Windy City Offers Accommodation and Dinner Specials, Plus Romantic Activities, for Week of Feb. 10-19
It’s cold outside, but warm in the heart for those who spend Valentine’s Day in Chicago.
How does a carriage ride down Magnificent Mile sound? A slow stroll through Millennium Park? A Ferris Wheel ride at Navy Pier? How about ice skating?
It’s all available in Chicago and the Windy City is sweetening the situation by offering hotel and dinner specials, along with Valentine’s Day-themed events, for an entire week, from Feb. 10-19.
HOTEL PACKAGES
Kiss & Tell Romantic Getaway Package – Affinia Chicago
Rates: From $134/night
Get an upgrade to a suite, a list of recommended romantic spots to kiss, Affinia signature “Kiss Me” mints and “Kisses Goodnight” Turndown with Hershey Kisses and a split of bubbly for a bargain price (but don’t tell her it’s only $134).
Stupid Cupid Deluxe Package – Essex Inn
Rates: From $159/night
The devil is in the details, but the Essex Inn has that covered with a red rose combined with a special note, a gift card and gift bag from the 900 Shops. End the night with a sip of Moet & Chandon champagne and mouth-watering chocolates.
Fairmont’s Ultimate Way to Say “I Love You”
Rates: N/A
The $100,000 Romantic Getaway Package includes a rose petal red carpet upon arrival, a Presidential Suite and a lavender-infused bubble bath. Then throw in a $10,000 shopping spree and a diamond and sapphire necklace and this should make any Valentine’s day (and night).
Suitehearts Package – Hotel Monaco Chicago
Rates: N/A
This package includes accommodations in a Riverview Suite, complimentary champagne and strawberries, a three-course dinner at the adjoining South Water Kitchen, served personally by the chef, and a late checkout (2 p.m.).
Celebrate Love at the JW Marriott
Rates: N/A
The JW Marriott’s Romantic Spa package offers massages, accommodations and breakfast for two at The Florentine restaurant. The relaxing experience does not end at the spa. Couples are treated to a drawn bath accompanied with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and strawberries delivered to their room.
Ooh Là Là Romance Package – Omni Chicago Hotel
Rates from $261/night
Enjoy sparkling wine, petit fours, French macaroons and more, all specially arranged by Cupid (Omni’s concierge). This package also includes daily breakfast for two in the hotel restaurant or in-room dining and a “romantic” turndown service that includes robes, music and lighting.
DO NOT DISTURB Package – Trump International Hotel & Tower
Rates: N/A
This decadent package includes a one-night stay in a Deluxe King Guestroom with a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Later that night, return with a romantic turn down that includes a love poem, rose and bottle of Kamasutra Chocolate Body Paint. The next morning, enjoy continental breakfast for two, as well as a complimentary late checkout (2 p.m.) based upon availability.
VALENTINE’S DINNER SPECIALS
Art Institute of Chicago’s Terzo Piano
February 11 and 14
A four-course dinner featuring the signature cuisine of Chef Tony Mantuano, cocktail service, a live band and one of the best views in the city.
Atwood Café
Feb 10–14, dinner only
Chef Derek Simcik’s Valentine’s Day experience was inspired by the glamour and romance of the roaring 20’s. Housed in the historic Hotel Burnham, dinner guests are invited to take a flavorful journey back in time with dishes reminiscent of those served to the flappers and gentlemen of the era.
Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand
This year-round market, which offers edible local products all produced within 250 miles of Chicago, has everything couples needs for a romantic weekend brunch: Great River Milling waffle mix, Wee Bee Jammin’ crepe mix and preserves, Burton’s maple syrup, Seedling Orchard cider, TJ’s Free Range eggs and turkey sausage, Spice House hot cocoa mix, Tomato Mountain Farm Bloody Mary mix, Quince & Apple preserves and more!
Geja’s Café’s – Eleven Day Valentine’s Festival Celebration
February 5–15
For 11 days, the renowned “Restaurant of Romance” will be elegantly decorated and feature lavish decorations, “Love Note Wednesday,” live flamenco and classical guitarists, photo keepsakes and delicious sizzling hot fondue cuisine.
Giordano’s
February 7–14
Chicagoans and visitors are invited to eat their hearts out with Giordano’s heart-shaped, signature stuffed pizzas. Diners can order varieties to their hearts-content—Giordano’s Heart-Shaped Pizzas are available for any stuffed pizza combination at all Chicagoland locations for dine-in, carryout, delivery and shipping nationwide.
The Signature Room at the 95th – Ultimate Romance Dinner
Throughout February, take romance to a new level with an Ultimate Dinner package which includes a gourmet candlelit dinner with exclusive butler service in a private dining room set for two, a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne upon arrival, one dozen red roses in a vase to take home, private musical entertainment and more. Minimum cost is $2,000 plus gratuity.
