Rachel NippLove is in the air — Valentine’s Day is almost here! As a local jeweler, we love celebrating couples and recommending our favorite nearby date spots.
Take your sweetheart out for a fun activity or delicious dinner. Or, if it’s a really special year, propose somewhere local (with a gorgeous ring from Shane Co., of course). No matter how you want to spend your day, create the perfect itinerary with our full guide to spending Valentine’s Day in Louisville.
Top Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Louisville
Explore the city and enjoy some quality time with your date this Valentine’s Day, whether you want to go on an adventure, try a new experience, or indulge in a relaxing time together. Below are a few of our favorite date ideas in Louisville.
Before you get started planning your date, check out our recommendations for getting the perfect gift to make your Valentine’s Day extra special!
Whether you’re planning a cute stroll though the park or making a reservation at a delicious restaurant, top off your date with the perfect gift. Find stunning fine jewelry gifts for every style at Shane Co. Our pieces are beautifully crafted with unique details as if they were specially designed with your sweetheart in mind.
Here are some of our top picks this year, from pieces with their favorite gemstone to heart-shaped jewelry that represents your love.
Frazier Museum
For those who love history, what better place to visit than the Frazier Museum? As the official start of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the museum shares the story of Kentucky and its heritage. Take a tour, explore the current exhibitions, then hit the trail to taste world-famous bourbons with your valentine.
The Dinner Detective
The Dinner Detective is an interactive dinner theatre show featuring murder mystery plots and lively audience participation. Valentine’s Day weekend, you can participate in their “A Noteworthy Crime” dinner show. Enjoy a delicious dinner while helping solve the hilarious mystery at hand. This is the perfect idea for valentines who love to laugh while being entertained.
Kentucky Opera
Founded in the 1950s, Kentucky Opera remains an artistic staple of the state that aims to share opera throughout the community. According to Kentucky Opera:
“For more than 70 years, Kentucky Opera has enriched the cultural and artistic landscape of the region. Designated the State Opera in 1982, Kentucky Opera is a producing company dedicated to sparking discovery, joy, and connection through the shared experience of music and theatre. We believe the power of the arts invites a more empathetic, compassionate, and just community.”
Be sure to check out their upcoming shows throughout the season, and book tickets as a Valentine’s Day gift to your sweetheart!
Top Valentine’s Day Restaurants in Louisville
Treat them to a romantic dinner this Valentine’s Day! Find a restaurant with a warm atmosphere and amazing food to enjoy with your date. Keep in mind that many places have pre-determined menus and require reservations on Valentine’s Day. Check out a few of our top-rated restaurant recommendations below.
Buck’s Restaurant and Bar
Enjoy delicious fine dining at Buck’s Restaurant and Bar this Valentine’s Day. Their beautiful restaurant features a delicious American food and drink menu. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. Here’s what you need to know about their Valentine’s Day specials, straight from the source:
“For Valentine’s Day, we normally do a 3 course dinner and go all out with flowers, hearts, balloons, and, of course, live piano music.”
Proof on Main
Proof on Main is another local favorite featuring fresh meals like risotto, pork chop, and more along with an exceptional drink menu. Make sure to book your table now to guarantee your spot at this iconic Louisville dining destination that focuses on southern and Appalachian inspired cuisine.
Barn 8
Barn8 is a barn restaurant and bourbon bar known for its fresh farm-to-table dining options. It’s the perfect place to take your valentine when in search of a delicious meal full of local flavors. According to the restaurant:
“Barn8 is a farm-to-table restaurant set in a renovated horse barn on historic Hermitage Farm. Several of the original horse stalls have been converted into semi-private dining spaces that can be reserved, but they do book up quickly so we recommend making reservations early. While the dining room, and the horse stall tables in particular, can be a lovely setting, we would also recommend … the greenhouse or Artwalk for a proposal. The greenhouse is directly next to the restaurant and open to the public during regular restaurant hours. The Artwalk is an immersive light projection and music experience that runs along a boardwalk through the woods beside the restaurant; this begins at sunset every evening the restaurant is open.
We also regularly offer horse tours, bourbon tastings, and cocktail classes that guests can enjoy before or after dining at the restaurant. All three of these experiences offer guests the opportunity to interact with some of our resident horses. Tickets for these events can be purchased on our website under the ‘Plan your Visit’ tab. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance, as they can book up quickly.”
Romantic Louisville Proposal Ideas
Looking for the perfect place to propose and make it a Valentine’s Day to remember? We love a beautiful location that speaks to the city, so we dug in and found the best proposal spots around. We also asked local businesses their expert insight, and we’re excited to share these favorite proposal locations with you.
As you’re planning the proposal, make sure you’re prepared with their dream ring. At Shane Co., our expert jewelry consultants are here to help you find a ring you know they’re going to love forever. No matter your budget, we can help you find a beautiful ring design with a sparkling diamond or gemstone at the center.
To build an engagement ring, start with a setting, select a center stone, and personalize it. Or, browse our ready-to-ship engagement rings, specially designed by our in-house team. Even after you find the right ring, we’re here as your friend for life with our free lifetime warranty and unparalleled upgrade program.
Here are some of our favorite rings this season to get you started:
Once you’ve gotten your ring picked out, it’s time to find the perfect location. Try one of these landmarks for a proposal they’re going to love!
Swizzle
If you’re looking for an indoor proposal idea, try Swizzle, the revolving restaurant that sits atop The Galt House hotel. In addition to a delicious menu, you’ll get to experience their breathtaking views of the river in 360° style. Book a special dinner for the two of you, celebrate with friends and family at the bar, and explore all the other amenities the hotel has to offer (including massages).
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park in Louisville borders the Ohio River, with a history dating back to the early years of river transportation that made the area a vibrant hub. Not only does it offer a beautiful view, there are plenty of things to do and see along the river, including restaurants, public art, and the Big Four Bridge that connects Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana. Pop the question at sunset for an extra-romantic proposal this Valentine’s Day in front of the water.
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous place to propose this Valentine’s Day. In addition to the beautiful plants that surround the grounds, there’s a stunning castle that serves as an excellent backdrop to your proposal. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale here, and we can’t imagine a better way to start your engagement or celebrate the holiday of love. Make sure to check their website for winter hours, which can vary.
To see our selection in person, visit our Shane Co. Louisville store. For help finding the perfect piece, book an appointment online or at your store or chat now with an expert jewelry consultant.
Anna Gionet
Rachel Nipp