Detroit is for Lovers: 12 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Metro Detroit

Looking for a way to mix it up for Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway or a Detroiter looking for new ideas, these suggestions have got you covered. Once you’ve been through this short but sweet list of unique and romantic experiences in Detroit, you’ll find that no matter what you’re into, there’s a spot in Detroit for your next date night.

Romance can take many forms – cozy coffee mornings, incredible views, quality time activities, and more. If you want to expand your date night options, here are 13 ways to do so in metro Detroit.

1. Let’s get Physical…
Hamtramck is home to a one-of-a-kind experience that makes you think a little differently. Turn up the flirty vibes with some fun and playful competition. What may look like a simple warehouse on the outside, is actually home to a Midwestern revolution: fowling. Have a laugh with your date as you attempt to combine football and bowling!

2. That ‘in-love’ Glow…
Head to Mexicantown, to uncover this sweet and ethereal gem for you and your boo. You’ll find a small shop where you can get your auras photographed! An aura is believed to be an energetic field surrounding a person’s body. At AURA AURA, let your love grow, glow and show with your couple’s aura photo.

 

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3. Stimulate the Senses…
Look no further than Castalia at Sfumato, to find the perfect place to sip tasty cocktails and activate all five senses with your partner. This cozy storefront in Midtown is a perfumery by day — Sfumato Fragrances — and a cocktail lounge by night — Castalia Cocktails. Castalia is an experimental craft cocktail bar focusing on the harmony between flavor and fragrance, each drink is paired with a scent from, Sfumato.

4. Oh, so Sweet…
For a fun twist on the old-school date night, “milkshakes and burgers in a diner,” head to Mercury Burger & Bar in Corktown where you can order boozy milkshakes or one to share. Order the Hummer with Kahlua, dark rum and vanilla ice cream, and enjoy the views of your date and of Michigan Central Station.

Mercury Burger & Bar Faygo orange creamsicle by Bill Bowen

5. Closer Than Close…
Nothing says winter romance more than ice skating hand-in-hand with your love. At Campus Martius Park, you can enjoy outdoor ice skating through March, while taking in the romantic energy, lights and sights of downtown Detroit.

 

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6. Up all Night to get Lucky…
Planning an evening at one of Detroit’s three casinos can be a good bet. Up the ante when you book an overnight stay at Greektown Casino-Hotel, MotorCity Casino-Hotel or MGM Grand Detroit. Add in a relaxing dinner, tickets to a live show and maybe even a spa treatment for some quality time with your someone special. You both deserve it!

7. Cuddle Time…
With three miles of paved walkway, strolling along the Detroit International RiverWalk hand-in-hand with your loved one is a wonderful date option in the city. The path runs from Rose Parks Boulevard to the Belle Isle Bridge, and gives panoramic views of not only the downtown Detroit skyline, but Windsor, Canada as well. Stop by Robert C. Valade Park to cuddle up by the fires with hot chocolate, live entertainment, treats and more.

 

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8. Pillow Talk…
Take the romance up a level by staying overnight in one of Detroit’s beautiful boutique hotels. These hotels offer a level of luxury, with a smaller crowd and more tailored experience. Siren Hotel, for example, one of Detroit’s swankiest hotels, is a midcentury-designed hotel featuring with artsy and romantic rooms that are sure to put the cherry on top of any great date night. No plans? Find a Make time to stop in and enjoy the hotel’s plush atmosphere at the Candy Bar. With soft pink lighting and opulent chandeliers, the vibe is exactly what an adults-only candy bar should be. Instead of candy, though, treat yourself and bae to decadent cocktails and appetizers.

 

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9. Let Love Bloom…
A trip to Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory makes for a romantic and whimsical date in Detroit. The conservatory is located on Belle Isle, and has free entry. The exterior of the conservatory – with its glass dome – is stunning, but it’s inside the conservatory where things get really special. Spend the afternoon wandering through rare flora and fauna, including one of the country’s most extensive orchid collections. Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is actually the oldest continually running conservatory in the whole country, and with its five separate biodomes it will keep you and your date happily occupied.

10. Drive-In n’ Chill…
Make your way to Dearborn for another old-fashioned date experience. At Ford Drive In, you can take in a full-length movie from the comfort (and privacy) of your own vehicle. With five different mega screens, and movie times running as late as 2am, there are plenty of options. The theater has a fully operational schedule in the winter, so bring a blanket, keep the car heat on, or just cuddle up with your love for a vintage-style date night in metro Detroit.

 

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11. The Greatest Love Story…
There’s just something romantic about book shops. And if the number of books correlate to the level of romance, then you need to take your date to John K. King Used and Rare Books, without delay. With over one million books on site, this bookshop is the fourth largest in the entire country. It’s also a Detroit icon and the perfect place to get lost with your love. Upon entering the bookshop, you’ll be given a map to all the various sections. You can either navigate, or put the map away and choose-your-own-adventure. Either way, this is surely to be a special date spot.

12. This One is for the Ladies…
Friends and Lovers at El Club in Detroit is brought to you by Detroit based event company, Mona, and hosted by popular personality, Ask Jenn. Bring a date or meet someone new as you move and groove to live performances throughout the night. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12. and find your tickets on El Club’s website.

 

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