Friday, January 16, 2015

Valentine's in Atlanta - 10 Romantic Outings

"Love is in the air..." Oh wait, that was a 70s television show. But it's true all the same, especially this time of year. There are infinite possibilities for Valentine's experiences to be shared in Atlanta.

Whether you're celebrating the heart-shaped holiday with your sweetheart, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife, or perhaps you're sharing a special outing with your best friend or a beloved family member, Atlanta rolls out the red carpet for Valentine's.

I'd like to share with you a few of those "infinite possibilities", for consideration in your planning time with your special someone. Some of these are romantic traditions and some are likely not on your radar at all. Personally, I like to bestow (or enjoy) the occasional unexpected pleasant surprise.


Romeo et Juliette, Atlanta Ballet, Photo - Charlie McCullers
Romeo et Juliette, Atlanta Ballet, Photo - Charlie McCullers

1. Romeo & Juliette (Atlanta Ballet

Romeo et Juliette, presented by the Atlanta Ballet, with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, will be playing at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Friday, February 6, 2015 through Saturday, February 14, 2015—Valentine's Day. I'm going Opening Night!

You can add an extra splash of romance with an optional Champagne and Chocolate Covered Strawberries experience, to be enjoyed pre-show or during intermission. Tickets


2. Valentines in the Garden (Atlanta Botanical Garden)

This annual tradition is set in Atlanta's "Oasis in the City", the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden. Enjoy cocktails, dancing, live music, photo ops, and you can even design your own fragrance—for him and/or her! Tickets

The Garden gift shop is one of the more brilliant in Atlanta, should you also want to pick up a unique gift. 


3. Sips Under the Sea (Georgia Aquarium)

Sometimes we're not able to make things happen on the exact day of a holiday. Fortunately this year, it's on a Saturday, which opens up a greater range of opportunity, BUT...if you're not free on February 14, consider celebrating a little early at Sips Under the Sea at Georgia Aquarium on Friday, January 23.


This genuinely unique cocktail party, at the world's largest aquarium, will feature cocktails, tapas and live music...and no kids. Tickets


4. Valentine's with a View (SkyView Atlanta)

I love a great view...and SkyView Atlanta offers a most unique view—and experience—of Atlanta. I rode for the first time this past Christmas Day...loved it!


May I recommend, especially for Valentine's Day, reserving the VIP Gondola for you and your sweetheart. You get to skip the lines and the concierge can arrange for you to enjoy a libation (beer or wine) during your flight! 

On a double-date? No problem. The VIP Gondola can fit up to five guests. The other more than 40 gondolas seat up to six guests. All are climate controlled, too! You have the opportunity to have photos made by SkyView staff, but bring your own camera/camera phone to make photos from more than 20 stories above Atlanta! Tickets


5. Medieval Valentines (Medieval Times, Atlanta Castle)

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by treating your sweetheart like a prince or princess! Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is an exhilarating experience...there's jousting, sword fights, and romance. Arrive early for the pre-tournament festivities, then enjoy a two-hour tournament and a generous meal! And there's full bar service before, during and post-show. 

I've had the great pleasure of experiencing Medieval Times a number of times now. My most recent visits were a great fun!

There are three performances on Valentine's Day! Tickets


6. An Elegant Valentine's (Mandarin Oriental Hotel)

Thinking luxury? May I suggest cocktails and light fare at the Mandarin Oriental in Buckhead before your night on the town. Or enjoy dinner and stay the night! I've personally dined at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C., and in Miami...both superb experiences! Dinner Reservations

If you're visiting from out of town, or live here and want to stay in the city Valentine's Night, the Mandarin is offering a "Romeo et Juliette Romance" package, which sounds amazing!


7. Elevating Valentine's (Sun Dial Restaurant & View)

My very first date in Atlanta was at Sun Dial Restaurant & View, more than 70 stories above Atlanta, and it's one of only two revolving restaurants in Atlanta. Even today I enjoy dining there for special occasions, and sometime just for a happy hour libation. 

Their Valentine's Weekend Celebration menu looks delectable! Lobster or Filet Mignon, anyone? Reservations


8. Valentine's Day Love Songs (Michael C. Carlos Museum)

Another unexpected sweet experience option...the day before Valentine's, enjoy a noon "Valentine's Day Love Songs" concert at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. It's budget-friendly (read: free) and it's at Emory, so you know it's going to be world-class!

The concert is presented by Music at Emory and performed by Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta. Information


9. Dinner and Stargazing (The Farmhouse at Serenbe)

Emory's Michael C. Carlos Museum and The Farmhouse at Serenbe are partnering for a wonderfully unique Valentine's experience...Dinner and Stargazing

Your casual yet elegant dinner will be prepared by Chef Thaddeus Barton. Then, with hot drinks in hand, you and your sweetheart get to enjoy stargazing with astrophysicist Erin Bonning, director of the Emory Planetarium, with telescopes provided by the Atlanta Astronomy Club. Sounds like a delightful evening, right? Reservations


10. Cupid at the Castle (Rhodes Hall)

If you want a Valentine's Day wedding anniversary, this is a grand opportunity. Cupid at the Castle is your chance to get married, have your commitment ceremony or renew your vows at The Castle on Peachtree

Magnificent Rhodes Hall is one of my favorite historic homes in Atlanta and it's one of only a few remaining mansions on Atlanta's Peachtree Street, once lined with mansions! It doesn't get any more romantic than getting married in a castle! Your Wedding


Whatever your fantasy for a romantic Valentine's Day, or leading up to it in celebration, have a magnificent time. Enjoy any of the wonderful destinations and experiences that Atlanta has to offer. 

Happy Valentine's!

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