LThe loveliest day of the year is almost here! Waco has plenty of romance just waiting to be found with February 14 two days away. Stuck on how to spend the evening with your special someone? Waco is full of spots waiting for you to discover to make this Valentine’s the most memorable yet. Here are some unique ideas.
A Cultural Valentine’s
Enjoy a concert! Waco has several special concerts around this time, from country music to oldies. Travis Tritt, Gilby Clarke, Parker McCollum & Turnpike Troubadours are just some of the big names that will be in town for the most romantic weekend of the year. Hold your sweetheart close as you sing along and dance the night away.
Stick with a classic date night and go see a movie. For a small-town vibe, head to the Hippodrome to enjoy “Moulin Rouge: The Shadowcast” in one of Waco’s most beloved spots.
Does your loved one have a taste for art? Check out one of the many art exhibits in town. Cultivate 7twelve’s “Touch of Red” exhibition, featuring artwork from the Professional Artists of Central Texas, is perfect for the holiday and runs through February 14. Martin Museum of Art is offering a special event to accompany its Neoclassical Gaze Exhibit, including torch-lit guided tours, valentine printmaking, live music and hors d’oeuvres for free with registration.
A Sporty Valentine’s
For a unique and fun night, go roller skating! The skating rinks around town are sure to be playing only the best love songs all night. Check out Skate World or Skate Country for a night full of fun, laughter and feeling like kids again.
Take part in America’s pastime as Baylor baseball opening weekend happens to line up with Valentine’s weekend! Take her out to the ballgame and eat a classic hot dog while you root for the home team. The Bears take on the Holy Cross Crusaders at 6:35 p.m. Friday, play a doubleheader Sunday at 1:05 and 4:05 p.m., then close out the weekend with a Sunday afternoon game at 1:05 p.m.
Enjoy Downtown Waco with a pedal tour! It’s a great way to be a tourist in your own city and a way to be active, too. Check out Waco Pedal Tours for tour themes and times.
Did you know you can go horseback riding right here in Waco? Be amazed by the scenic trails at Brazos Bluffs Ranch, and enjoy some fishing and kayaking while you’re at it.
A Tasty Valentine’s
Feeling fancy? Why not get dressed up for a night of fine dining? Plenty of the finest restaurants around town are hosting special Valentine’s dinners, with everything from farm-to-table to three-course meals. Some of the restaurants planning specials include Barnett’s Public House, serving buttered crab and gorgonzola beef filet; Lula Jane’s, serving beef Wellington; and 1424, serving grilled beef medallions and poached Texas jumbo shrimp. Taste by Kissing Tree Vineyards is offering a three-course meal of salad, prime ribeye, lobster and red velvet cake, with live music to set the scene. Not all of these dinner menus are on the night of the 14th, so pick the one that sounds best to you and be sure to make reservations and check the date ahead of time.
Looking for a cheaper, yet just as romantic, option? Try a picnic. Waco is full of beautiful scenery, from Cameron Park to Waco Wetlands to Lake Waco. Pack up some of your favorite foods, a vase of flowers and a cozy blanket, and claim your dinner spot around sunset to enjoy maximum natural beauty.
Taste some of Waco’s finest wines with a tasting tour. Waco Winery will have live music and a Valentine’s dinner on its rooftop patio Thursday night, and you can visit the tasting room from 2-10 p.m. as well. Bare Arms Brewing is hosting a “Brews and Brushes” event Thursday night, complete with two pints of Bare Arms’ special Pomegranate Joule and painting supplies. Swing by Kissing Tree Vineyards or Valley Mills Vineyards Saturday night for wine and live music.
Animals need some love, too. Take a walk on the wild side and spend some time with your favorite zoo animals at Cameron Park Zoo. If you really love animals, think ahead for next year and make reservations for “The Mating Game” — a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo, with dinner and champagne. The event sells out quickly, so plan in advance!
An Adventurous Valentine’s
Put your thinking caps on and test your teamwork capabilities by tackling an escape room with your partner. Waco Escape Rooms has group challenges but also a room designed just for two. You and your loved one will hopefully emerge victorious and with a sense of accomplishment!
If you love the outdoors, try hammocking in Cameron Park. There’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying peace and quiet surrounded by the serenity of nature and the one you love most. If it’s not too cloudy, try going after sunset and get some stargazing in, too.
Wanna spend the day of love spreading some love to others? Spend the day volunteering and giving back to the community. There are plenty of places to get involved — Mission Waco, Salvation Army or the Humane Society, to name a few. Visit our Giving Guide to find organizations that best match your interests.
There are so many options to enjoy the holiday with your special someone! Regardless of how you choose to spend the holiday, make sure to tell those around you that you love them. We love you, Waco!
