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 the Twin Cities.
Top Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in the Twin Cities
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.
Lake of the Isles Ice Skating
Go on a romantic ice skating adventure this Valentine’s Day at Lake of the Isles Ice Skating. Impress your date with your ice skating skills, or laugh together as beginners on the ice. Either way, you’re going to have a blast!
Bellecour
Take a cooking class this Valentine’s Day at Bellecour for a fun-filled date night. Nothing tastes as good as a fresh meal you made together. This February, they have several classes the week of Valentine’s Day, including croissants, a French dinner, and a vegetarian meal, to name only a few of their many offerings.
Tula Spa
Relax and indulge this Valentine’s Day with a couples massage at Tula Spa. You can also sign up for other sessions like facials and energy sessions. Enjoy the bliss of a massage together, or book them a service as a special gift this Valentine’s Day.
Top Valentine’s Day Restaurants in the Twin Cities
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.
Spoon and Stable
Spoon and Stable is a go-to downtown Minneapolis restaurant, featuring New American dishes like wagyu steak, duck breast, delicious pasta dishes, and more. They also have an extensive drink menu as well as exceptional desserts. Make a reservation today!
Bar La Grassa
Enjoy incredible Italian fare at Bar La Grassa, another top-rated restaurant in Minneapolis. Make sure to book in advance and secure your spot to enjoy their incredible menu, including a full wine list. You’ll love the food along with the beautiful, intimate atmosphere.
Martina
Take your date to Martina this Valentine’s Day for some amazing Argentinian food. Enjoy steak, seafood, cocktails, and more, savoring each bite. Take in the trendy vibe, grab some dessert, and have a great night out with your sweetheart!
Romantic Twin Cities 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!
Rice Park
Propose at Rice Park in St. Paul for an outdoor engagement that pays homage to the beautiful city. Kneel down on one knee and pop the question in front of the fountain. For a surprise proposal, grab dinner first for Valentine’s Day then suggest a romantic stroll through the park under the stars. For more ideas on what to do in the area, check out these guides from Visit St. Paul:
- The Ultimate Guide to Valentine’s Day 2024 in St. Paul | Visit Saint Paul
- Romantic Restaurants in Saint Paul | Visit Saint Paul
- Downtown Saint Paul Restaurants – Visit Saint Paul | Visit Saint Paul
- Ultimate Date Night in Saint Paul, MN | Visit Saint Paul
Landmark Center
If you’re looking for a stunning place to propose that also happens to be an incredible icon, look no further than Landmark Center. This cultural center is the heart of downtown St. Paul is home to exhibits, shows, and more. You can book their event space for your wedding, and you can also propose outside the castle-like building or inside the grand, open hall!
Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is a great place to spend your Valentine’s Day! Check out their offerings this February, straight from the source:
“Institute of Hearts, February 11-16
Share the love this Valentine’s season by leaving your heart with the art at Mia. Tuesday, February 11 through Sunday, February 16, museum visitors will be handed a paper heart to place in front of their favorite artwork in the galleries. Let the world know which piece you love by sharing on social media with @artsmia #MiaHearts, or keep your choice to yourself as a secret admirer.
Meet at Mia, February 13
After participating in our annual Institute of Hearts, make your own artwork in our studios to the sound of live jazz. Not feeling the romance? Celebrate friendship with live performances by Lazerbeak and Friends, or join the Lonely Hearts Club on a tour of Mia’s most tragic love stories.”
To see our selection in person, visit one of our Shane Co. Minnesota stores, including locations in Minnetonka and Woodbury. 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