Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
13653 Lodge Blvd.
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-2331
www.pmlodge.net

Price: $161.92 My Valentine Package

Join in a romantic evening atop the bluffs at a cozy spot known for eagle watching, hiking and delicious weekend buffets. Make an advanced reservation by requesting the My Valentine Package. Have your vows renewed in front of a warm and beautiful fireplace followed by a quiet romantic ceremony or an eventful one conducted by Elvis himself. Dance all night in the Great Room or retreat to your cabin or lodge room where you will be greeted with a dozen red roses, chilled champagne and a one-pound box of chocolate. For an additional cost, spice up the evening from the start with an order of blackened chicken Cajun style for $15.95 from the lodge restaurant, or for just $1 more savor a mouth-watering Grafton strip steak grilled over an open fire. Both entrées are served with a Caesar salad.

Related: Top Spots for Buffets in St. Louis

Kenrick’s Meats and Catering
4324 Weber Road
St. Louis, MO 63123
(314) 631-2440
www.kenricks.com

Price: $29.95 Sweatheart SpecialPick up a special Valentine’s meal to prepare at home. Enhance a quiet evening at home with the Sweetheart Special which includes a bottle of wine and your choice of two fresh ready-to-cook meats. Choose from strip steaks, ribeye steaks, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, chicken spedini or apple-stuffed pork chop. Also, choose a side item for two people such as gourmet twice-baked potatoes, green bean almondine, Caesar salad, Italian bread with butter or cheesecake squares.

Harvest Restaurant
1059 S. Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 645-3522
www.harveststlouis.com

Price: $60 to $70 per person prix fixe

Savor a four- or five-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner from this local farm-to-table restaurant. Choose from food choices that are fresh and very seasonal. The precise menu items depend on local farmers and what they have available, but the selections are always fabulous. Some of the menu items in the past have included a selection of roasted duck, steaks prepared in a variety of succulent ways and chicken topped off with specialties like sweet potato ravioli and a mixed organic field green salad.

Related: Top Tasting Menus in St. Louis

Blueberry Hill
6504 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63130
(314) 727-4444
www.blueberryhill.com

Enjoy a casual dining experience as you bite into a special sandwich packed with meat or an incredible burger of your choice, including one of the best veggie burgers in town. Play a game of darts or sit and gaze into each other’s eyes over a mini chocolate bundt cake. Your date is sure to enjoy the evening with you and realize that the only jerk of the evening is in the name of the delicious Jerk chicken breast. Touch off the romance with a red rose given to the lady of each couple who reserves a table at least four days in advance.

Bissell Mansion
4426 Randall Place
St. Louis, MO 63107
(314) 533-9830
www.bissellmansiontheatre.com

Price: $52.95 per person for dinner theater

Don’t just sit back to be entertained. Be a part of the show on Valentine’s Day starting at 7 p.m. with a five-course meal served with wine. The mystery theater entertainment for February will evolve around “Nursery Crimes” which play out fairytales and childhood stories like you’ve never heard before. On Valentine’s night, start with an appetizer of your choice of St. Louis local’s favorite toasted ravioli or other cheese, vegetables, crab Rangoon or zuchinni bread options. Follow this up with a dinner salad and your choice of steak, chicken or fish served with a potato and a vegetable. Take time to savor a special toast as each meal is served with two glasses of white wine and accented with a special dessert.

Tere Scott is a freelance writer and author of e-books and two educational blogs. She loves to research information to share. She currently resides in St. Louis. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

St. Louis Area
www.essencephotographybymartha.com

For a gift guaranteed to please a lovely lady, sign up for a photo shoot to create memories she will surely adore. Martha Dahl is a St. Louis photographer with the skills to take the perfect shot and an eagerness to capture everyone at their best. Her ingenuity will help couples create the ideal setting to capture their love. Opt for a mini-session for $50, which lasts for 30 minutes and includes 20 high-resolution images on a CD along with a print release. Martha also offers a more intimate photo shoot called a “boudoir session,” which would make a fantastic surprise gift for a lucky guy this Valentine’s Day.

