15 Ways to Love Valentine's Day

Go beyond red roses and heart-shaped boxed chocolates this Valentine's Day. Instead, show your affection to your sweetheart with these 15 fun date ideas, from a cooking class to a night hike to sit-down dinners. And all of you single ladies and gentlemen can celebrate in your own style from a love sucks sendup to Dracula or a heated lovers cabaret. If you need more ways to fall for the lovey-dovey holiday, click here to read our guide to flowers, romantic gestures and more. 

Courtesy Pier W

100th Bomb Group: Treat your taste buds to succulent lobster or decadent mushroom ravioli from the specially selected entrees. If you’re feeling fancy, the three-course prix fixe dinner is for you, which includes selections such as Beets of a Heart salad, pan-seared salmon and lovers chocolate fudge cake. Feb. 14, 20920 Brook Park Road, Cleveland, 216-267-1010, 100thbgrestaurant.com 

Anything You Can Do: The Big Battle of the Sexes: Vosh is bringing you a comedic and lively musical mashup exploring the pains of love. This cabaret will feature theater songs such as “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” from the Gershwins and Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich’s “Apathetic Man.” Take a look at Vosh’s award-winning menu and bar while you enjoy two opinionated sides of love. $25, 7p.m., 1414 Riverside Drive, Lakewood, 216-767-5202, musicaltheaterproject.org

Big Bang: Whether you’re going stag or bringing a date, the Big Bang dueling piano bar in the Flats East Bank is offering free admission, drink specials and a glow bracelet showing your relationship status if you RSVP on Facebook. Feb. 12 & 13, 1163 Front Ave., Cleveland, 216-417-6222, facebook.com/bangcleveland

Champagne & Aphrodisiacs: If your Valentine’s calls for a little extra seduction, stop by Touch Supper Club for a four-course meal of soup, salad, an entree and dessert. An aphrodisiac is incorporated into every dish and paired with Champagne — a delectable spread that would have Aphrodite herself smiling. $90 per couple, reservations suggested, 5-11 p.m. Feb. 13 & 14, 2710 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-5200, touchohiocity.com

Chez Francois & Touche: If a plane ticket to Paris isn’t in the budget this Valentine’s Day, whisk yourself away with Chez Francois & Touche. From elegant drinks such as the Cream of Dubarry cappuccino to the hearty roasted maple leaf farm duck breast with cherry glace de viande, this upscale meal is sure to please. 4-9 p.m., Feb. 13 & 14, $70 per person, reservations recommended, 555 Main St., Vermilion, 440-967-0630, chezfrancois.com

Cleveland Bazaar: If art holds a special place in your heart, celebrate your passion at the Valentine Bazaar by stocking up on artisan-made wares from your typical candy and flowers to the more unexpected ... preserved hearts in a jar!? 10 a.m., Feb. 13, Lake Affect Studios, 1615 E. 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandbazaar.org

Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation: For nature lovers looking to embrace the winter scenery, head to Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation for Date Night in the Park. The adult-only event includes a half- to one-mile hike and a blazing fire for couples to cozy up to with refreshments. $10, reservations required, 7:30-9p.m., 440-473-3370, clevelandmetroparks.com 

Love Sucks: If you’ve had enough of mushy stuff, you won’t want to miss the 85th anniversary celebration of Dracula at the Side Quest. Sip on a Blood Cocktail while watching the 1931 classic film and indulge your dark side with other vampire lovers. 8 p.m., Feb. 13, 17900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-1212, thesidequestbar.com

Love, Wesley: Valentine’s Date Night with Wesley Bright: Soothe your soul with jazz tunes by the Akron native Wesley Bright and accompanying artists at Blu Jazz. Grab a small plate of poutine or a larger entree such as seared salmon, sip on a signature cocktail and mingle with other jazz lovers. If you’re feeling nostalgic, check out the memorabilia gallery. $20, 7 p.m., Feb. 13, 47 E. Market St., Akron, 330-252-1190, blujazzakron.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse: Add a touch of sophistication with a Valentine’s special 6-ounce filet and 5-ounce lobster tail combo for $55. 1600 W. 2nd St., Cleveland, 216- 621-6200; mortons.com/cleveland

Pier W: Care for a cliff-hanging view of Cleveland while indulging in decadent chocolate? Pier W is now offering its annual chocolate bar through Feb. 14. Bite into milk chocolate with a caramel filling, or try a not-so-traditional root beer float filling with a white chocolate shell. $2 per truffle or 10 for $15, Winton Place, 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com

Sweetheart Showcase at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern: Le Femme Mystique Burlesque and Ohio Burlesque present this fifth annual showcase. The Beachland hosts Dimples Diamond, Bella Sin and Lou Lou Roxy with the ladies of Le Femme Mystique Burlesque featuring diverse pinups from the '40s to the present. 8:30p.m. Feb. 13, 1577 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, ohioburlesque.com 

Sweets for the Sweet — Uncovering Chocolate: If you’re looking for action, learn the basics of making chocolate creations such as a classic chocolate cake and bonbons with chef Jamie Simpson. Perfect the techniques of folding, emulsifying, tempering and more. $70, 2p.m., Feb. 13, Chef's Garden, 12304 Mudbrook Road, Milan, 419-499-7500, culinaryvegetableinstitute.com 

