Hopefully, we’ll all spend Valentine’s Day 2022 in busy restaurants and bars, strolling down a crowded Main Street, sitting close for a concert at Ram’s Head, or in a packed audience for a local theater performance. But for Valentine’s Day 2021, many of us are still doing our darndest to stay creative and safe at home. Here are some local businesses offering food and entertainment to spice up your next Date-Night In:

 

Of course, you and your date can always order take-out; what’s special about that? Well, check out these local restaurants that are pulling out all the stops to offer extra special meal packages and options for couples this month:

 

Curated Courses for the One you Love

 

Preserve restaurant's Valentine's day grazing box for two comes with drinks to share.

Preserve has a beautiful Valentine's day Box with lots of goodies, be sure to order in advance!
Image courtesy of Preserve.

 

Preserve’s Valentine’s Day Box involves lots of goodies like caviar, cheese, chocolate-covered strawberries, two Love Potion cocktails, and it even comes complete with a petite bouquet. Visit their website to order.

 

Luna Blu has been coming up with some really fun options during the pandemic, and this month is no exception. The Valentine’s Day Virtual Wine Dinner will include Italian wine, heart-shaped ravioli, charcuterie, chocolate truffles and lots of other goodies in this 5-course culinary adventure. They also offer Date Night To-Go options, with a 3-course menu and wine pairing for 2 for $80—a great deal. Or try the Chocolate & Wine Pairing for a sweet treat!

 

Vintage Views grazing box of meats and cheeses.

Vintage Views delivers happy hour to your doorstep with hand-crafted cocktails and top-notch grazing boards.
Image courtesy of the author.

 

Ever wanted to try fondue at home like back in the 60s? Melting Pot is now offering a Fondue Night-In menu for your at-home dipping pleasure. Choose between a 3-course menu for $24 per person or choose your own adventure with à la carte. The cheese and chocolate fondues are pre-mixed and just need to be reheated at home. 

 

Did Someone Say Wine?

 

If you really want to treat yourself (and your partner!) for date night in, the always-decadent Ruth’s Chris is getting in on the dining-at-home options. In early February, you can participate in their Stag’s Leap Wine and Dine Event At-Home Virtual Experience ($219 per package, serves 2).

 

The Vineyards at Dodon in Davidsonville offers virtual tours and tastings led by a member of the Dodon team. Order your wine in advance, schedule a personal Zoom meeting, and voilà—you have a date night in that is both educational and fun! Dodon will also be hosting a Virtual Wine Dinner on February 18 with the DC restaurant Tail Up Goat.

 

April's table offers a table setting complete their food and drink packages.

A catered and carefully curated date- night could win you some bonus points!
Image courtesy of April's Table.

 

Don’t forget about your favorite caterers for date night nibbles! April’s Table, in Severna Park, has combined so many ways to make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable, including food (grazing box, full 4-course menu, Sweet Treats box), drinks (Cocktail Kits by Chesapeake Bartenders), and even table décor and flowers from j.lolly, to complete your romantic ambiance.

 

Vintage Views delivers happy hour to your doorstep with hand-crafted cocktails and top-notch grazing boards. The Valentine’s Box is sure to be filled with sweet surprises, but any of their board/cocktail combinations are perfect to kick off a spontaneous date night in or special celebration. Vintage Views offers customization for vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free palates, so it’s a snap to meet any special dietary requests.

 

Think Outside the Heart-Shaped Box

 

Want something a little more on the creative side? Muse Paintbar wants to help you and your partner get crafty with their Valentine’s Kit which includes supplies and video instructions to complete 3 cute crafts, including one 8x10 canvas painting each. For a non-Valentine’s date, choose from dozens of other designs of Date Night Paint + Video Kits.

 

Muse Paint Bar painting kit for two- lovebirds walking in the rain.

Add your own cheese and wine and create a masterpiece with your date with Muse Paintbar's Paint at Home Kit.
Image courtesy of Muse Paintbar.

 

If you want to get crafty and pampered, try one of the DIY kits from Blended Essentials in Severna Park. Take home a Candle Kit or Bath Bomb making kit and customize with your choice of scents.

 

So surprise your date with a fun, creative option for your next date night in, be it Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or any day you want to celebrate love.

 

Here are some more Valentine’s menus for your planning and browsing pleasure:

 

Carrol’s Creek Café Valentine’s Menu

Severn Inn Valentine’s Day Menu

Osteria 177 Valentine’s Day Menu

Paul’s Homewood Café Valentine’s Day Menu

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Valentine’s Weekend Menu

Harvest Thyme Valentine’s Day Carryout Menu

Café Normandie Valentine’s Day Menu

Cooper’s Hawk Valentine’s Day At Home Kit Menu

Café Mezzanotte Valentine’s Weekend Boxes