Dining

Reds on the River - The upscale restaurant in downtown Rockford will have a private, five-course Valentine's Wine Dinner February 11 at 7 p.m. Each course will be presented Reds Executive Chef Glenn Forgie and accompanied by a perfectly paired wine. Reservations required. Seating is limited to 32. $75 per person (plus tax & tip).

Tavern on the Square - "Small plates, big love" is the theme for Tavern's Valentine's Day specials, available Feb. 12-14. Two people can choose five small plates, dessert for 2, and a carafe of house wine for $49.95 or groups of four can pick ten small plates, dessert and wine for $89.95.

Grand Woods Lounge - The Valentine's special is $40 per couple and includes an appetizer, two entrees, dessert and champagne. Available February 12-14; reservations required.

25 Kitchen + Bar - Casually dine on Saturday or Sunday evening and choose a special three option menu with beverage pairings created Executive Chef Steve Brechting. Eric Allen will entertain with live acoustic guitar. Reservations available.

Bar Divani - The Valentine's Day special will be served both February 13 & 14 and will offer a 3-course prix fixe menu that includes dessert for $39 per person. Seatings will be at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. both dates and reservations are required.

Bonefish Grill - Bonefish will open early on Sunday, Feb. 14, at 11:30 a.m. Specials include a steak and lobster duet for $21.90. Reservations accepted.

Dugan's Pub & Grill - The restaurant at The Highlands Golf Club on Leonard NW will serve brunch on Valentine's Day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Cost is $14.95 for adults, $7.95 for kids 5-12 and 99 cents children under 5. Reservations recommended.

Garibaldi - The authentic Mexican restaurant on South Division offers dinner and a movie until February 13. For $35, receive chips & salsa, two entrees, two fountain drinks and two Celebration Cinema movie tickets. Reservations accepted.

Bay Pointe Inn - On both February 13 & 14, enjoy candlelight dining, fine food and cocktails and stunning views of Gun Lake, plus discounted room rates. The special menu features filet mignon, lobster tail and jumbo scallops.

Leo's - The seafood restaurant on Ottawa & Louis downtown will serve dinner from 2-10 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

One Trick Pony - Special Valentine Day menu features coconut shrimp, smoke salmon canapés, chicken en croute and lobster chops.

Republic - Celebrate Valentine's Day Feb. 13 and 14 with dinner specials created by Chef Nick Natale.

Rock Fire Grille - Enjoy an unforgettable Valentine's Day at Rock Fire Grille. Every girl accompanied by her guy receives a Sweetheart Surprise--a lovely gift box filled with a little something special from her someone special. Hours 4pm - 11pm. Reservations suggested.

Hopcat - It's an 'I Love You' beer dinner at Hopcat Feb. 14 with some of the tavern's favorite beers paired with a special menu that includes a fresh flower salad, oysters, chocolate chili rubbed flank steak and more. $35.

Bistro Bella Vita - Taking online reservations February 12-14.

The Grille at Watermark - Special Valentine's menu includes a three-course meal salad, filet mignon or crab-stuffed shrimp and chocolate lava cake and is available Feb 12-14. $36.95 per couple.

Noto's - Special Valentine's menu available Feb 10-14 with a wide selection of classic Italian dishes.

All Amway Grand restaurant locations are fully booked.

Nightlife

Valentine's Under the Chihuly - Enjoy an unforgettable evening at Frederik Meijer Gardens with The Connection February 11. From 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., sample complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks under the two Chihuly sculptures in the Meijer Gardens permanent collection, Lena's Garden and Gilded Champagne Gardens Chandelier. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Love, Fashion - GRCC's Fashion Show Production Class presents the love-inspired fashion show February 11 at the Salvation Army on South Division. The runway will spotlight hot spring trends while boosting awareness about the Salvation Army's charitable efforts. Free admission.

The Red Party - Kick off Valentine's weekend with an exclusive event atop the Amway Grand at Cygnus 27. Hosted by Valentine Vodka, the party will feature complimentary hors d'oeuvres, special drink pricing all evening and music from local Soundscape Designer Todd Ernst. Ages 21+; no cover charge. Party gets underway at 7 p.m. February 11.

Valentine's Temptation - V-Day specials at The B.O.B. run February 11-14 with free cover for ladies all weekend, $300 prizes for best little red dress, chocolate tastings and more.

Death by Chocolate - Master Arts Theatre presents the comedy by Paul Freed just in time for Valentine's Day. The premise: members of a newly-renovated health resort are dropping like flies right before the big grand re-opening. It's up to the manager and an amateur sleuth to interview the outlandish suspects and put together the clues in a wacky race against time. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for students; show runs Thursdays-Sundays, February 11-27.

Heartbreakers Ball - DJ Irene spins at The Intersection Feb. 12 at 9 p.m. with special guest DJs Todd Ernst, Jenny Disko, Jenna3fires and more. Tickets are $10.

Pagliacci - With themes of jealousy, betrayal and rage, Opera Grand Rapids thumbs its nose at Valentine's Day with the presentation of Pagliacci at DeVos Performance Hall. On February 12 and 13, see the mad clown succumb to his insanity on stage while the crowd cheers on. Ticket prices range from $20 to $90.

1234 - Valentine's Edition - DJ Billy, DjMattb & DJ Cowboy host the party at SIXX Friday night and anyone who wears red or pink will receive $2 calls all night. No cover for 21+; 18-20 are $5 until 11 p.m., $10 after.

