It's about time to start planning your special night — Valentine's Day is getting close. A night with your special someone can come in all shapes and sizes, from giving chocolates as a gift then going to dinner or taking a quiet walk.
Start planning your visit by ordering chocolate and picking a restaurant, then put together a weekend getaway if you're looking to travel. We've listed some options to help get the process started.
Treat Yourself to a Valentine's Day Package
Some area hotels and businesses are making Valentine's Day planning a little easier.
South Bend Cubs Valentine's Day Package: Do you have a baseball lover in your life? The South Bend Cubs are offering a Valentine's Day package that includes a $25 gift card to Papa Vino's Italian Kitchen, chocolates, two ticket vouchers for the 2022 season, $25 in Cubbie Cash and one hooded sweatshirt.
Inn at Saint Mary's Couples Getaway Package: Includes a bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and rose petals in your room.
Hilton Garden Inn Romance Package: Book this package for sparkling wine or cider in your room and a full breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Valentine's at the Morris Inn: Overnight room packages through February include $100 food and beverage credit, chocolate cake and prosecco. Valentine's Day dinner specials are available Feb. 11-14 with a special 3-course meal and live music.
Pick Up South Bend Chocolate
Can you even do Valentine’s Day without chocolates? South Bend Chocolate Co. rolls out several products just for the holiday: Cupid Crunch, Valentine Pretzels, Hugs Pretzels, 4-Piece Turtle Valentines, 4-piece Cherry Blossoms, 5-piece Valentine and more. Of course, the classic heart-shaped box of chocolates is available too.
Fine Dining in The Bend
If you're comfortable dining out, restaurants around The Bend remain open. Many area restaurants offer special menus just for the holiday. We put together a list of 11 ideas for Valentine's Day dinner spots to get your planning started.
RELATED CONTENT: 11 Restaurants for a Romantic Dinner
South Bend Symphony Orchestra: Cirque de la Symphonie
Taking place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Morris Performing Arts Center, this performs blends the symphony with aerial flyers, acrobats, dancers and more. Masks are required inside the Morris Performing Arts Center for symphony shows.
Date Night on Ice
Looking for something more active to do on Valentine’s Day? Visit Howard Park in South Bend to skate along its ice trail or Merrifield Park in Mishawaka for a more traditional rink. A word to the wise: It's best to make reservations at Howard Park in advance.
RELATED CONTENT: Know Before You Go - Howard Park Ice Skating
Take a Walk Around Notre Dame
Few places in The Bend offer a more tranquil setting for a post-Valentine’s Day dinner walk. All the beautiful Notre Dame landmarks are worth your time. But if you can only choose one, we’d recommend a visit to the Grotto. Its candles always radiate peace, perhaps more so after snowfall during winter.
RELATED CONTENT: 5 Places for a Winter Walk
Drink Local
Craft beer enthusiasts, wine lovers and whiskey aficionados can all find great options for a night out (or in). You can sip around in person or support breweries, wineries and distilleries by grabbing a bottle or growler for home.
Get Your Game On
The Bend's biggest entertainment destination, Four Winds Casino South Bend, offers an all-encompassing experience. Dine at one of its five restaurants — Copper Rock Steakhouse offers fine dining and Kankakee Grille features rustic cuisine — then head to the gaming floor or poker room for a night of thrills.
Head Outside for a Winter Hike
Outdoor enthusiasts might be looking for a reason to head outside for a serene winter hike. Head to St. Patrick's County Park or Potato Creek State Park for miles of trails and scenery. Depending on the weather, you might be able to cross country ski or snowshoe too.
RELATED CONTENT: 6 Places for a Winter Hike
Valentine Ski
Connect with your person and the outdoors at the same time with cross country skiing at St. Patrick's County Park. Rentals are available all the time (snow conditions permitting) and there is a special Valentine's Day ski planned from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 14.
