What To Do, Gift, And Eat This

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year giving you the whole weekend to celebrate. However, you do not need to officially celebrate Valentine’s Day to enjoy any of these ideas, Chinese Lunar New Year events are included as well. Have fun!

Do

Visit the solarise: a sea of all colors exhibit at the Garfield Conservatory to experience various art installations and the “amazing relationships between two remarkable forces of nature – light and plants!”  Free and open daily 9:00am – 5pm.

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid Show begins on February 13th. Surround your senses with fragrant blooms and vivid colors with over 10,000 orchids.

Celebrate the Year of the Monkey on Sunday, February 14th a the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade. Have dim sum at one of the many restaurants in Chinatown then head to the parade at 1pm.

Also part of the Chinese New Year, Art Institute Chicago Gallery Talk given in Mandarin February 13, 2016 from 12pm – 1pm, included in museum admission.

Late night laughs at Second City’s Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu. The 11pm showing is still available on Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th, Feb 14 is sold out.

Gift

Etsy has a great list of Editors’ Picks for him, her, kids and even pets. I’m loving the Romantic Cocoa and Mallows gift set.

For the travel lovers the scratch map is the perfect gift. Have fun scraping off the places you’ve visited and get inspired for future destinations.

Fields & Forest Grooming Set that includes beard balm for the facial hair inclined person in your life.

Eat

The Chicago Tribune compiled a list of 120 restaurants with information on prix fixe menus and Valentine’s Day specials.

An ultra romantic Parisian-chic spot is RM Champagne Salon, they also deliver macaroons V-Day weekend.

Show your love with a homemade meal – you can never go wrong with breakfast in bed. Here are 5 Valentine’s Day pancake recipes.

Dinner more your speed? Try this lemon gnocchi for two menu.