Big Bands n' Romance Gala - On February 13, enjoy an elegant evening of Big Band favorites, dinner and dancing at the Amway Grand's Ambassador Ballroom. The River City Jazz Band Ensemble and vocalist Kathy Wagner will perform the music of the 30's and 40's throughout the evening and the Amway's special Valentine's package also includes a reception, dinner, dessert and overnight accommodations at the hotel, starting at $199 per couple. A dinner and dancing only option is available for $99.

Little Black Dress - The JW Marriott presents a twist on the standard Valentine's celebrations with this first-ever event February 13. Whether you're in love, or looking for love, put on your little black dress and bring your 'A-Game' to the JW for a memorable evening at one of Grand Rapids' hot spots. six.one.six will be accepting dinner reservations and at 10 p.m. the event hosts will take a group picture of all the women on the main staircase leading to the ballroom. Guys are encouraged to wear 'smart dress essential' clothing. No cover charge.

Monte's Valentine's Day Speed Dating - The singles event at Monte's is back for a third year February 13 at 8 p.m. Here's how it works: all of the girls will be seated on one side of the tables, and all of the guys will be on the other side paired up with a lady. Dates will last for one minute or so at which time a whistle will be blown, and all of the guys will move one girl to their right, thus starting a new date. Participation is free, but pre-registration is requested.

Valentine's Salsa Dancing - On February 13, Pietro's on 28th hosts the salsa night beginning at 9 p.m. that will have Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Cumbia dancing.

K.I.S.S. Below 25 - Avoid the pressure of dressing up and spending big for Valentine's at Below 25/25 Kitchen + Bar. Take advantage of drink specials and no cover charge starting at 9 p.m. Feb. 13. Couples and singles welcome.

St. Valentine's Day Massacre - Live music with Stockton and Holloway at Teazers begins at 8 p.m.

Love Stinks - Love Stinks at McFadden's February 13. Details to be announced.

Glendevon Dinner Concert Series - Bring your Valentine to the new banquet center on Leonard St NW February 13 for an evening of gourmet food, music and dancing. Seven-piece band Soul'd Out will play a mix of R&B, classic rock and soul & funk throughout the evening. Cost is $38 per person or $75 per couple.

Be My Valentine Kids Show - The Verve Pipe visit Peter Wege Theatre February 14 for a special 3 p.m. all-ages show to support their new release 'A Family Album'. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids.

Musique de l'amour - The Valentine's celebration at St. Cecilia's Music Center will feature the love songs of Edith Piaf, along with dinner and wine pairings from Martha's Vineyard. Tickets for the February 14 concert are $75 per person.

Valentine's Day at Louie's Bar - Beginning at 8 p.m. on Feb. 14, Louie's on Bridge Street will have Jager Girls, $2 Cupid Bazooka shots and calls and $4 Jager bombs. DJames will be rocking out on the decks and the dance floor.

2 For 1 Valentine's Party - Enjoy 2 for 1 dinner and drinks all night at The French Quarter Feb. 14. DJ Hypnotiq will spin the best in Top 40, hip and R&B. 18+ welcome.

Laugh Lovers Ball - It's an evening of sophisticated silliness at DeVos Place Feb. 14 with stand-up comedians Drew Hastings, Tim Lee, Dwight Slade and Nikki Glaser. Both Hastings and Slade can be heard regularly on The Bob & Tom Radio Show and Glaser has appeared on The Tonight Show and in comedy clubs around the country. All tickets are $29.50.

A Symphonic Valentine Concert - Love is in the air at Grandville High School Feb. 14 when the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band performs romantic musical favorites like "Liebestod" from Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, and Ticheli's Wild Nights. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students.

MacRaven - Piano and cello duo MacRaven partner with One Trick Pony for a romantic Valentine's Day evening. Featuring tunes from their new CD, "The Heart Does Not Forget," award-winning musicians Roger MacNaughton and Steve VanRavenswaay are set to enchant patrons with their unique style of emotive instrumentals. Dining begins at 5 p.m., music at 6 p.m. Reservations are encouraged.

Celebration of Love Songs - Brian Vander Ark and his wife, musician Lux Land will once again be performing a "Celebration Of Love Songs" at The Grand Rapids Ballet Wege Theater Feb 14 at 8:30 pm. The couple, joined by The Lazy Blue Tuna's (Brian's brother Scott is in the band), will be performing love songs from the 60's, 70's and beyond. Tickets: $20

Date Ideas

Free Hugs! - Stop by Rosa Parks Circle February 12 from noon until 2 p.m. and receive free hugs, candy and cookies in an effort to bring the community together in person in the age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact. Free.

Downtown Carriage Rides - Reservations are being accepted for romantic horse and carriage rides through downtown on both February 13 and 14.

Patricia's Chocolate Tasting - Sample chocolates from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Art of the Table on Wealthy Street.

Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle - The rink located at Monroe and Monroe Center will have open skate from noon until 9:30 p.m. Valentine's Day. Admission is $1 and skate rental is free.

Local Floral Shops

Ball Park Floral - 8 Valley Ave NW. 616.459.3409.

Burgett Floral - 868 Fuller Ave NE. 616.456.1999.

Eastern Floral - Four Grand Rapids locations: 818 Butterworth St SW; 2836 Broadmoor SE; 5150 Northland Dr NE; Amway Grand Plaza (187 Monroe Ave NW). 616.949.2200.

Modern Day Floral - 125 Ottawa Ave NW. 616.454.4747.

Molesta Floral - 2960 Madison Ave SE. 616.245.1165

Mulick Floral - 401 Hall St SW. 616.451.8488.

Rose Bowl Floral - 905 Leonard St NW. 616.459.3329.

Hotel Packages

JW Love Package - The overnight package at the JW Marriott includes an overnight stay, bottle of wine, gourmet cheese and cracker display, chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast for two and valet parking. Rates start at $269.