Serenity Valley Winery
1888 County 342
Fulton, MO 65251
(573) 642-6958
www.serenitywinerymo.com/index.htm

Located west of St. Louis is the picturesque winery of Serenity Valley. Lovers can venture to the Fulton-based vineyard for Valentine’s Day and choose some complimentary samples from a list of over 20 wines. Serenity Valley Winery makes gift giving easy for the holiday by creating custom labels for customers. Inspire romance this year by designing a memorable label with the help of the winery. Commemorate a special love affair with a bottle to be shared and later displayed.

Related: The Trendiest Boutiques That Opened In The St. Louis Area In 2012

Sound Stone Massage Spa
197 Watson Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63126
(314) 488-1888
www.sound-stone.com

There may be a lot of pressure put on lovers to find the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, but why not give the gift that relieves all of that unnecessary stress? Lovers can enjoy the intimate experience that helps one feel like he or she is luxuriating at a vacation resort right here in the city by choosing a couple’s massage from Sound Stone Massage Spa (located in the Crestwood Plaza mall). Opt for a full hour massage at only $150 and unwind on specialized Sound Wave Relaxation tables complete with headphones. Couples can simply spoil themselves when they choose a 90-minute massage for $220. The massages include a hot stone treatment and aromatherapy.

Humane Society of Missouri
1201 Macklind Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 951-1562
www.hsmo.org

For the gift to sweep a lover off her feet, choose a furry critter to give her all the affection in the world. The local Humane Society should always be the first stop for couples seeking a pet. From purebreds to older animals who require little to no training, animal shelters make sure to pair animals with the perfect owner through the adoption process. In addition to saving a sweet creature, save money on a pet purchase through the Humane Society. Typically, the vaccinations and treatments for a dog cost above $200, but through the animal shelter, this price is lowered to only $110 and the best care is guaranteed. For couples planning a future together, pick a precious pet for Valentine’s Day and deepen your love with a new addition to the family.

Related: Top Tattoo Parlors in St. Louis

Living in St. Louis, Amanda Dahl is a freelance writer specializing in dating tips and ways to stylize your life; whether it be through house decor or finding a perfect pair of shoes. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Ruebel Hotel
217 E. Main St.
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-2315
www.ruebelhotel.com

Ruebel Hotel is nestled in the heart of Grafton, Illinois, a small town located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Craft stores, an ice cream shop, a fudge shop and unusual restaurants and bars surround the hotel. Romance at Ruebel’s includes the old-fashioned dining room, a leisurely bike ride on the Great River Road, eagle watching or a motorcycle trip to Pierre Marquette Park. Ruebel features a Cozy Couples Getaway Package with your choice of a private jacuzzi room or a room with a private balcony overlooking the Mississippi. The package includes a $50 dollar food and drink voucher for Ruebel’s restaurant and bar.

The Southern Hotel
146 S. 3rd St.
Sainte Genevieve, MO 63670
(573) 883-3493
www.southernhotelbb.com

Surround yourself with country Victorian antiques in any one of The Southern Hotel’s nine romantic rooms. Eight of the rooms feature hand-painted claw foot tubs, perfect for a warm bubbly soak. The main floor of the bed and breakfast has two parlors for relaxation and a game room featuring an 1875 pool table. The Southern Hotel is located in downtown Sainte Genevieve, a historic French town in the heart of Missouri wine county. You can enjoy wine tasting and relax in one of the many wineries. You can spend the day browsing through the unique antique and craft stores, or touring the historic homes throughout the town.

Related: Getaway Guide: Weekend Trip To Steelville, MO

Innsbrook Resort & Conference Center
1 Aspen Circle
Innsbrook, MO 63390
(636) 928-3366
www.innsbrook-resort.com

Innsbrook is a gated community located close to Wright City, Missouri, about 50 miles from downtown St. Louis. This hidden gem is perfect for a relaxing romantic getaway. Innsbrook rents condominiums located on the banks of 150-acre Lake Aspen. Each condominium unit has a living and dining area, a kitchen with a microwave and coffee maker, a cozy fireplace, cable television and phones with data ports. Innsbrook also has an 18-hole and nine-hole golf course package, horseback riding, a dining room on site, bike rentals, fishing equipment rentals, nature trails, paddleboat rentals and a fitness room complete with sauna.

