By Linden Wilson
Spice up yourbrValentine's Day with something new
In February, we kick off a month of celebrations — of women'sbrhistory, black history and even Presidents' Day — but perhaps none is morebrstimulating, economically or, ahem, otherwise, than Valentine's Day. Last year,brCNN estimated that American consumers spend more than $2 billion a year on Valentine'sbrDay flowers alone! We spend an additional $2 billion on candy every year inbrhonor of this day of romance. And did you know that Hallmark offersbrapproximately 1,400 varieties of Valentine's greeting cards?
Chocolate and roses and lovebrletters are all wonderful tokens of affection, but if you're searching for somethingbra little more inspired, we've got you covered. Dallas-Forth Worth offers abrcornucopia of fantastically creative options for Feb. 14, whether you're markingbran anniversary, enjoying another day of romantic bliss or embarking on anbrexciting first date. From an intimate garden picnic to a cozy gondola ride, checkbrout a few of DFW's most romantic rendezvous that we've fallen for.
Spend a night at thebropera
Death and the Powersmight not seem to promise much in the way of romance, but we assure you that thisbrpoignant opera is full of passion. Take your other half to the Winspear Opera House for an eveningbrfilled with song and dance like none other. Brought to you by Tod Machover ofbrthe Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Media Lab, Death and the Powers weaves science fiction with family drama tobrpose existential questions that will leave you mesmerized. The performancebrstars Hal Cazalet in his Dallas Opera debut as Nicholas and features set design bybrAlex McDowell, who previously worked on Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report. The show opens Feb. 12 but also runs Feb. 14–16.
Lose yourself in a gardenbrsanctuary
True romantics don't need to spend a fortune on extravagantbrgifts to convey their affection. This year, you and your love will definitelybrappreciate all that the picturesque DallasbrArboretum has to offer. Visit the arboretum’s Lula Mae Slaughter DiningbrTerrace to pick up lunch — menu items range from a wide selection ofbrspecialty wraps, sandwiches and paninis to soups and salads, plus coffee andbrdesserts — before enjoying your meal amongst the vibrant flora of the manybrcharming gardens. The 1.8-acre A Woman’s Garden comprises several smallerbrgarden rooms like the Poetry Garden and the Majestic Allee, both of which offerbrprivacy for displays of affection and vivid views of White Rock Lake. The NancybrRutchik Red Maple Hill also serves as a lush oasis both you and your date willbrlove: 200 Japanese Maples create a sweeping canopy above a flowing creek andbrwaterfall that lead to a quaint lily pond.
A lovely stroll through the grounds of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden will offerbrplenty of opportunities for stolen kisses and sweet photo ops. Since 1934, thebr110-acre garden has provided couples with a beautiful backdrop encompassingbrmore than 2,500 species of native and exotic plants. Take a moment to explorebrthe Oval Rose Garden: This historic haven, renovated in 2012, brims withbrhundreds of roses nestled around a pretty gazebo. Be sure to check out thebrtropical foliage in the 10,000-square-foot Conservatory, where meandering pathsbrlead to exotic trees, or explore the Japanese garden, seven acres of windingbrpathways that run alongside ponds full of exotic Imperial Koi to accompany youbrand your loved one as you take in the surrounding enchantment.
Take off for abrromantic getaway close to home
Save yourself trouble and expense by enjoying a romanticbrretreat in your own backyard. ThebrGaylord Texan’s Remember Romance discounted package includes a one-nightbrstay plus a bounty of amazing amenities like champagne or wine as well asbrcakeballs upon arrival. The package also offers 20 percent off services at thebrGaylord’s tranquil Relâche spa plus complimentary priority access to thebralways-exciting Glass Cactus Nightclub. Not included in the package but highlybrrecommended is dinner for two at Zeppole, where you can savor coastal Italianbrfare in a cozy setting just steps from your hotel room. Good news: If you don’tbrhave the time for a day or two of leisure right now, the Remember Romance package is valid through the end of July.
Get pampered at the spa
Visitors from across the Metroplex and throughout thebrcountry often choose to enjoy a getaway at the boutique-style Hilton hotel inbrSouthlake Town Square because of its spacious rooms, renowned hospitality,brfirst-class dining and perhaps most importantly, luxurious amenities. Duringbryour stay this Valentine's Day weekend, take a few hours (or more) to relax inbrthe Terrace Retreat Salon and Day Spa,brlocated in the hotel’s lobby. The Couples Romance Retreat package lets you andbryour sweetheart spend an hour of pampered heaven together, followed bybrpedicures and complimentary beverages. Then, treat yourself to a facial, bodybrwrap, body scrub, scalp massage or one of the spa’s other fabulously lavishbrtreatments. Terrace is also a full-service Aveda salon, where expert hair-carebrprofessionals can coif your mane however you’d like (complimentary skincarebrconsultations and makeup touchups come with any salon service).