Urban Farmer: Forget breakfast in bed. This brunch offers a toast bar featuring comforts such as chocolate chip banana bread to a carving station and fondue dessert display that will leave you and your loved ones satisfied. $40 adults, $20 children, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Feb. 14, 1325 E. Sixth St., Cleveland, 216-771-7707, urbanfarmercleveland.com

Wade Oval Winter: Skate your way through Valentine’s Day with Wade Oval’s special event, Pink at the Rink. You and your plus-one have the opportunity to skate around on pink ice for a romantic and out-of-the-ordinary date. When you’re finished skating, keep the rink wristbands. Those are linked to special promotions all season long. Feb. 13 & 14, Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-707-5033, universitycircle.org/events

By Stephanie Grauer and Madeline Sweeney

Go Off the Eaten Path

Taking your honey out to a fabulous and extravagant dinner is a treasured February ritual and one I heartily endorse. But you don’t have to spend the big bucks to show your Valentine some love. When it comes to where to go or what to have for that special drink or meal I think the crazy, quirky, unexpected gesture is utterly romantic. Here are ten ideas for how to say you care.

-50’s style date, updated: One Vanilla Bean Apple Pie Bacon (yes-all that stuff really is in there) milkshake with bourbon at B Spot, two straws.

-Elegant interlude: Afternoon tea British style in the Lobby Lounge at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

-For adventurous types: Sunday Dim Sum downtown at Li Wah

-Sweet excess: Chocolate fondue for two at the Velvet Tango Room

-Raw passion: the Sushi Bridge for two at Pacific East on Coventry

-Express Yourself with Espresso: the Lover’s Latte (white chocolate, cinnamon, steamed half-n-half) and the I Love You version (chocolate and raspberry syrup, steamed half-n-half) at Lucky’s Cafe

-Cook Together (but let somebody else wash the dishes): grill your own dinner at Seoul Hot Pot (3709 Payne Avenue, Cleveland)

-Say it in French (because it always sounds better): Sunday Brunch at Le Petit Triangle Cafe

-Happiness for homebodies: a take out Cajun feast from Battiste and Dupree (1992 Warrensville Center Road, South Euclid). Just add candles.

-Boxed Magic: Love Potion Number 91/2- heart shaped chocolates made with dried strawberries kissed with balsamic vinegar from Lily’s in Tremont

Singles Update Part 2: Tim Richards' V-Day

Tim Richards: Well, I went to Bistro 185 on the East Side for Valentine's Day dinner. I had to put some of the food on layaway because I couldn't afford it all with my radio salary. LOL. Great dinner, but she texted her friends the whole time (not cool). Ladies and gentlemen, this is why Tim Richards is single. 

For more on what some of our other Sexy Singles did this past V-Day, check out our post below.

Singles Update: How We Spent V-Day

They laid it all out for us in the February issue: their bad habits, perfect date, No. 1 dating rules and more. Did it score any of them a date on Feb. 14? We checked in with some of our Sexy Singles to see if they were lucky in love or still celebrating singlehood. Here's what they had to say about the big day. 

Michael Goulis: I'd rank my V-Day as an 8, but only because I had such a busy week. I was worn out from filming scenes for an independent film I'm working on during the day on Saturday, etc. But, I did end up at the Michael vs. Prince party at the B-Side and it was a hot one! I was simultaneously invited to go by a young lady who emailed me specifically from the article and one of my best guy friends/group of guy friends as we hang out there a bit anyway. That being said, I got to chit chat with a pretty young lady and hang out with my friends so it was the best of both worlds ... definitely a good time. Oh, the young lady and I will most likely be going out or something again this week ... we're into a lot of the same stuff.  

Angie Stetzy: I had a very enjoyable Valentine's Day weekend. Not only did I share a seafood dinner this Valentine's Day with my son on Saturday, but on Sunday, I shared good conversation over wine with a someone I met through the magazine. The gentleman that I met turned out to be someone I had gone to junior high school with and never knew it!

Melissa Mack: I had a wonderful Valentine's Day! I went to my 5-year-old niece's All-Star Cheerleading Competition near Pittsburgh, Pa. I also competed in our Parent's Hip-Hop Dance Team. My niece's Tiny All-Star Cheerleading Squad and Hip-Hop Dance Team won first place. We (the Parent's Hip-Hop Dance Team) had no competition so we automatically took first place. Then, I ended Valentine's Day by treating my family to a wonderful dinner at Hickory Grille in Hermitage, Pa. Rating: 10 (I try to live every day to its fullest!)

Ciarra Nelson: My Valentine's Day was wonderful! I spent it with family during the day and the night with friends. I went on a date on Sunday. The single life is great but I am dating a new guy! Hopefully I will be inviting you all to my wedding next year! Thanks for everything!

Nicole Burke: This year, Valentine's Day could have been the worst to date. On Feb. 11, I was laid off! Boo, I know. However, I was lucky to have recently met someone who asked me (sexy single and unemployed) to be his Valentine and took me out for a great night. Although we had plans to go to Dave & Buster's so I could "school" him in basketball, so did everyone else in Cleveland and it was packed. So we ended up at Carraba's. It was a night of good conversation and a memorable evening with a a great guy. I give it a 10!