisu Napoleon.
Photo via tchoupchop/InstagramInfusion Tea
Feb. 13, 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; $49
Meat isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and this tea shop couldn’t agree more. Settle in for a four-course vegan dinner, defined by its servings of pomegranate-kale salad and carrot osso buco.
Photo via nowboarding_withjen/InstagramSushi House
Feb. 13, noon to 3 p.m.; $50
Roll up with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day weekend. Sushi House is hosting sushi-making classes where you can learn how to prepare rice, cut fish and present a meal properly.
Photo via minhtuvan/InstagramLoews Portofino Bay Hotel
Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m.; $50-$85
Sip on some wine and dive right into platters of gourmet food from the hotel’s restaurants as you and your partner enjoy live music in the quaint-looking Harbor Piazza for the Harbor Nights event.
Photo via spun2u/InstagramTony Roma’s
Feb. 9-14; $60
If you want to impress your special someone with a nice dinner on Valentine’s Day, Tony Roma’s will have a special menu where guests can order a $60 Dinner for Two. Each guest will receive a salad and a choice of an entree: filet medallions, grilled salmon or baby back ribs. Don’t forget about dessert! You and your lover have the choice of either a red velvet cake or a raspberry brownie royale.
Photo via Tony Roma’sTR Fire Grill
Feb. 12-14; $60
Think about it: An appetizer, two salads, two entrees, a dessert and a glass of wine for you and your sweetie. Sounds pretty nice, right? For an extra $20, you can book a wine package for the two of you. Be sure to make reservations at TR Fire Grill to experience the restaurant’s special Valentine’s Day menu.
Photo via samuelpaul21/InstagramDRIP
Feb. 11-14; $69-$89
For couples looking to try something a little different, DRIP is hosting a special Valentine’s Day experience called “The Blind Date.” Couples will be given blindfolds to wear for a special blindfolded challenge. There will be plenty of events to take part in throughout the night, including a paint station, T-shirt cutting and a theatrical show where the characters of DRIP will cover themselves in paint, water and new colored sand.
Photo via ilovedrip/InstagramThe Dinner Party Project
Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.; $75
Come together for the annual Love Feast, in which guests will celebrate five organizations, such as Downtown Credo and Creative City Project, while eating a five-course meal prepared by Chef Maria Rivera, Chef Jessica Tantalo and Buttermilk Bakery.
Photo via by Brian CarlsonDel Frisco’s
Feb. 12-14; $79
For many, surf and turf is the staple of a fancy meal, and this restaurant is making sure you have enough of it. Make a reservation, put on a suit or elegant dress and drive your significant other over for 80 ounces of both lobster and steak.
Photo via shawmut_builds/InstagramMorimoto Asia
Feb. 14; $85
If your date is someone who can pack away a meal, head on over to this four-course feast, where you’ll both be presented with Peking duck, caesar salad, hamachi and duck consommé, to be finished off with a super-topped MM parfait.
Photo via kenborlando/InstagramFour Seasons
The choices over Disney’s Four Seasons are endless. Want a fancy dinner? Need a trip to the spa? Want to buy your boo thang some jewelry? They’ve got all your bases covered, with special pricing to match. Try the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bliss Facial for $165, or the Sweet Surrender Massage for anywhere between $170 and $480.
Photo via snapcandy7/InstagramCapa Restaurant
Feb. 10-15; $250
For the first time in the restaurant’s history, Matsusaka beef will be imported straight from Mie Prefecture, Japan, to be made available for the “From Matsusaka with Love” tasting. Three varieties of the meat will be served, to be paired with three types sauces.
Photo by Rob BartlettThe Alfond Inn
Feb. 14-15; $324.85
Anyone who wishes to stay in and relax on V-Day can do so with the hotel’s “Sunday in the Park” package. Treat yourself to an overnight stay in one of their rooms, chilled champagne and chocolates included, and some High Tea in the afternoon.
Photo via jay_qwell_in/Instagram
