Valentine’s Day Guide

How to Celebrate the Day of Love

The day of heart-shaped clichés is almost upon us, so we’ve enlisted a few of our favorite humans to explain the creative ways they keep Valentine’s Day fresh. From brunch with pals to feeling the love with the whole fam, red roses and cheap chocolates are not included. Check out their POVs.

Focused on Family by Tash Haynes

"I think it's important to acknowledge that Valentine's Day is a holiday reminding us to show love to those who matter most and that we should intentionally make that effort every day. I feel awful because my husband and I never really celebrated it before having kids. Early on in our marriage we did, but we are purposeful about acknowledging each other regularly and making it count.

I think since having kids you get a chance to see how children impact your lives. You develop a deep appreciation for the person who’s helping you raise them. Those kinds of thoughtful qualities are what we seek to instill in our kids. We also aim to make Valentine's Day less about the romantic ideologies and more about loving people and loving people well. At our eldest daughter's school, they call it "Friendship Day" and I think pivoting to that perspective is far healthier and has a significant impact. Meaning that one of our priorities is teaching our girls that although Valentine's Day is marketed as a romantic holiday, it's truly about taking the time to show love and be kind to people in our lives who need and deserve it.

As a family, we think about special people we know who might need a little extra love, like those who are widowed or single. We take the time to share our love them, whether it's by writing a special note, drawing pictures, dropping off small gifts or a single rose for a splash of genuine encouragement. Love is lovely and should be celebrated, by everyone." Tash Hayes

Tash’s Valentine’s Day To-Do List

- Swing by Stocklist Goods and Gifts to pick up a few Valentine's Day cards and gifts.

- Then walk down to Hello Cupcake and grab frosted goodness with the kids.

- Visit the Tacoma Art Museum to check out the latest exhibits and grab a light lunch in the museum café, they make the best soup. It's like a warm hug.

- Head to Satori for a little afternoon shopping.

- Caffeinate at Anthem Coffee, get the Nutella Latte – you won’t regret it.

- Head to Bite at Hotel Murano for dinner for great food and space for the kids to walk around if they need to get the wiggles out.

The B List by Brittany Nicole

“My favorite Galentine's Day activities revolve around quality time with friends. Brunch in the morning, followed by mani/pedi's before dinner and dancing in the evening - a few of my absolute favorites!

This year for me is all about personal growth. While I feel strongly that this means becoming comfortable being alone with myself, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't also important to nurture healthy relationships with friends and family. We often focus our attention on romantic relationships and let the friendships we've developed slide, but I don’t think becoming confident in ourselves can happen if we aren't well rounded and able to foster healthy relationships across the board.

My favorite indulgence is enjoying something like a salon or spa day. It's so nice to be pampered and even better to enjoy it with someone you love and have fun with. Pair that with a glass of champagne and St. Cupcake, and you've got the best girl-date ever!

To me, celebrating Galentine's Day means spending time nurturing the relationships in your life that are different, but just as important as the relationship you have with your romantic partner. I honestly don't feel that there is a difference between being a good friend and being a good partner, and it's equally important to pour love into both types of relationships." Find Brittany's Instagram here. 

The Couple Context by Heather and Laura

Q: Favorite date night spot?

    A: Our favorite date night spot in Seattle is The Garage. It’s a great spot to play pool and enjoy great food and drinks. It’s even more special to us because this is where we met for our first date almost 3 years ago!

 

Q: Why do you choose Hotel Theodore for romantic getaways?

    A: We choose Hotel Theodore because the aesthetics and gorgeous decor make it ideal for taking photos. We especially loved the cozy fire in the lobby coffee shop, it gives us that perfect Seattle vibe. 

Q: During the winter, how do you keep the romance alive on rainy days?

    A: We go anywhere you can warm up and enjoy a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a nice meal. Also, we personally love candlelit baths or hot tubs! Sometimes it’s even romantic to just sit outside and listen to the rain together. Find Heather and Laura's Instagram here. 

The Part Time Tourists by Jess

"Valentine's Day is really special to us and each year we try and do something new to celebrate our love. In years of past we have celebrated by taking a big trip out of country and other times, simply enjoying a mini staycation in the city where we were based. If you happen to spend Valentine's Day in New Orleans, consider yourself lucky! There is something to do for every type of couple. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous, relaxing, or romantic holiday, New Orleans has got your back. Here are a few things that we would recommend.”

- Compère Lapin is the perfect option for lunch or dinner. The warm, inviting atmosphere coupled with the outstanding food will surely set your Valentine's Day apart. 

- Take a relaxing stroll around the Garden District. This can be enjoyed as a couple, or you can book a walking tour to get more in-depth information about the area. Pro tip - don’t miss out seeing Commander’s Palace and Lafayette Cemetery.

- Catch a show at the Jazz Playhouse. This is one of the best jazz clubs in the area that showcases incredible talent in their luxurious, yet intimate venue located in the lobby of the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street.

- Feeling adventurous? Book a swamp tour on Honey Island! You’ll get an up close and personal boat tour that is filled with wildlife like crocodiles, raccoons, wild boar, and plenty of different kinds of birds. Part Time Tourists

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Special Offer Heart Day Hangouts

Oh. Shucks! at Hotel Theodore in Seattle, WA.

Explore Seattle's renowned seafood scene and enjoy a decadent dinner for two at Rider. Learn More

 

Snap the Sap at Hotel Lucia in Portland, OR.

Get gram-worthy shots of you and your person taken by a professional photographer at three different locations around Portland. Learn More

 

 

Full Hearts at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, OR.

Enjoy an escape to Rose City made extra romantic with sparkling wine and late check out so you can make your breakfast in bed dreams come true. Learn More

 

Cozy Romance at Hotel Lora in Stillwater, MN.

Cozy up with your special someone with a Stillwater getaway, includes chocolates and a bottle of wine. Learn More

 

  A Star-Worthy Date at Hotel deLuxe, Portland, OR.

Soak in a piece of cinematic excellence with your loved one then finish the night with a nightcap at the Driftwood Room. Learn More