Lococo House Bed & Breakfast
1307 N. 5th St.
Saint Charles, MO 63301
(636) 946-0619
www.lococohouse.com

Plan a getaway close to home in Saint Charles, Missouri. Stay at one of the two Lococo House Bed & Breakfast homes and enjoy the romantically furnished turn-of-the-century rooms. If you are an avid cyclist, you will appreciate the limousine service that takes you to any point you choose on the Katy Trail where you can enjoy a scenic ride back to the hotel. If you are in the mood for some high-powered fun, Lococo is close to Ameristar Casino, where you can dine and dance the night away. Main Street in Saint Charles offers 10 blocks of shopping in 125 one-of-a-kind shops. The unique shops are filled with framed art, antiques, stained glass, garden flags, quilts and original clothing design stores including shoes, handbags and jewelry. There are also 32 cafes, bars and restaurants.

Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn
711 Wein St.
Hermann, MO 65041
(573) 486-4455
www.hermannhill.com

Why not enjoy a getaway weekend sampling Missouri wine and a romantic stay at the Herman Hill Vineyard and Inn? The Inn offers suites and private cottages, complete with breakfast. Each suite has a jacuzzi tub, fireplace, cozy guest robes, free Wi-Fi and private balconies. The cottages feature a full kitchen stocked with waffles, cereals and breads, a fireplace, a flat-screen TV, private balcony and a jacuzzi tub. Spend the weekend at all or one of the four local wineries. Stone Hill Winery, Hermannhof  Winery, Adam Puchta Winery or Phoenix Winery offer tours, wine tasting and relaxation in the beautiful Missouri wine country.

Related: Getaway Guide: Weekend Trip to Springfield, IL

Pennee Struckman is an accounting professional in St Louis, MO. She currently writes for Examiner.com on topics related to parenting teenagers and living well on a budget in St. Louis. She is also a professional financial management writer with articles and white papers published by a well-known information firm. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Baileys’ Chocolate Bar
1915 Park Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 241-8100
www.dateanddash.comPrice: $24 Date and Dash event

Ditch the one-on-one date for the night and make your reservation ahead of time for this large gathering of St. Louis-area singles. Enjoy an evening of Valentine’s Day speed dating where you toss aside that awkward first date feeling in exchange for meeting several potential dates. Enjoy the Valentine’s Day red-themed drinks, dance to the sounds of DJ music and take part in “date auction” fun. Select the event that matches your age range, from 22 to 43 years of age, at this event sponsored by Date and Dash.

Hessler’s Pub & Grill
11804 Tesson Ferry Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
(314) 842-4050
www.hesslerspubandgrill.com

Price: Check their website for Valentine’s Day specials

Get ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day starting with lunch specials and an evening filled with interactive entertainment, half-off on select appetizers along with happy hour and late-night special drink prices. Gather some friends or go solo, but leave your shyness behind. Hessler’s Pub & Grill has been the favorite karaoke hot spot for South County locals for years. The secret is out about the fun and welcoming atmosphere, so why not join in the karaoke party starting Valentine’s night at 10 p.m. in Hessler’s H-Bomb Lounge?Related: Top Upscale Hotel Bars In St. Louis

Jazz at the Bistro
3536 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 534-1111
www.jazzstl.org
Price: $27 jazz entertainment show with Sachal Vasandani

Fall in love with the contemporary jazz vocal sounds of Sachal Vasandani on Valentine’s Day at your choice of either a 7:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. show. Jazz at the Bistro is just as the name suggests. It is live jazz entertainment at The Bistro at Grand Center inside the great room. Buy your ticket in advance, and get ready for a show that will put a smile on your face and make you forget you’re single. Call ahead for reservations to add dining to your musical evening, and then show up early for table seating starting at 6 p.m.

Jive and Wail
1227 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 781-7000
www.jiveandwail.com
Price: Call for weekly specials

Valentine’s Day is just another excuse to sing along and ask for special musical requests. Bring your clapping hands and stomping feet and get ready to have a good time. Come early for food and stay for dueling piano entertainment. Stop in with a group or by yourself. It doesn’t matter if couples and romance are thick in the air elsewhere. Every night is a party here with no date required.

