Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! While we all love chocolate and flowers, there’s nothing quite like spending quality time together by learning a new skill, enjoying a meal, or cuddling up at a movie. Switch things up this year with a romantic, interactive date night experience!

Whether it’s your first year or your 50th Valentine’s Day together, these romantic date ideas in Ann Arbor are sure to help you properly celebrate your love for each other.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Sip Wine by the Fire at Sandhill Crane Vineyards

Photo Courtesy of Sandhill Crane Vineyards

There’s nothing quite like sipping wine with your valentine. Sandhill Crane Vineyards is one of our favorite wineries in the Ann Arbor area for doing just that. Made in small batches right on the premises, their wines include well-balanced acidic white wines, rich reds, flavorful fruit wines, and delectable dessert wines. Their year-round tasting room in Jackson provides a cozy, inviting space for sampling their creation — especially by the outdoor fireplace tables! Keep in mind that during the winter, Sandhill Crane is only open Thursdays through Sundays.

 

Peruse the University of Michigan Museum of Art

A stroll through an art museum is a timeless, romantic experience for art lovers of all kinds. The art collection at the University of Michigan Museum of Art is among the oldest in the nation, featuring more than 20,000 works of art in a variety of mediums. Admission to the museum is always free, but a $10 suggested donation is appreciated. Be sure to pick up a cup of coffee or tea and a bite to eat from the UMMA Cafe before or after your visit!

 

Dine in a Private Igloo at Bigalora

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Bigalora is one of the best Italian restaurants in the area — and the only place in southeast Michigan where you can get biga-fermented pizza dough. Each of their Neapolitan pies starts with a natural, 72-hour fermentation without the use of commercial yeast or added sugar. It’s then cooked in just 90 seconds at 900 degrees. That same artistry is applied to the rest of their menu, which includes plenty of pasta favorites, Italian entrees, and desserts.

Savor your meal from the comfort and warmth of a private igloo! Each of their three igloos are heated and lit and requires a $5 non-refundable reservation fee. You must purchase a minimum of $25 of food and drinks from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and $75 from 4–9 p.m.

 

Sip Cocktails at The Last Word

Is there anything more romantic than retreating to a secretive speakeasy? Marked only by a red light and a small plaque that reads “The LW,” The Last Word is a speakeasy tucked away in the basement under LIVE Night Club — providing a true Prohibition Era experience. The drink menu includes high-quality wines and craft beers, but the bartenders specialize in cocktails, all prepared with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups and bitters. Their cocktails are sorted by palate, going from light and fruity drinks to more heavy, booze-forward drinks. Hungry? The Last Word also serves an impeccable food menu with small appetizers and shareable plates. Psstt…don’t miss the live jazz music on select nights!

 

Take Ballroom Dance Lessons With Arthur Murray

The story of Arthur Murray Dance Studios dates back more than 100 years ago. Today, the company has more than 270 dance schools and studios all over the world, including one right here in Ann Arbor. The studio teaches a variety of classes in different dance styles, including ballroom, tango, salsa and more. Purchase a gift certificate for your significant other, which can be used for two or four private dance lessons! And take advantage of the new student offer, which includes a complimentary first lesson.

 

Try a New Tea at Teahaus

Tea lovers will love a trip to Teahaus, one of the best tea destinations in the city. This cozy tea house is nestled in Kerrytown and is open for both in-person and to-go sipping. No matter how many times you visit, you can always try something new, as their tea catalog includes a variety of teas, including black, oolong, green, white, rooibos, fruit and more! Order a single mug or go big with a Full English Tea experience, finger sandwiches included.

 

Share a Mead Flight at Bløm Meadworks

Photo Courtesy of Cat Carty Buswell via Bløm Meadworks 

Bløm (pronounced “bloom”) is a hyper-local meadery located in the heart of Ann Arbor. Unlike many other meaderies and cideries, every ingredient is sourced from Michigan and their mead is fermented like a dry craft cider, so it’s not as thick or as sweet as other meads you may have tried. If you’re new to the mead world, consider sampling multiple flavors with a flight! Each flight is delivered to your table in a cute silver tray with colorful brews that’ll make your mouth water. If mead isn’t your thing, check out these other food and drink flights in the city.

