Romantic ideas for Valentine's Day and the month of February in Richmond

With a state slogan like “Virginia is for Lovers,” Richmond’s position as the heart of the state has a lot to live up to in the name of Valentine’s Day.  From the cobblestone streets and cozy converted warehouse restaurants of Shockoe Slip to the snazzy “mile of style” in Carytown, the art galleries of the fan and the historic hotels of downtown, Richmond can be quite the romantic getaway if you know where to look.

Following are a few ideas for a romantic Valentine’s Day in Richmond.

Hotels

• The Berkeley Hotel is offering a couple of Valentine’s Day packages as well as romance and getaway packages available for the entire month.
• The historic Jefferson Hotel has a Romance Package that includes sparkling wine and strawberries upon arrival, truffles, a full American breakfast, valet parking and a complimentary 4:00 p.m. checkout.
• Maury Place at Monument has a prime position along a beautiful section of Monument Avenue.  Located adjacent to the Matthew Fontaine Maury monument, they offer a Romance Package that includes a bottle of Virginia wine, a box of chocolates, a $20 gift certificate for use at a Museum District or Carytown restaurant and a fruit, cheese and cracker plate.  Package add-ons include in-room massages, chocolates and much more.
• The Linden Row Inn Valentine’s Day Package includes one night accommodations, a three-course dinner for two at Bistro 27 (four blocks away) and overnight valet parking.  They also have a Getaway Package that includes one night accommodations, a $75 gift certificate for lunch or dinner at Bistro 27, a bottle of sparkling wine and free overnight valet parking.  A young Edgar Allan Poe played in the gardens at the Linden Row Inn and later mentions them in his poem “To Helen.”  Historians believe Poe courted his life-long love Elmira Royster in the garden where the Linden Row Inn now sits.

Restaurants

• Bottoms Up Pizza serves the best in the bottom, or anywhere in some opinions.  Join them for a Valentine’s Dinner for two for $25 on Feb. 10-Feb. 13 from 4:00 to closing.  The special is available on the 14th all day long.  It includes a medium signature pizza, two side salads (choice of house or Caesar), one dessert to share and two refillable soft drinks or tea.
• The Tobacco Company is offering a Valentine’s Day Package on Feb. 10 - Feb. 14.  Enjoy a four-course dinner for two, including two glasses of sparkling wine, for $100.00.  Book in advance and receive personalized keepsake menus and a $20 gift card for a future visit.  For reservations, please call (804) 782-9555 or visit online at thetobaccocompany.com.
• The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing has live jazz from 6:00 – 9:00 on Feb. 14, as well as regular and special dinner menus.
• Try a taste of the Florida Keys right along the James River at Conch Republic Rocketts with their Valentine’s Day Dinner special.  The five-course meal includes amuse, salad, appetizer, entrée and shared dessert with a glass of house wine or champagne for $82.95 per couple, from 4:00 - 11:00 p.m.  Please call (804) 226-6242 for reservations.
• Strawberry Street Cafe is offering a Sweetheart Dinner on Feb. 10 - 14.  The dinner for two includes unlimited soup and salad bar and a choice of any two entree items for $39.00 per couple.  Reservations are suggested.  Please call (804) 353-6860 for reservations.
• James River Cellars’ 7th annual Winemaker’s Valentine Dinner (Saturday, Feb. 11) -  Enjoy a five-course dinner at James River Cellars Winery, located just off of Route 1, north of Virginia Center Commons.  Seating begins at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.  Paired with award-winning wines, the menu includes choices such as lobster bisque, butternut squash bisque, Chesapeake Bay crabcakes, beef tenderloin, eggplant and portabella mushroom terrine and chocolate “bowls” filled with chocolate ganache, raspberry sorbet and fresh fruit.  Dinner is $90.00 per person. Please call (804) 550-7516 for reservations.

Attractions

• The Poe Museum – Richmond’s former resident, Edgar Allan Poe, had quite a romantic spirit.  Wander through the Enchanted Garden and peruse Poe’s lovelorn literary life.  Afterwards, check out Millie’s Diner or Poe’s Pub just down the street.  For a sunset view of the James River, try the Boathouse or Conch Republic Rocketts.
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens (Feb. 1 – Feb. 29) - The Garden is for Lovers Valentine’s display heats up the Conservatory with tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, while the tropical section is abloom with fragrant exotic orchids and the central Palm Room features a color scheme of pink and black foliage in elephant ears, Panama roses, canna lilies and bromeliads.  The Tea House offers Valentine’s brunches and dinners on select dates.  Feb. 11 and 12 is brunch and Feb. 14 is dinner.  Reservations are required.  For reservations, please call (804) 262-9887 ext. 329.
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Visit the steamy photos of Elvis at 21 by Alfred Wertheimer or the mysteries of ancient Egypt at Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb.
• The Lion King at the Landmark Theater  (Feb. 15 – Mar. 11) – Relive the rhythm and pageantry of Pride Rock with tickets to Disney’s The Lion King as it leaps onto stage at the historic Landmark Theater (formerly the Mosque and the site of the steamy Elvis “Kiss” photograph mentioned above).
• Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Coliseum (Feb. 15 – 19) – Celebrate the Year of the Dragon as the “Greatest Show on Earth” presents an all new Dragon-themed show.  Music, motion, acrobatics and animals combine to create a magical performance.  Mix in a little popcorn, candy apples and cotton candy and you’ve got yourself a great date night, whether it’s with the kids or just the two of you.
• Pack a picnic and hike or bike around Belle Isle.  The small 54-acres island is surrounded by the rocks and white water rapids of the James River.  The island was first explored by Captain John Smith in 1607 and served as a prison for Union soldiers during the Civil War.  There was also an hydroelectric power plant on the island for a number of years.  Today, it's a fun recreational excursion.  Excellent views of the downtown skyline can be seen from the island and there are often canoers and kayakers braving the rapids.
• Maymont (Saturday, Feb. 11, noon - 5:00) – Visit the Victorian romance and décor of Maymont Mansion as elegantly costumed ladies and gentlemen tell stories of the romance of Queen Victoria and the courting customs of the Victorian era.  Guided tours are available every half hour.  Reservations are accepted.  $5/per person, $3/for members (804) 358-7166, ext. 329

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.  The month of February just makes it that much sweeter.  Be sure to check out the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s latest sweepstakes to win a fabulous all-expense paid trip to Richmond or three other incredible aquatic Virginia locations.

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