If you're like some West Michigan Woman staff, you scoff or roll your eyes at the idea of making Valentine's Day plans.
Often lauded as a "Hallmark Holiday," Valentine's Day can conjure images of crowded restaurants, stuffed teddy bears and chocolate hearts filled with unknown caramel mixtures.
Give a new meaning to Valentine's Day this year by supporting these local—and mostly female-owned—businesses. From events to gifts, there are plenty of unique ideas to help you share the love.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
GRAM: Art, Love, and Chocolate Tour | February 8 and 9, 2020
Explore love and passion depicted in artwork throughout Grand Rapids Art Museum. At the end of the tour, enjoy a special chocolate treat to complete your sweet visit.
Blandford Nature Center: Snowshoe with Your Sweetie | February 14, 2020
Get outdoors with your loved one! Crunch through the snow and warm yourself by the fire while enjoying chocolate and refreshments after your hike.
Mod Bettie: Self-Love Experience | February 14, 2020
Enjoy a full one-hour session, all about you. From access to props to unforgettable images, you'll beam with confidence and have something to share with your significant other.
Grand Rapids Ballet: Eternal Desire | February 14 – 16 and 21, 2020
This program explores the timeless themes of love and desire from many angles, all told through the powerful medium of dance. From the classic balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet, to Wild Sweet Love and its contemporary look at love and love lost, to world premieres offering a fresh take on humanity and our innate desires, this program is full of hopes and dreams.
Hammer and Stain West Michigan
This DIY date night encourages you to create wood and paint projects that you design and bring back to your home.
FOOD
Stir It Up
Started by Zoe Bruen, Stir It Up bakery provides meaningful employment to individuals with special needs. Their mouth-watering cookies can be found at Bridge Street Market—or you can place a custom order online. Treat your sweetheart to a sweet treat that gives back.
Monica's Gourmet Cookies
Monica started her sweet adventure in 1991, while confined to bed rest during a high-risk pregnancy. Years later, her cookie business is thriving and for good reason: They're a guaranteed delectable gift!
The Cheese Lady
While many of us know of the Cheese Lady in Grand Rapids, there are actually seven different locations. It is a sisterhood, of mostly women, who help and support each other. If you're looking to avoid the dreary West Michigan weather, stop by the Cheese Lady and arrange a Valentine's Day-inspired charcuterie board.
Divani | Valentine's Day Dinner
Indulge in a special night out at Divani in downtown Grand Rapids for a special three-course Valentine's Dinner. Owner Molly Kopen notes it's wise to make a reservation, so you can enjoy the restaurant known for its intimate and sexy big-city ambiance.
Art of the Table
If staying in is more your style, a romantic evening is easily curated with items from this specialty gourmet shop. From food to wines, and treats, there's something for every taste.
GIFTS
Wax Poetic Candle Bar
The Wax Poetic experience allows you to create your own custom-blend candle. Jill Bromley-Sung, owner, and Linnae Satterllee, manager, molded the idea when they made candles during a girl's night. The concept allows people to choose up to three fragrances for their custom candle, which includes a candleholder and label.
Posh Petals
Elizabeth Schenk, Posh Petals owner, creates trendy and custom-designed arrangements. The gift shop features wonderful stand-alone items and add-ons for the heartwarming gift you're about to give to the love of your life.
Follow along on West Michigan Woman Instagram and Facebook as we post ways to #ShareTheLoveWMW every day until Valentine's Day.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