Taste
4584 Laclede Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-1200
www.tastebarstl.com
Price: $6 happy hour classic cocktails, $10 unique specialty drinks

This place in the Central West End is more than your run-of-the-mill night out on the town. Step inside to watch food and drink artistic expression at its best and get ready for a unique Valentine’s Day adventure that will make you forget you’re alone. Experience small tapas, plated foods perfect for individual dining and drinks mixed by more than just your typical bartender. Order a specialty drink and you will taste the artistic work of a professional mixologist and showmanship food and drink presentations. Then again, customers would not expect anything less as this tapas restaurant bar is part of the Niche family of restaurants in St. Louis. If you don’t want to be alone for the night, invite a group of friends and order a punch bowl of your favorite cocktail served party style.Related: Best Bars with a College Night in St. Louis

Tere Scott is a freelance writer and author of e-books and two educational blogs. She loves to research information to share. She currently resides in St. Louis. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Italy
 

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

Italy has a long history when it comes to Valentine’s Day traditions, celebrating it as a Spring Festival. Couples would spend the day surrounded by the beauty of springtime in natural settings like tree arbors or ornamental gardens. Their time was spent listening to music, reading poetry or strolling through the garden. 

Another tradition in Italy’s Valentine’s Day history was the notion that the first man a girl sees on Valentine’s Day would be the man (or look like the man) she would marry within a year. Unmarried girls would wake up extra early to sit by their window to look for men who walked by. 

While the candy tradition in the United States usually consists of some sort of heart-shaped box of assorted candies, the traditional candy gift for Valentine’s Day in Italy is a chocolate-covered hazelnut called a Baci Perugina. The candy is accompanied with a small piece of paper that contains romantic poems in four different languages.

South Korea

Although the traditional Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14, South Korea celebrates similar days of love on the 14th of every month. Each monthly celebration has its own significance and traditions depending on the corresponding holiday. 

The actual Valentine’s Day holiday tradition is meant for only women to be the givers of chocolate to their significant other and the following month it’s the men’s turn. March 14 is named White Day and men are meant to give their female counterpart a non-chocolate candy. April 14 is marked as Black Day and is geared towards those who are not in a relationship. The tradition for Black Day is for single people to mourn their single lives, hence the name of the holiday. Single people are supposed to eat jajangmyeon noodles, which are black in color, on April 14. While the tradition of women giving chocolate to their partners on Valentine’s Day is a widespread tradition in Eastern Asian countries, South Korea takes the tradition a step further than other countries with a bigger amount of chocolate given.

Great Britain

Photo Credit Mark Large - WPA Pool/Getty Images

 
Britain and Italy have a few similarities in their Valentine’s Day traditions: Both had similar stories about how the first man a woman saw on Valentine’s Day morning will be the one they will marry. However, Britain also has traditions all its own. 

While many countries’ citizens deliver handwritten notes and poems to their significant others on Valentine’s Day, paper Valentine’s were so popular in England during the 19th Century that they gave way to the production of mass-produced greeting cards we see today. In earlier times, a tradition for women the night before Valentine’s Day was to secure four bay leaves to each corner of their pillow before sleeping and to eat hard boiled eggs with salt while removing the yokes. This tradition was meant to provoke dreams of their future husbands on Valentine’s Day eve. Women would also write names on pieces of paper wrapped in clay balls to be dropped into water and the ball that rose to the surface first would be their future husband.

Denmark

Photo Credit Matt Cardy/Getty Images

People of Denmark referred to Valentine’s Day cards as “lover’s cards” and they were once made from transparent material that reflected a picture of a lover bestowing a gift to his or her significant other when it was held up to the light. Instead of the red roses many Americans associate with Valentine’s Day, Danish people give white flowers that they call “snowdrops.” People used to give pressed white flowers to their Valentines, but these days they have switched to bouquets. While love poems and romantic notes are given on Valentine’s Day, the Danish people also write unsigned, funny poems on neatly cut paper called “gaekkebrev.” If the girl is able to guess who sent it, she will receive an Easter Egg later in the year. Denmark takes its Valentine’s Day holiday pretty seriously and many people tend to take off work or book parties to celebrate this love-filled holiday.