Situated near the Dallas North Tollway on Lovers Lanebr(appropriately so), Hiatus Spa + Retreat offersbrjust that — a tranquil escape from the hectic activities of everyday life.brFeaturing 18 private treatment rooms, a nail therapy lounge with zero-gravitybrchairs and an assortment of spa treatments, Hiatus is a sanctuary you and yourbrsweetheart will fall in love with. Select a massage for two called The CouplesbrRetreat or choose treatments like the Stress Fix — a Swedish/deep-tissuebrmassage that uses lavender, lavandin and clary sage aromas to reduce stress.brThe spa also caters to men with treatments like the Sports Therapy massage,brwhich relieves tension in sore and tired muscles, and the Well-Groomed Men’sbrFacial, which includes exfoliation, a custom masque and aromatherapy steam. Abrday spent at Hiatus (also an Aveda salon) will ensure that you both emerge in anbridyllic state of mind.
Combine dinner and abrshow
Add some suspense to your night of romance with murder,brmystery and a little bit of comedy. This Feb. 14 and 15 at the Texas Star Dinner Theater— located in historic downtown Grapevine — catch the hilarious Derailed and Departed, set in the OldbrWest of the late 1800s. During the one-of-a-kind performance, you can nosh onbritems from the theater’s special Valentine’s weekend menu: rib eye steak,brchicken cordon bleu or sole almandine filet plus desserts like chocolate cakebrand strawberry cheesecake. Tickets for dinner and a show start at $75 a personbr(every lucky lady who attends receives a beautiful rose at the door), withbrdinner served at 7:30 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. The Texas StarbrDinner Theater puts the audience first — with great views and acoustics from nobrmatter where you sit — when it comes to its award-winning shows sure to keepbryou laughing throughout the night.
Enjoy a taste ofbrFrance in Fort Worth
You don't need to go to southwest France to experience anbrauthentic French meal. Bernard Tronche, owner of Fort Worth's Saint-Emilion Restaurant, grew up 40brmiles outside of the centuries-old Saint-Emilion village, located in France’s Bordeauxbrregion famous for its wine. In 1979, he moved to Fort Worth, opening a restaurantbrjust six years later that draws on his home village for inspiration. Located inbra charming brick building atop W. 7th St. overlooking downtown FortbrWorth, Saint-Emilion offers upscale dining in a chic, intimate atmosphere,brideal for couples who want to enjoy scrumptious French food in an elegantbrsetting. Classic hors d’oeuvres like escargots, filet mignon tartare and duckbrpâté as well as traditional French dishes including roasted duck, beefbrtenderloin and spiced lamb round out the flavorful menu that will no doubt lurebryou and your loved one back time and time again.
Experience historic Dallas luxury
Celebrate Valentine's Day in sophisticated style when you stay and dine at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. The Mansion, most of which was built in 1920, is nestled within the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas. With exterior architecture influenced by 16th century Renaissance Italy, the building boasts an interior full of ornate furniture and design elements that harken back to grand estates scattered throughout Europe. Enjoy 143 modern yet historic guest rooms and suites and one of the top-rated restaurants for fine dining in Dallas, the Mansion Restaurant. Dubbed “haute cuisine — Texas style,” the menu at the Mansion offers dishes that incorporate regional flavors and ingredients, like king crab, bison carpaccio (featuring hatch chili chutney), quail and Texas Akaushi beef. And don’t skip out on dessert: Pear with honey, vanilla crème brûlée and pumpkin cheesecake make for just a few of the sweet treats available for you to enjoy. If you want your Valentine’s Day to include exceptional quality, presentation and service, the Mansion offers the perfect destination.
Take a privatebrgondola cruise
It's the next best thing to an authentic Venetian gondolabrride in Texas. Lake Carolyn and MandalaybrCanal, nestled in the Las Colinas neighborhood of Irving, offer some of thebrmost breathtaking sunset views in the Metroplex, so sit back and let it allbrsoak in as the gondola captain takes you on a fun, relaxing ride. Depending onbrthe weather, you can choose a covered or open gondola, and food service is alsobravailable should you want to enjoy a leisurely meal during your cruise. Whetherbrit’s your 50th anniversary, the day you plan to propose or just abrfun, out-of-the-box date idea, a peaceful gondola ride down the canal sets thebrperfect mood for romance. P.S.: Tradition dictates that couples kiss beneathbreach bridge they sail underneath, so pucker up!