Skate at Yost Ice Arena

Skate on the same ice as the University of Michigan Varsity Hockey Team at Yost Ice Arena, one of the most recognized and iconic rinks in college hockey. After a brief hiatus, Public Skate returned this December! Admission is just $6 for adults, which makes for an inexpensive and care-free date night idea. Check the schedule to see upcoming dates and times for Public Skate, and make sure you get to the rink early so your size skate doesn’t run out!

 

Take a Cooking Class With Sur La Table

Sur La Table offers an incredible lineup of cooking classes, both in-store and online. Their special Date Night catalog includes a variety of themes and cuisines, including Winter in Paris, Cooking With Wine, Exploring Thai Flavors, Sushi for Two, Mediterranean Table, A Taste of Tuscany, and much more. Stay warm and cozy in the kitchen with your special someone as you learn a new recipe — plus, you get to eat the end result!

 

Book a Couples Massage at Bloom Wellness

Relax and unwind with a couples massage at Bloom Wellness! Their special Valentine’s Magical Couples Spa Experience is more than just a massage — it also features hot towel service, an infrared sauna, aromatherapy experience, a shiatsu chair session, a champagne toast, and more. Or instead give a gift certificate for Valentine’s Day for either a single-person or two-person massage, which includes a 60-minute massage, 30 minutes of float therapy, 30 minutes of a sound bowl and shiatsu chair experience, and 30 minutes of aromatherapy sauna and cool towel therapy.

 

Book a Stay at the Historic Webster House in Bay City

Photo Courtesy of the Historic Webster House

Why not book a mini vacation at a charming bed and breakfast? There are several romantic getaways near Ann Arbor, including the Historic Webster House, which is just about an hour and 40 minutes from the city. Constructed in 1886 by Judge Thomas Webster, the iconic Webster House is full of stories to tell. Today, the mansion has been restored back to its former grandeur with a clean and classic feel with modern amenities. Most of the individually themed suites offer private baths, flat-screen TVs and fireplaces, while some offer jacuzzi tubs and skylights. After a relaxing night’s sleep, enjoy a hot, gourmet breakfast in the morning.

 

See a Movie at Michigan Theater or State Theatre

Cozy up with a movie at Michigan Theater or The State Theatre, two historic theaters just steps away from one another in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. Founded in 1928, Michigan Theater is now home to three screening spaces for independent movies, concerts, comedy shows, national tours and more. Opened in 1942, The State Theatre is almost as old, and today, offers regular showings of indie movies, limited releases, special screenings and more. To see upcoming showtimes for both theaters, click here.

 

Go On a Tour at Mindo Chocolate

Photo Courtesy of Mindo Chocolate Makers

If roses are the flower of Valentine’s Day, chocolate is the food of Valentine’s Day. Mindo Chocolate in Dexter uses only the highest quality ingredients, sourced directly from family farms in Ecuador to create true bean-to-bar chocolates. And while they’re crafting those delectable bars, they’re supporting local economies in chocolate-growing communities and promoting sustainable practices. Their tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at their process — and includes plenty of chocolate samples along the way! Or sign up for one of their classes, the Truffle-Making Class or Make a Beautiful Chocolate Bar, which are happening on alternating Friday nights this winter. Plus, they have a number of events leading up to Valentine’s Day at their Kerrytown store!

 

Take an Art Class With Ann Arbor Art Center

A date at Ann Arbor Art Center means you can learn a skill and peruse an art gallery in the same evening. Their gallery always has an exhibition, and their class schedule includes classes specifically designed for date night, featuring classes where you and yours can learn things like screenprinting, ceramics, painting and more. Check out the full class schedule here for even more options.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

We wish you all the love on this special day!