France

Photo Credit FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images

 
France is often referred to as the most romantic place in the world but the country’s older Valentine’s Day traditions are anything but lovey-dovey. In the past, the French custom called “drawing for” or “a lottery of love” would gather single people in houses facing opposite one another and make them call out the name of their hopeful partner through the window. Women who were jilted by their hopeful Valentine would gather to burn the images of the ungrateful lovers in huge bonfires. The bonfire events would turn pretty ugly, with women yelling and hurling abuses into the fire. Because the ritual would turn into an ugly event filled with ridicule, the French government eventually banned this practice. The St. Valentin Village located in Indre has held a festival since the 1960s to celebrate Valentine’s Day every year from February 12th to the 14th.

While traditions and customs may vary with each country, the basic idea behind the holiday remains the same. Valentine’s Day is a holiday to celebrate romance, relationships and affection towards the special people in your life. Make sure to make the most of this longstanding holiday this year and maybe try out an interesting Valentine’s Day tradition from another country.

For idea’s on what to get your loved one this Valentine’s Day shop at YourHolidayHints.com

Dining Together

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Become your own restaurant of the month club. Explore new dining-out ideas and pick the ones that sound most interesting to both of you, then make a reservation and get ready to have a night on the town. Stick to the same day every month to ensure you will always have time to dine together. This is a great opportunity to explore out-of-the-way places or new types of cuisine you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Build in a few romantic nights and feel free to embarrass other diners by making out shamelessly at the table.

Educate With Love

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Do both of you have an interest in do-it-yourself household projects or photography? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to make sushi, wood working or Italian. Adult-education classes represent a great way for the two of you to expand your horizons and knowledge base together, plus acquire a practical skill of value. Make sure to choose an interest you both share and find ways of enjoying it outside of class, too.

Have A Breakthrough 

Couples-only retreats offer you the opportunity to not only explore your relationship but also enjoy activities like hiking, boating, couple’s massage or yoga together. An added plus is being with other, like-minded couples and forming new friendships, which are healthy for any relationship. Look for weekend retreats in interesting locations either close to home or far away, then suspend your current reality and enjoy being together in a completely new environment.

Have A Ball 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Pursue a sports activity together, such as golf, bowling, paddleball or running. Make time to go to the gym or take tennis lessons. Some couples enjoy friendly competition, while others prefer to play games together as if they were little, goofy kids. Whatever your sports style might be, find physical pursuits you both can share that will help you keep both your bodies and your relationship fit and healthy.

Have An Adventure 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Become tourists in your own home town by visiting sight-seeing destinations and attractions, like boat or bus tours, museums and landmarks. Pretend you don’t speak the language and ask people to take your picture together. Re-visit your own personal landmarks, too, like the place where the two of you met or the houses you both grew up in.

Take Time Out 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Make the world go away by closing the door, shutting off the phones and dimming the lights. Remember that the little, day-to-day moments you share are just as important as the time you plan around activities together. Be a universe of two and spend some time remembering what brought you together in the first place. Congratulate each other on how terrific you are and celebrate being a couple, in any way you choose.

For idea’s on what to get your loved one this Valentine’s Day shop at YourHolidayHints.com

Flamingo Bowl

1117 Washington Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63101
(314) 436-6666
www.flamingobowl.net

Flamingo Bowl, located on the trendy Washington Avenue downtown is another one of the best first date spots around St. Louis. With a colorful interior, 12 large lanes of bowling, and an extensive drink and food menu, Flamingo Bowl is sure to impress that special someone. Prices at Flamingo Bowl are extremely reasonable, and shoe rental is available. After 9 p.m., all guests must be age 21 or older, so don’t forget to bring proper identification! Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant

3210 South Grand Blvd.
Saint Louis, MO 63118
(314) 772-4442
www.meskeremstl.com

Founded in 2007, Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant is a gem of a place located on popular South Grand Boulevard in St. Louis. With an inviting, dimly lit interior and friendly staff, Meskerem’s ambiance immediately makes you feel at home. Meskerem makes heavy use of a particular type of bread – injeera – that requires you to eat with your hands as you tear off the bread and scoop up your food. What better way to get acquainted with your date than to share a delicious meal? Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mosaic

