Ditch the dinner reservations, forget the romcom movie marathon, and fall in love with the unconventional for your Charlotte Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas on how to spend your Valentine’s Day a little differently, whether you’re looking to wow your first date, try something new with your partner, or have a night out with your gal-pals.
Painting with a Twist
Pick up a bottle of wine or local craft beer at Foxcroft Wine Co. in Southpark and head down the road to Painting with a Twist. This BYOB instructor-led painting session gives aspiring artists of all skill levels the chance to get creative, with the help of a little liquid inspiration. Visit their website to learn or reserve your canvas.
www.paintingwithatwist.com/charlotte
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Escape the city buzz and have a relaxing afternoon exploring the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. With a variety of displays with unique features including a tunnel fountain, the Carolina’s only glass house conservatory, and color during every season, these gardens have a lot to offer. Bring a picnic along to enjoy among the flora, but buy your bouquets elsewhere — these flowers are off-limits.
dsbg.com
Stupid Cupid Bar Crawl 2017
If you’re over 21 and looking for a good time this Valentine’s, the Stupid Cupid Bar Crawl is for you. This South End crawl kicks off at 5 p.m. on February 11th at Helles and Dunkel, and goes through Hot Taco, All American Pub, and Slate before it ends at Oak Room Night Club. Grab your friends and start hydrating now!
www.eventbrite.com
Starving Artist Market
This monthly pop-up market features the work of over 30 local artists and vendors right in historic South End. Whether you’re looking for a unique, last-minute Valentines gift or want to spend the afternoon browsing the spread, hand-in-hand with your significant other, this event is a great way to support local talent. Charlotte food trucks Roaming Fork and Emergensweets will also be there with sandwiches and sweets to fuel your afternoon of shopping. Visit the Facebook page for more information.
A Symphonic Valentine
Show your ears a little love this Valentine’s Day at the Knight Theater of the Levine Center for the Arts. Experience Conductor Roger Kalia and the Charlotte Symphony as they perform romantic orchestral favorites and timeless love songs from your favorite Broadway musicals and films. Check out the Romance Package for this show, which includes two premium seats, along with drinks, parking and chocolates.
www.charlottesymphony.org
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
Heat things up in the kitchen this Valentine’s Day by attending a cooking class at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen in South End’s Atherton Market. Created by newlywed couple Alyssa Gorelick and Andrew Wilen, this kitchen offers multiple Valentine’s-themed classes, including a special girl’s night out Galentine’s Day session. To see the full schedule of classes, read the FAQ’s, and sign up for your romantic cooking experience, visit the website.
www.chefalyssaskitchen.com