VALENTINE’S DAY-RELATED EVENTS
Love Songs and Lights (FREE)
Thru February 19
The Chicago Loop Alliance presents “Love Song and Lights” as part of Lightscape, a multisensory experience. Visitors are encouraged to submit love songs dedicated to their loved ones through Twitter, text messaging or the Lightscape website. The winning song will be chosen at random and will play with a romantic-themed colored light show.
Skating in the Sky – John Hancock Observatory
Thru April 8
Take in awe-inspiring views of the city and beyond while twirling on a surface made of synthetic ice at the world’s highest skating rink on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Observatory. Located 1,000 feet off the ground, the rink will be open for skating daily from 9am–11pm. Last skating ticket is sold at 10pm.
Odyssey Valentine’s Weekend Dining Cruises
February 10, 11, 12 and 14
Nothing is more magnificent than a Valentine’s Day Weekend celebration on the water aboard Odyssey, Chicago’s most luxurious cruising vessel. Choose from dining options that include a Weekend Dinner, Sunday Brunch or Sunday Dinner Buffet.
Luminous Field Lights Up Millennium Park (FREE)
February 10–20: Fridays & Saturdays 6-10pm, Sunday-Thursday 6-9pm
Come see Millennium Park transformed into a digital canvas of light and geometrical form with its first-ever site-specific video and sound installation by the Chicago-based artistic ensemble Luftwerk. Created specifically for Millennium Park, the installation will illuminate Cloud Gate – known by many Chicagoans as “The Bean” – and its surrounding AT&T Plaza with dramatic images and colors set to music composed by Owen Clayton Condon, of the local avant-garde classical ensemble, Third Coast Percussion.
Winter Dance (FREE)
February 11: Dance lesson 5–6pm, open dancing 6–8pm
Enjoy dance lessons at this indoor dance party in an indoor heated tent before heading out to see Luminous Field, the outdoor site-specific art installation by Luftwerk. Dancing is preceded by a one-hour lesson led by professional instructors from the American Tango Institute. Admission is free, food and beverages by Park Grill will be available for purchase.
Spirit of Chicago Valentine’s Weekend Dinner Cruises
February 11 and 14
Chicagoans are invited to make a romantic memory aboard the vibrant and festive Spirit of Chicago and treat loved ones to a bountiful buffet, engaging DJ entertainment, dancing and strolls beneath the stars. On the warm and cozy climate-controlled decks, this special day will be one to remember. Dinners include a complimentary champagne toast and a single rose per couple.
Wine & Wildlife: Animal Attractions – Lincoln Park Zoo
February 14
Those who are wild at heart can woo their loved ones at the zoo on Valentine’s Day. This adults-only event will take place inside Regenstein African Journey, with champagne and chocolates being served as participants get the inside scoop on the risqué side of animal courtship—the wild lives of wildlife.
Polar Adventure Days – Northerly Island (FREE)
February 18
Bundle up and head out to this annual event that celebrates a love of nature. Experience the outdoors through animals, crafts and live music. Dress warm, grab hot chocolate and watch as ice blocks transform into sculptures. Get into the action by snowshoeing when weather permits.
VALENTINE’S DAY-RELATED PERFORMANCES
Sex, Love & the Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy presented by UP Comedy Club
Thru February 29
From legendary comedy theatre The Second City comes a play about relationships in the age of social networking. There are plenty of fish in the sea, but can we all live in eHarmony? Or are our lives too much of an open (Face)book? Find out more in this hilarious new show!
Valentine’s Weekend Engagement presented by River North Dance Chicago
February 10, 11 and 12
This annual Valentine’s Weekend Engagement will feature the U.S. debut of Mauro Astolfi, Artistic Director of Italy’s Spellbound Dance Company. The showcase, presented at Millennium Park’s Harris Theater, will combine athletic and emotive contemporary dance styles. Frank Chaves joins forces with conductor/composer Josephine Lee, Artistic Director of the Chicago Children’s Choir, who will compose an original piano suite for his World Premiere.
My Funny Valentine presented by E. Faye Butler
February 13
Valentine’s Day comes a day early to Millennium Park when the popular series, Cabaret with a View returns to the climate-controlled stage at Jay Pritzker Pavilion with the acclaimed theater actress and singer E. Faye Butler in “My Funny Valentine.” The evening will include a night of romance, laughter and song by one of Chicago’s favorite leading ladies and will feature classics from the great American songbook. Butler will be joined by Jeremy Kahn on piano and Eric Schneider on saxophone.
Symphony Center Presents Passion World
February 14
Kurt Elling, one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary jazz, returns for an enchanting performance with Passion World, a journey through love songs from around the world. This special Valentine’s Day concert also features famed jazz violinist Regina Carter and innovative clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen.
Link: www.explorechicago.org
