Celebrate Valentine's Day 2012
in Chicago and Chicagoland
Valentine's Day is coming soon!
I thought it'd be fun to take a look at what the City of Chicago and Chicagoland area offered in the way of celebrations for Valentine's Day. Mortgage lenders need to do "woo-ing" too, you know!
What I found, was an unbelievable amount of info to pour through. Whether you're heading to the City of Chicago ... or celebrating in the Chicagoland suburbs ... wishing for some special "couple time" ... or including the kids ... there are all sorts of Valentine's Day activities to choose from. Heck, I even discovered a novel opportunity to "pop the question"on this special holiday!
I'm sharing a cross-section of the info I found. When possible, I included the websites/contact info available. Hope the ideas/info helps in your quest to celebrate Valentine's Day in a special way with your special someone(s) ...
Happy Valentine's Day!
~~~~~
Valentine's Day 2012 Celebrations & Offers
in Chicago/Chicagoland Area
Pamper YOUR Valentine during the whole month of February at Salon Evania in Frankfort, IL.
Book any combo of Hair and Make-Up Application … and your Valentine receives a FREE Manicure to top-off their look! They’ll look spectacular when you step-out on the town to celebrate!
Salon Evania is located at: 13 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort,
Tel.: 815.277.2420
Salon Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday & Saturday: 9am-5pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Noble Horse Chicago Carriage Rides
Noble Horse Carriage Rides are a fun way to tour Chicago's No. Michigan Ave. shopping district.
Boarding/Drop off is at Michigan Ave. & Chicago Ave. (800 No.) Pick up/Drop off service to/from nearby hotel /restaurant is available for an extra fee.
Carriage Ride Hours: Every day: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm & 6:00 pm - midnight.
Carriage Ride Costs: $35 per 1/2 hr, $70/hr, up to 4 passengers. Extra charges apply for 4+ passengers. Tip additional.
For Info: 312-266-7878
Chicago Odyssey Valentine Dinner Cruise
Odyssey Cruises location: 600 E. Grand Ave., Streeterville
Valentine's Cruise: February 10th : 7:30 - 10:30 pm
Boarding: 6:30 pm
Cruise includes: Dinner service, live entertainment, champagne toast & single red rose/couple. Premium bar package available for an additional $35.
Love Songs and Lights (FREE)
Now through February 19th
Enjoy the sights, lights, and love songs along State Street when the Chicago Loop Alliance presents “Love Song and Lights” as part of Lightscape, a multisensory experience. Visitors are encouraged to submit love songs dedicated to their loved ones through Twitter, text messaging, or the Lightscape website. The winning song will be chosen at random and will play with a romantic-themed colored light show.
Chocolate & Champagne Tour
Enjoy an evening of chocolate, Champagne and chocolate-Champagne confections. Guests learn about the history, myths and pleasures of both chocolate and Champagne, two fantastic combinations of art and nature.
Date: Friday, February 10th - 5:30 pm
Tickets are $50/pp To reserve: (312) 929-2939.
Sex, Love & the Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy presented by UP Comedy Club
Now through February 29th
From legendary comedy theatre The Second City comes a play about relationships in the age of social networking. Can we all live in eHarmony? Or are our lives too much of an open (Face)book? Find out more in this hilarious new show!
Ice Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Open through Sunday, March 11th, weather permitting. Free! Open to the public.
Skate rental is available for $10.
Ice rink is located on Michigan Ave. between Washington & Madison streets.
Rather do your skating closer to Heaven?
Skating in the Sky – John Hancock Observatory
Now through April 8th
Take in awe-inspiring views of the city and beyond at the world’s highest skating rink on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Observatory. Located 1,000 ft. off the ground, the rink will be open for skating daily from 9am–11pm. Last skating ticket is sold at 10pm.
Valentine's Day Couples Cooking Class
Charlie Baggs - Belden Stratford
February 11th: 6:30 - 9 pm
Sip complimentary prosecco with your partner as you watch an introductory cooking demo, prepare an international array of gourmet small plates with hands-on instruction and then sample the fruits of your labor.
Winter Dance (FREE)
February 11th: Dance lesson 5–6pm, open dancing 6–8pm
Enjoy dance lessons at this indoor dance party in an indoor heated tent before heading out to see Luminous Field, the outdoor site-specific art installation by Luftwerk.
Dancing is preceded by a 1-hr lesson led by professional instructors from the American Tango Inst.
Admission is free, food & beverages by Park Grill available for purchase.
Then head over to:
Luminous Field Lights Up Millennium Park
February 10–20: Fridays & Saturdays 6-10pm (FREE)
Sunday-Thursday 6-9pm
See Millennium Park transformed into a digital canvas of light and geometrical form with its first-ever site-specific video and sound installation by the Chicago-based artistic ensemble Luftwerk. Created specifically for Millennium Park, the installation will illuminate Cloud Gate – known by many Chicagoans as “The Bean” – and its surrounding AT&T Plaza with dramatic images and colors set to music composed by Owen Clayton Condon.
Say “I Do” in Millenium Park
February 11th & 12th
Couples can get engaged on the ice, and enjoy a Chicago Winter Dance celebratory package, including 5 minutes of exclusive ice time for the marriage proposal, complimentary skate rental, and either dinner at the Park Grill or champagne and dessert at the Park Grill lounge.
North Central College's Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center
Sun., Feb. 12th - 6:00 PM
171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Music: Cabaret star Sally Mayes showcases her classic and seductive vocals in her show "Valentine".
