Valentine’s date ideas in Eau Claire
Keeping the spark alive locally
Acoustic Café is one of the many places in Eau Claire where you can spend Valentine’s Day.
Eau Claire is known by the community for its creative scene — most noteworthy its music, arts and growing comedic presence. For Valentine’s Day, small and large local businesses have harnessed this creativity into special events and deals to make the day of love fun for all, regardless of relationship status.
Whether locals are celebrating the day with a special someone or a group of pals, Eau Claire has a plethora of activities fit for everyone.
For those looking for something new and exciting to do for the special occasion, and don’t mind a deal or two, then check out what’s happening today below. The list encompasses activities ranging from dinner, drinks, music, a show, art, to live music.
Valentine’s Latte and Live Music at Acoustic Cafe
At Acoustic Café, locals can experience dinner and a decadent Valentine’s Latte. The latte is made with Ghirardelli chocolate, cherry syrup, espresso, steamed milk and topped with whipped cream. Accompanying the food and drinks is Joanna Johnson, a National Scottish Fiddle Champion. Live music starts a 7 p.m. Thursday night.
Comedy and Dinner at The Plus
Another local favorite, The Plus, will be hosting comedy night, as they do every Thursday night, but will be adding a few deals for the romantic day. The event is called “Tales of Love & Loss & Other Stuff,” and features comedians from the area. From 11 a.m. to midnight, locals can get a large one-topping pizza along with a domestic pitcher of choice beer for just $19.99. A variety comedy show from all local comedians will start at 8 p.m. with tickets starting at $3.
Logan Coltz, the bar manager, said he is looking forward to what this year’s Valentine’s Day will bring to The Plus.
“I’m resident dinosaur here, so I’ve seen so many relationships start here and rehearsal dinners blossom here. It’s going to be a fun night,” Coltz said.
The Plus is taking reservations all weekend, so if you’re looking for a spontaneous and casual Valentine’s Day, this is the place to be.
Four-course meal at The Lakely
The Lakely is pulling out all the stops for Thursday night. Starting at 5 p.m. and going until 9 p.m. the restaurant is providing a four-course meal prepared by Nathan Berg, the head chef, made with the top local ingredients. Along with the food, live music and champagne will also be provided. This delectable Valentine’s Day dinner is $60 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made by phone at 715-559-8553.
Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery
If you’re looking for a romantic spot to be literally wined and dined, Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery is doing a Valentine’s Day package. You and one other person can come in and enjoy a signature bottle of wine, a pairing plate, chocolate covered strawberries, and a rose for $50. They also provide a sectioned off seating area for you and your partner away from the business of the winery.
Chelsea Larson, the front house assistant manager, said Infinity is all about the experience they can give to their customers.
“We wanted to do something special for Valentine’s Day and not just do a deal, like we would for any other weekend. We wanted to provide a nice little date night for couples,” Larson said.
The Princess Bride at the Pablo Center
Another option, for just $7, is a showing of the film, “The Princess Bride.” The movie starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Pablo Center at the Confluence.
Couples Paint Night at The Paint Shack
If you’re a little more creative, The Paint Shack is something to check out. At 7 p.m. tonight there will be a couples’ open paint night. There will be about 600 paintings to choose from and Cyndi Kortbein, the owner, will be demonstrating. Alcohol, music, and a welcoming atmosphere will be provided as well.
Kortbein said that though the studio has only been open for three years now, there is a plethora of stories she could share.
“I see women drag in men all the time and they end up loving it,” Kortbein said. “One specifically I remember, did really good on his picture and it ended up being better than his girlfriends. So that’s fun. They had a really good time.”
These are just a select few of the events taking place on Feb. 14. To see more options you can check out the Volume One events calendar or the Visit Eau Claire blog.