Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! If you still haven’t made any plans, don’t panic. Whether you’re in a relationship, going out with friends, or living the single life, there is plenty of love to go around in Rochester this February 14th. 

Restaurants: 

New York Beer Project — 300 High St, Victor, NY 14564. 

The Cheesecake Factory — 3349 Monroe Ave, Pittsford, NY 14618

Black & Blue Steak and Crab — 3349 Monroe Ave, Pittsford, NY 14618

Branca — 683 Pittsford Victor Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534

Aladdin’s Natural Eatery — 8 Schoen Pl, Pittsford, NY 14534

Simply Crêpes — 7 Schoen Pl, Pittsford, NY 14534

Osaka Sushi — 3685 W Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623

LongHorn Steakhouse— 7720 NY-96, Victor, NY 14564

The Distillery— 10 Square Dr, Victor, NY 14564

Adelita’s— 3349 Monroe Ave, Pittsford, NY 14618

Gifts:

Personally, I’m a big fan of gift baskets. You can make these for literally anyone in your life, whether it’s for friends, partners, family, or even your dog if you feel so inclined (yes, I’ve done this). Set a budget for how much you want to spend, and then make a list of about 10 things or less that the person likes. If you are able and willing to do more than 10, more power to you. Some things I’ve previously included in my gift baskets include, but are definitely not limited to:

• Candles
• Snacks, drinks, and candy
• Perfume/cologne (full size or mini!)
• Jewelry/friendship bracelets
• Chapstick/lip gloss (any preferred makeup product really)
• Nail polish
• Squishmallows
• Stickers (who doesn’t love stickers?)
• Face masks, body scrubs, lotions 
• Small games like Uno, Cards Against Humanity, mini puzzles, etc.
• Mystery figurines or blind boxes
• Personalized keychains 
• Cute pens, journals, and stationery
• Throw blankets 
• Fun socks!!!
• Scrunchies 
• Air fresheners and other car accessories 
• Hats 
• Mugs 
• Mini bottles (21+)

Other Date Ideas:

Date night in a wintery Rochester is difficult, if we’re being honest. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of ways to have fun with your loved ones. 

• Explore the Butterfly Garden at The Strong Museum of Play
• Paint and sip at Painting with a Twist
• Visit the Memorial Art Gallery
• Catch a movie at the theater or plan a Movie Night of your own at home
• Eat and compete at Dave & Buster’s
• Explore the RMSC Museum and Science Center 
• Go bowling at L&M or AMF Lanes
• Visit the Lamberton Conservatory Botanicals
• Eat and play games at Nerdvana Rochester
• Have a spa day at Ape + Canary 

Love Songs!! <3

Just for fun, and in no particular order, here is a list of some of my personal favorite love songs!

Love Again — Dua Lipa

Daylight — Taylor Swift

Best of Me — Michael Bublé

Just the Way You Are — Billy Joel

Pov — Ariana Grande

Can’t Help Falling In Love — Elvis Presley 

Teenage Dream — Katy Perry

Best Part — Daniel Caesar (feat. H.E.R.)

Stand By Me — Ben E. King

Love Me Like You Do — Ellie Goulding

Never Seen Anything “Quite Like You” — The Script

Penguin — Christina Perri

However you’re spending Valentine’s Day, remember there are plenty of ways to express your love for everyone in your life. Love your family, your pets, your friends, your city, love yourself. A day for love is not just a day for couples!

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” — David Viscott