1001 Washington Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63101
(314) 621-6001
www.mosaicrestaurants.com

Mosaic is a beautiful restaurant in downtown St. Louis that serves up delicious tapas seven days a week. Tapas are small plates that are meant to be shared; for best results, several tapas should be ordered to comprise a meal. Mosaic presents tapas in an eclectic atmosphere that is sure to make both parties at ease. Check out the Short Rib Mini-Burgers; these tiny treats feature maple smoked cheddar on a brioche bun and are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Sunday,

- Stephanie Shepard

Lucas Park Grille

1234 Washington Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63103
(314) 241-7770
www.lucasparkgrille.com

Lucas Park Grille, located on trendy Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis, is a haven for singles looking to relax and perhaps meet someone new. The spacious dining area is filled with a plethora of high tables and plenty of window seats for people-watching. Lucas Park Grille also has an expansive outdoor patio worth checking out. Enjoy the ambiance of the 25-foot loft-style ceilings while you munch on appetizers or down a cold beverage. Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Tin Can Tavern and Grille

3157 Morganford Rd.
Saint Louis, MO 63190
(314) 865-3003

1909 Locust Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63103
(314) 241-9330
www.tincantavern.com

The Tin Can Tavern and Grille is a delightful dive bar in the rapidly expanding Tower Grove South neighborhood in St. Louis. With a friendly, down-home atmosphere and inexpensive drinks, Tin Can Tavern and Grille is one of the best singles bars in St. Louis to relax with a few drinks and perhaps meet a charming new acquaintance. Check out Tin Can’s extensive beer menu; whether you’re looking for Natural Light or Guinness, Tin Can likely has what you crave. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to midnight.

Taste Bar

1831 Sidney St.
Saint Louis, MO 63104
(314) 773-7755
www.nichestlouis.com

Taste Bar, located steps away from the popular Niche restaurant in Benton Park, is a tiny spot perfect for a quick snack or a late night cocktail. Perfect for people-watching, the Taste Bar is also an ideal spot for singles to meet up with new faces for intimate conversations. Be sure to try the popular bacon and chive deviled eggs; this treat is worth checking out. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

By Stephanie Shepard

Giovanni’s on the Hill

5201 Shaw Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63110
(314) 772-5958
www.giovannisonthehill.com

This romantic restaurant, located in the heart of Hill in south St. Louis, is a true gem. With an upscale, romantic atmosphere, Giovanni’s is an ideal place for a marriage proposal. Expect extremely professional service when you visit Giovanni’s; their staff will not settle for anything less. Satisfy your appetite with Giovanni’s mouthwatering menu; their Scaloppini di Vitello del Giorno is not to be missed. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Tony’s Restaurant

410 Market St.
Saint Louis, MO 63102
(314) 231-7007
www.saucemagazine.com/tonys

Tony’s Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, is internationally acclaimed and is the epitome of romantic dining in the St. Louis area. With a breathtaking atmosphere and top-of-the-line service, Tony’s Restaurant offers one of the best dining experiences in the region. The romantic atmosphere of the restaurant offers an ideal setting for a grandiose proposal. It’s no wonder that Tony’s Restaurant has one of the best reputations among restaurants in the St. Louis area. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Gateway Arch

St. Louis Riverfront
St. Louis, MO 63102
(877) 982-1410
www.gatewayarch.com

The Arch is a St. Louis staple and a great location to propose. Make a reservation at one of the many romantic downtown restaurants and then make your way over to the Arch just in time to take your future fiancee on a ride to the top. Take in the breathtaking nighttime view of downtown St. Louis from 630 feet in the air. Open Daily. Hours: Winter (9/8 – 5/28) 9:20 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. / Summer (5/29 – 9/6) 8:20 a.m. to 9:10 p.m. Trams to the top leave at least every 10 minutes.

