Iowa-Valentines-Day

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Iowa

For Valentine’s Day dining in Iowa 2023, click here.

Whether your Valentine’s Day is set to involve a luxurious experience away or a cozy, quaint evening at home, there are plenty of dining deals, resort offerings and activities themed for the holiday that are sure to make the day unforgettable. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Iowa.

STAYS

The Hotel at Kirkwood Center has special packages that include an overnight stay and a special five-course dinner at The Class Act or served in your guest room. Overnight Stay & Dinner Package Details. The five-course special menu for Feb. 12 to Feb. 14 is available for dine-in or to-go. Grab the Valentine’s Day cookie package too!

DINING

At the Doubletree by Hilton, guests can enjoy a Doubletree Valentine hotel, dining and retail package. For dinner-only options, view the special 350 First menu here and call 319.731.4512 for reservations and is available Feb. 12 to Feb. 14. Leave a message, the restaurant will call you to confirm. Cedar Ridge, loved for their extensive wine selection, are set to offer special dinners on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, as well.

At BISTRO 3 NINETEEN, couples can indulge in a four-course Valentine’s Day meal via dine-in, to-go or curbside options on both Feb. 12 and Feb. 13. The full menu for the restaurant can be found here.

The famous Iowa Brewing Company has partnered with Anvil Meat Market to bring guests a truly unforgettable experience on Valentine’s Day date on Sunday, Feb. 14. Bring your plus one and enjoy craft beer flights and share a charcuterie board. Don’t forget to order your ticket ahead of time as quantities are limited.

GIVE THE GIFT OF LOCAL

To spoil your loved ones with decadent Valentine’s Day treats, consider purchasing some chocolates from THE chocolate SHOP in Marion—or perhaps your partner would prefer some more savory alternatives from local-favorite, Almost Famous Popcorn. For a stunning flower bouquet, Pierson’s Flower Shop has an unparalleled reputation for selling only the freshest stems. Or for a more unique bouquet-take, consider a beautiful balloon bouquet from Balloons, Etc

ACTIVITIES

Calling all book-lovers, because in honor of Valentine’s Day, you can officially pamper your favorite people on Saturday, Feb. 13, and Sunday, Feb. 14, by gifting the perfect book bundle at the Build Your Own Bookish Bouquet event. Other local makers and doers will also be in attendance at this open-air bookshop event, that will feature Prairie Rose Desserts with dreamy macarons, Bay Laurel Baking Co. with a chocolate-lovers box, Nixon & Norman with handmade dolls and goods to pair with the perfect children’s book, Dainty Knott’s Art book-page flowers and watercolor valentine’s, DreiBerge Coffee coffee beans, Kettle Black Teahouse tea, and so much more.

On Feb. 14 from noon to 2 p.m., families can celebrate love and community at the Family Valentine’s Day Glow Bowling Party at Warrior Lanes. Get out and get active with your family with glow bowling, pizza and drinks, and so much more for up to five guests per socially distanced lane. Registration closes at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, or when available lanes sell out.

At Greenwood Park, a Valentine’s Hike and Craft event will be taking place, where families are encouraged to meet together with others for a group hike—which requires hunting for hidden hearts on the trail along the way. Then children will choose from a selection of crafts to make special gifts for their loved ones. Crafts will range in difficulty making it an event for all ages, even your littlest explorers. 

The Great DSM Hot Air Balloon Hunt will entertain Downtown Des Moines on Feb. 12 and Feb. 13. Discover several hot air balloons glowing throughout the downtown area—providing a safe drive-by viewing experience. Clues to the exact locations of the balloons will be made public on each day of the Great DSM Hot Air Balloon Hunt as the event is weather dependent. 

With the Valentine’s Day Craft Kit, this is truly a family-friendly V-day activity that everyone can enjoy. The crafts will be geared towards 3- to 9-year-olds, and the kit itself will include ingredients to make a Valentine’s Day snack plus a variety of other crafts with instructions. Participants will need access to glue and scissors at home to complete a few projects, but even still, the Parks & Recreation staff will deliver your craft kit directly to your doorstep, weather permitting.

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