The roots of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome and the Feast of Lupercalia, which was celebrated Feb. 14.
In modern times, the day has become a celebration of love. Lovers exchange cards and gifts and often celebrate with a romantic dinner or evening out.
Downtown offers plenty of options for Valentine’s Day, from cards and chocolate to gourmet dinners and romantic overnight hotel stays.
Café Nola at the Museum of Contemporary Art is offering a three-course dinner with selections that include a fried oyster salad, smoked duck with Brussels sprouts and sticky fig pudding.
At the Hyatt’s restaurant, Trellises, the Valentine’s Day menu includes crab and corn bisque with sherry, prime rib or roasted duck breast and Champagne crème brulee.
Guests can check in at the Hyatt for the “Amour Package.” It includes complimentary parking, Champagne and chocolate upon arrival, a continental breakfast for two and late checkout.
Juliette’s Bistro at the Omni is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu. The hotel has the “Ooh La La Romance Package” with sparkling wine, petit fours, French macarons and turn-down service. Breakfast for two is included.
For gift seekers, Hemming Plaza Jewelers has in stock a line of necklaces fashioned after the little heart candies with messages. The store also has wristwatches, gold and diamonds for Valentine’s Day.
Doug Ganson, owner of Sundrez at the Landing, is bringing back his Valentine’s Day tradition of dipping fresh strawberries in gourmet chocolate.
Ganson said the sweet treats will be available every day through Feb. 14 and he’s taking advance orders for pickup on Valentine’s Day.
Love poems are another Valentine’s Day tradition and Chamblin’s Uptown bookstore has quite an inventory of titles, plus books about diamonds, chocolate and roses.
Whatever you plan to do on Valentine’s Day, you can probably do it Downtown. Contact each provider for details on offers and availability.
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