5 New Orleans Valentine’s Day Ideas
Sandwiched in between football season and Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day can often be the forgotten middle child for many New Orleanians. But while the smell of king cakes is indeed in the air, romance is too. Below are five ideas to help you fill the Vince Lombardi Trophy shaped hole in your heart. Stop by any of these destinations with your loved one so you can make sure that they, unlike that well-deserved spot in the Superbowl, won’t be the one that got away.
Named after the first opera to ever take place in the city, this carriage house turned gastro-pub is dripping with sultry New Orleans charm. With the perfect combination of refined Southern cuisine and a lively and extensive cocktail menu, it’s an excellent alternative to a standard, stuffier date-night spot, where you and your companion can enjoy delicious food and the buoyant atmosphere of the French Quarter at the same time. Order the champagne and fries as a starter and finish it all off with the Chocolate Pot De Crème (dark chocolate ganache with candied citrus) for a gratifying and decadent dining experience. Don’t forget to make a reservation before it’s all booked up!
The Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk is basically your one-stop-shop for all things Valentine’s. If you’re looking to impress your significant other with something special, stop by Perfumania to pick out the perfect scent. Add in something shiny from Kay Jeweler’s Outlet and they’ll be sure to be smitten. Need a last-minute date night dress? Nordstrom Rack’s got you covered. If you’re looking to indulge a sweet tooth with your someone special, visit Woops! for their Strawberry Passion Fruit macarons. And when you’re all done with your shopping, be sure to take in the enticing views of The Mississippi River on the steps of The Moonwalk.
Whether you’re planning on asking your beau to move in with you this Valentine’s, or just want to surprise them with a chic, decorative gift, West Elm is your furniture and home decor destination. With everything from candles to wall art to terrariums, you’re sure to find something that will impress the amateur interior designer in your life. Located a block off Magazine Street, West Elm not only features its own modern and stylish designs, but sells the work of local artists as well. So go get your Valentine something with that unique New Orleans flare while feeling good about supporting your neighborhood crafters.
With an array of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels packed into the five blocks that make up the South Market District, you’re sure to find something for everyone this Valentine’s. Located in the intersection of the Central Business District, the Warehouse & Arts District, and the Sports & Entertainment District, it’s not hard to see why this vibrant neighborhood features such a wide variety of things to do. Catch a show at The Civic Theatre, munch on oysters and sip cocktails at Seaworthy, or take a dip in the Ace Hotel’s heated rooftop pool. There’s no shortage of special Valentine’s Day activities either. Stop by Happy Hearts Day at the Hair Loft for complimentary champagne, strawberries, and hair masque treatments with any style service this February 14th. Or, if you’d prefer to celebrate a little early, Simplee Gourmet is hosting a Valentine’s date night on the 11th at 6:30 pm. Here, you and your date will take a hands-on cooking class creating dishes off a special menu together, all while sipping complimentary champagne of course.
Riding solo this February 14th? Be your own Valentine and treat yourself to some pampering at Belladonna Day Spa. After a deep tissue massage, a chocolate body scrub, and an organic facial, you’ll be fully ready to run across the beach and into your own exfoliated and well-moisturized arms. Or if you’re looking to impress, book a wax, a mani-pedi, or a session with a professional makeup artist and you’ll be all set to take your hot date (you) out on the town.
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