Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday this year, which means there’s a whole weekend (plus two more days!) to celebrate your sweetheart. Lucky for you, Oklahoma City is brimming with options, from the sweetly simple and understated to the bonkers, decadent and over-the-top. Whether you’re celebrating with your gal pals, spouse and kids or your one-and-only, we’ll help you do it up right.
Sweet and simple
For a heartfelt celebration of your love, spend a day bundled up for a stroll through Myriad Botanical Gardens or Scissortail Park. Before you go, pick up some piping hot cocoa from Elemental Coffee. Treat your Valentine to a post-stroll brunch. We’re thinking Neighborhood Jam sounds perfect. You could also devour a couple of magnificent cupcakes from Pinkitzel or a glorious pastry (or two) from Harvey Bakery & Kitchen. Rather stay indoors? Catch a movie and split a romantic order of loaded fries at Flix Brewhouse.
The Classics
For the classically romantic, Valentines’ weekend could include OKC Ballet’s production of Cinderella or a jaunt through the mesmerizing and playful exhibit ‘Kiarostami: Beyond the Frame,’ at Oklahoma City Museum of Art, plus a martini or two at Tellers in the Lobby Bar at the National. Dine at The Rose Room for a charming dining experience housed inside Howard Brothers Florist. For a juicy steak, The Hutch is a flawless choice, as is Ranch Steakhouse or Mahogany. Want classic romance but your boo’s a vegetarian? Try Red PrimeSteak – in addition to perfect steaks, there’s always an elegant vegetarian entrée or two on the menu, which changes seasonally.
Over the top
Feeling extravagant? Here’s the plan. Order a limousine from Backstage Limo (pro tip: ask them to stock your limo with Champagne, chocolate and music of your choice) and whisk your beau to Mokara, the elegant spa located inside the Omni Hotel. After a couples massage, maybe a facial and pedicure as well, hop back in the limo and arrive ready to enjoy your 21C penthouse suite, with more than 2,800 square feet of art, glam and beauty. Explore the museum-hotel’s exhibition space, dine at Mary Eddy’s Dining Room and retreat to your suite for a nightcap overlooking beautiful Downtown OKC. Go even bigger and make your Valentine’s eyes sparkle with a dazzling gift from BC Clark – matching Rolex watches, perhaps?
My Quirky Valentine
Feeling sassy? Adèle Wolf’s 11th Annual Valentine’s Affair is a raucous, world-class burlesque and variety revue. Another quirky choice? What about an axe-throwing session at Bad Axe Throwing? You could start your evening with a parade of appetizers, bubbly and small plates at Will Rogers Lobby Bar (though if you’re throwing axes, you’ll want your bubbly after the fact), take in the show and then step out for a late-night bite OKC’s cool-kids hangout in a former gas station, The Pump, or half-price apps at The Other Room on the Paseo.
Galentine’s and Palentine’s Day Fun
Spending Valentine’s Day with your besties? Sounds perfect! There are plenty of fun things to do with your squad. Meet up for a pedicure at AM Nails or Gloss Nail Salon (call ahead for large groups) or head for a yoga class at This Land Yoga. A creative choice for your posse? Try a wine and painting evening at Pinot’s Palette, Hawaii Fluid Art, Board & Brush Creative Studio or Paint N Cheers.
Family Valentine Dates
Remember the line from the Simon & Garfunkel song ‘it’s all happening at the zoo?’ Turns out it’s true and the OKC Zoo is a great place to take the family for a fun Valentine’s Day excursion. Yes, it might be chilly, but lots of animals are more playful when the air is crisp. Just wear layers and you’ll be fine! While you’re in the neighborhood, spend some time at Science Museum Oklahoma, then head for a family friendly meal at Hideaway Pizza or maybe Tucker’s Onion Burgers. Fun for all!