Missouri Botanical Garden

4344 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110
www.mobot.org

The Missouri Botanical Gardens are located in the Tower Grove neighborhood of St. Louis, bordering Tower Grove Park. The Botanical Gardens sprawl across more than 79 acres, featuring hundreds of varieties of flowers and plants. Additionally, the gardens feature a rotating stock of sculptures created by artists from the world over. The Botanical Gardens feature a number of small gardens of various sizes and themes, and there are many spots that would make an intimate place for a proposal.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

12580 Rott Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63127
www.laumeiersculpturepark.org

Laumeier Sculpture Park is an open-air art museum, located in South St. Louis County, featuring more than 75 outdoor sculptures spread out along hillsides and wooded trails. The sculpture park spans more than 105 acres and would make a great place to propose, especially for an artsy couple. After the proposal, enjoy the rest of your day strolling through the beautiful park grounds.

- Stephanie Shepard

Take Her On A First Date

Don’t have that special someone just yet? Valentine’s Day can be a great time to ask her on a first date. For many, the first date is quite simply a “make it or break it” situation. Impressing your date on the first outing is crucial to the future of the relationship. Luckily, the best first date spots around St. Louis can more than meet your expectations. Whether you’re looking for a unique dinner or an interesting night out on the town, St. Louis has got you covered. Check it out >

Schedule A Couple’s Massage

Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing rub-down? If you want to plan an extra special Valentine’s treat for your special someone, head to these spots in St. Louis — some of the best day spas in the area. Try the classic Swedish massage, or branch out with hot stone therapy, aromatherapy massage or a therapeutic massage. After such a relaxing afternoon, you’ll be ready for a romantic date night. Check it out >

Plan A Romantic Proposal

One of the many moments married couples remember is the day that the marriage proposal took place. Valentine’s Day can be one of the most romantic times to propose. This special moment can only happen once, so it’s important to make it special. Mood and atmosphere are crucial during this important moment, and the best romantic places in St. Louis to propose will not disappoint. Check it out >

Celebrate The Single Life

Who said the single life has to be lonely on Valentine’s Day? Singles bars are not just for the romantically unattached; they are also excellent hot spots for groups of friends or colleagues to hang out, sip a cool drink and munch on some eats. But, of course, the most alluring aspect of the best singles bars in St. Louis is the possibility of crossing paths with someone special. You may just meet the person of your dreams on Valentine’s Day! Check it out >

Go Out For A Night of Dancing

Are you ready to slip on your dancing shoes? Get out of your comfort zone and try something different this Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert dancer or if you were born with two left feet. With dance styles ranging from meringue to hip-hop, these places in St. Louis are the best for cutting a rug, so let loose and have fun! Check it out >

Jule Lingerie & Loungewear

9757 Clayton Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 983-9282
www.juleonline.com

Jule Lingerie has it all – comfortable loungewear and elegant lingerie from designers like Mary Green, Freya and Honeydew. Bra fittings are available, too, featuring brands such as On Gassamer, Cosabella and more. Jule’s bridal collection includes gifts for your attendants, undergarments for your gown and romantic lingerie for the honeymoon. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or by appointment.

Ann’s Bra Shop

Multiple locations, check their website
www.brashop.com

Ann’s Bra Shop is not just one of the best lingerie stores in St. Louis, but practically an area landmark. With three locations in or near the St. Louis area, Ann’s Bra Shop is a short trip no matter where you live. Ann’s has a very large inventory of bras in stock from brands such as Playtex, Vanity Fair and Goddess. Many other types of undergarments are available, too. Ann’s is known in the area for its billboard slogan: “Got a Bra Problem?” The staff at Ann’s Bra Shop is ready to help you solve that problem and find the perfect-fitting bra. Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Beverly’s Hill

1309 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 621-1633
www.123underwear.com

If you’re tired of shopping at the big chains and desire a more personal experience, Beverly’s Hill in the heart of downtown St. Louis is ready to serve. This upscale lingerie store carries all types of intimate apparel for women, from undergarments to sleepwear. Beverly’s also carries tanks and swimwear. Here you’ll find athletic wear – socks, leggings and athletic camisoles. Beverly’s offers today’s styles from popular designers and a staff to help you with a custom fit. While you’re browsing, your man can shop right next door at Boxers, a men’s underwear and swimwear store operated by the same owner. Hours: Monday through Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

- Dianna Graveman