Tickets: $30 & $25. Box office: 630-637-SHOW
WINTER ON THE GREEN
Feb 12th Time: 1-3 PM
Breidert Green - Oak & Kansas Streets, Frankfort, IL
Bring your Valentine sweetheart to taste a variety of chocolate fondue delicacies! Visit members of Frankfort Boy Scout Troop 270 while they demonstrate a winter campout and sample their hot cobbler made in Dutch ovens!
Info: 815-469-2177
Wine & Wildlife: Animal Attractions at Lincoln Park Zoo
February 14th
Times: 5:30–7 pm or 7:30–9 pm
Ages 21 and up only!
$45 ($40 for Zoo members)
Those who are wild at heart can woo their loved ones at the zoo on Valentine’s Day. This adults-only event takes place inside Regenstein African Journey. Champagne and chocolates are served as participants get the inside scoop on the risqué side of animal courtship.
We Heart Hopping - The Western Suburban Quilt Shop Hop
Dates: Feb. 9th - Feb. 12th
Times: Thurs. 10 am-8 pm, Fri. & Sat. 10 am-5pm, Sun. Noon-4pm
Location: Roberts Sewing Center, 2011 S. Weber Rd,
Crest Hill
Visit 7 of your favorite quilt shops in the western suburbs, each hosting it's own Valentine Hop! Stop at all 7 and you're eligible to win one of 22 great prizes. Hoppers must pick up a "passport" and get stamps from each shop to participate in the grand prize.
Have little ones and family/friends you want to include in some of the celebrations??
Key Lime Cove offers 65,000 sq. feet of water thrills. There’s no cold, rain, or snow as it’s always a balmy 82 degrees! Wild Rides are guaranteed to get your pulse pounding. Float down the river if you're looking forward to Takin’ it easy. Play pond kiddie pool available for Lil’ Limers who need extra special attention in a fun, safe, secure environment.
Lost Paradise Waterpark is open:
Monday thru Friday: 10 am to 9 pm Saturday & Sunday: 9 am to 9 pm
Valentine's Day Jump - Pump It Up with the Kids
Friday, February 10th
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Located: 4995 Varisty Dr., Lisle
Tel: 630-310-5700
Enjoy jumping, climbing on the new Rock Wall, the glow party going in Arena B.
Dinner is $10 for a 12 inch pizza & 2 liter drink.
Family Valentine Dance - Chicago Women's Park & Garden
Friday, February 10th
Time: 4:00 -6:00 PM
Price: $10
Family fun dance with a Valentine theme - ALL AGES
Located: 1801 S Indiana Ave, Chicago
Downers Grove Ice Festival: Love is in the Air
Friday, February 10th - 6:30 pm thru Sunday, February 12th - 3:00 pm
Admission: $4.00 (Proceeds benefit Noah's Hope)
There will be live carving demonstration on Friday evening at 6:30 pm ... and on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm. The live demonstrations will take place throughout Downtown Downers Grove.
Also: a Ronald McDonald Magic Show, Pancake Breakfast, tasty street vendor, a special movie of E.T. at Tivoli Theatre.
Contact: 630-725-0991.
Saturday, February 11th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
The big red dog is the guest of honor for this celebration that will feature crafts and games for everyone.
Hot dogs, chips and punch served.
Advance Arrangements Required. Call park to register. Tel: 630-859-8606
Registration closes Thursday, Feb. 9
Minimum Age: 3 yrs. Pricing: Residents: $5 Non Residents: $8
Valentine Pictures & Pony Rides - Sponsored by Plainfield Park Dist.
Date: 2/12/2012
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Pony Rides: $10 Pictures: $3
Take a picture with Peter Pan for Valentine’s Day! He'll be festively dressed for the event and will pose for as many pictures as you can take in 3 minutes.
Pony rides also available. Rides are 10 minutes in length. Helmets provided.
Bring your camera as NTEC will not be providing a photographer/photos for this event.
Please call ahead to book pony ride times as those with reservations will be served first.
Valentine's Day American Girl
Held at the Rec Center
Decorate a special Valentine's Day outfit with accessories for your favorite doll.
Minimum Age: 3 yrs. Max. Age: 12 yrs.
Advance Arrangements: Children ages 3-5 require parent
Pricing: $37 for residents $57 for non-residents
Some Additional Inexpensive, but Wonderful Ways to Say “I Love You”
Valentine’s Day Crafts at your local library:
Simply making a Valentine’s Day card and spending some one-on-one time together communicates big love to the littlest people in your life. Most area libraries, offer some sort of card-making project to help small hands craft cards that say {or illustrate} “I love you.”
And if you’re still in need of more Valentine’s Day ideas … don’t miss:
TribLocal Tweets: All about Valentine’s Day
Wednesday, February 1st
Time: 7 - 8 p.m.
TribLocal staff and blogger Johanna Cook, aka Momma Cuisine, will be hosting a chat about all things Valentine’s Day. From candy to dinner for two, she’ll be offering up tips for how to treat your sweetie, or loved ones. To participate in the chat, follow @TribLocal, TribLocal community producers and @MommaCuisine from 7 to 8 p.m. on February 1st. Make sure to use #TribLocal in your tweets.
* Love yourself enough this Valentine's Day to check your credit ... and/or get pre-qualified for home buying. Interest Rates are at historical lows ... and housing prices are down too. And that makes this Valentine's Day a great time to think about buying a home.
I can be reached at:
Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331
Skype: 630.219.1316