A Guide to Valentine's Day in Champaign-Urbana
Wanna skip the same old Valentine's Day date? Want to know how to celebrate in a new and exciting way? *yaaaawn*
Well, I've got you 100% covered with this epic and all-encompassing Valentine's Day guide!
I asked my dear friend and Champaign-Urbana connoisseur, Kendall, for her top Valentine's date spots and y'all she did not disappoint.
We know it's important to make someone feel special but sometimes you need help thinking outside the box.
Enjoy the list she put together for you to help you make Valentine's Day special this year, followed by my quick recs, and let me know what you think in the comments below!
The Literary located at: 122 N Neil St, Champaign
“A place where people can come together around conversation, great books, and shared interests, without having to have some kind of membership to belong.”
Food highlights:
1. Grilled cheese flight
2. Miso Butterscotch French Toast
Drink highlights:
1. Coffee flights
2. Mimosa flights
Events coming up:
1. 2/15 Kids Valentines crafts 4p-5p
2. 2/16 The Literary is for Lovers 6p
- $40 includes: a bottle of wine (or mocktails), shared dessert and a reserved table!
3. 2/19 Romance Book Tasting 6:30p
- $20 includes: 3 personalized romance book recommendations and a drink
Register for the events here.
Fire Doll Studio located at: 29 E Main Street, Ste 101 Champaign
“An exciting retail and studio experience for candle lovers!”
Candle making happy hour!
1. $43.25 per person
2. 5:30p-7p
3. Prince includes a drink and the experience to make your own candle to take home!
Krannert Performing Arts located at 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana,
Sinfonia Da Camera: Romantic Masterworks "Tchaikovsky, Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasie
Poulenc, Concerto for Two Pianos in D minor
Ian Hobson and Muen Wei, two pianos
Rachmaninoff, Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27
Enjoy a romantic evening with Sinfonia da Camera for a special amorous and passionate program of Romantic masterworks! The Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky condenses the iconic Shakespearean romantic tragedy in a heartwrenchingly beautiful masterpiece of Russian Romanticism. In the Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra by Francis Poulenc, piano soloist and conductor Ian Hobson is joined by his wife, award-winning pianist Muen Wei, showcasing the romantic lyricism of the middle movement Larghetto. After intermission, the program concludes with Sergei Rachmaninoff’s expansive Symphony No. 2, a melodic tour-de-force that shows the composer at his most dramatically brooding and tenderly romantic."
7:30p $50 standard, $10 student
Buy tickets here.
Parkland Planetarium located at Staerkel Planetarium within Parkland College campus 2400 West Bradley Avenue Champaign, IL
Prairie Skies
“A live-narrated tour of the wonders of tonight's sky, accompanied by some of the legendary stories of the ancient sky. Find out what constellations and planets are visible tonight and how to find them.”
Admission is $8 for adults or $7 for Parkland students, seniors 62 and older, or children 12 and under.
7pm - 8pm
Buy tickets here.
Watson's Shake & Rail located at 211 N Neil Street Champaign IL
“Located in the Heart of Downtown Champaign, Watson's serves up Southern and Cajun inspired dishes with a special emphasis on our fried chicken sandwiches.”
Food highlights:
1. Pimento cheese and crackers (starter)
2. Firecracker shrimp (starter)
3. Buffalo Starchild (sandwich)
4. Watson’s Hot (sandwich)
5. Watson’s has a delicious variety of sauces, including “cherry cola bbq”
Drink highlights:
1. Adult slushie flight
2. Pomegranate Jalapeno Margarita
3. Espresso Martini
Dessert highlights:
1. "Waffles are my jam" - enjoy a waffle topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate drizzle and house made strawberry-bourbon jam
Joanna's quick recommendations!
Baxter's Grille
Try these:
1. Calamari (starter)
2. Herb Crusted Lamb Chops (entree)
3. Filet Tip Gnocchi (another entree option)
4. Gooey Butter Cake (if you like doughy desserts)
5. White Chocolate & Raspberry Bread Pudding
Bakelab & Coffee
Try these:
One savory and one sweet (or two of each!) You cannot go wrong with this delightful and totally delicious bakery. I've never had a pastry here I haven't loved. Flaky layers but soft and chewy? Mmmm one of my favorite places to indulge.
Three Berry Flowers
We are hosting an epic & amazing workshop event on February 15th. Combine floral arranging with watercolor painting and what do you get? A morning to remember!
Buy tickets here.
Of course, don't forget the flowers! You can pre-order our Valentine's Day menu here.
To go an extra step, you can always keep each of these a secret and only reveal the next step in your plan when you arrive. That way you make Valentine's Day special and keep your loved one surprised the only evening/weekend.
Alright, that about wraps it up! But now I want to hear from you? What will you be doing this Valentine's Day?