Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Locally

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner—which means local businesses are offering up a slew of events and specials for celebrating the one you love (or to keep the kids busy while you’re out on the town). Here’s a roundup of some Valentine’s Day activities you won’t want to miss this year:

Sweets for your Sweet

Candy Shop Bouquet, will deliver a bouquet for free on Feb. 13 or 14. Call Carla, 847-383-4318, or check out the website, 3765.shopcandybouquet.com.

Nothing Says it Like Flowers

There's still time to also send roses or any other flora to your honey. Check out Deerfield Florist online, stop in to see what they have at 20522 N. Milwaukee Ave., Deerfield, or call at 847-465-9393.

Say “You’re Very Special” with a Singing Valentine and leave her (or him) speechless.

Tuesday, February 14, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A tuxedo-clad quartet from The New Tradition chorus, the Chicago area’s premier a cappella show chorus, will deliver a long-stemmed rose and a personalized card, and then will serenade that special someone with two love songs.  The group will deliver this surprise to your sweetie anywhere in Deerfield and the northern and northwest suburbs. The cost is $50.  Make a reservation by calling  1-800-746-9246. 

It'll be Icing on the Cookies

Feb. 14, 11:30 am–12:00 pm

Does your child love to help you in the kitchen? Bring your youngster to
, 760 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield where you can decorate some valentine cookies together! Bring your cookies home in a valentine themed container decorated by you and your child. The cost is $5. It's for ages 5 and under.

Whip Up Some Love in the Kitchen

Evenings, Feb. 10 -14; Sur La Table, Northbrook Court, 847-770-4584

Northbrook Court’s newest cooking store, Sur La Table, offers several cooking classes to bring out the romance around Valentine’s Day. Learn how to make Italian or French during “Date Night” cooking classes Friday, Feb. 10, through Tuesday, Feb. 14.  Find a full list of classes at Sur La Table’s website.

Put the Kids on Ice and Go On a Date

8-10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10; Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, 847-291-2993

Looking for some time alone with your spouse? Park the kids at the Northbrook Park District’s Valentine’s Cosmic Skate. Sixth through 12th-graders can enjoy two hours of skating to the music of a DJ, along with prizes, games and treats. $5 per child, $3 skate rental.  

Get Closer Over Chocolate Cupcakes

10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, Sunset Foods Cooking Studio in Lake Forest, 847 Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, 847-234-8380

Get romantic over pork medallions and cupcakes at this cooking class hosted by Sunset Foods in Lake Forest. Bring your valentine—and your appetite—to prepare a multi-course menu that includes savory mushroom cups, pork medallions with Pinot Noir cherry sauce, potatoes, sautéed baby artichokes and Guinness Stout cupcakes with chocolate ganache. $70 per station.

Get Romantic By Candelight—On Skis

Sunset to 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11; Sportsman’s Country Club, 3535 Dundee Rd., Northbrook, 847-291-2351 ext. 3

Nothing gets the heart racing like a little exercise. Head out to the trails at Sportsman’s Country Club and enjoy an evening of cross-country skiing by candlelight. $5 per person (not including equipment rental.)

Let The Kids Show Their Love Through Homemade Cookies

Evening of Monday, Feb. 13; Prairie Grass Café, 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, 847-205-4433

Prairie Grass Café invites kids to decorate cookies for their parents during dinner Monday, Feb. 13, using the restaurant’s homemade, all natural frosting. Kids will receive three heart-shaped cookies, a card to decorate and a box for the cookies. $14 per child.

Make Your Sweetheart Smile at the Cabaret

8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14; Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-673-6300

Broadway singers Susie McMonagle, Heidi Kettenring and Christine Sherrill sing romantic tunes from the American songbook during a special Valentine’s Day cabaret at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $35 apiece; dinner and show packages are $120 per couple.  

Dine on Heart-Shaped Pizza and Champagne

Valentine’s Day; Pinstripes, 1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook, 847-480-2323

Everybody loves pizza, and what’s not to love about heart-shaped pizza? Pinstripes will be serving up heart-shaped pies along with a complimentary champagne toast and Frangelico chocolate cake to couples on Valentine’s Day.