We’ve stirred up some devilishly-good ways to treat your sweetheart this year.
Eat Out or Stay In
Taking your Valentine out for supper is as timeless as flowers and chocolates (which can be picked up at Leevers Foods or delivered from your favorite local flower shop.) There are so many great options right here in the Lake Region, it’s really hard to choose! The Ranch, The Cove, Mr. & Mrs. J’s, and Old Main are all old favorites, but why not give the new brewery a shot? Black Paws Brewing serves up so much more than just beer! They have a nice food menu (the brisket panini is a personal favorite), a great selection of beverages, including craft beers from across the state. If craft beer isn’t your thing, no worries: Bud Light is on tap, too. There are a variety of non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy as well. They also have plenty of fun games to keep you and your date entertained - axe throwing, board games, corn hole, and hammerschlagen. Don’t know what hammerschlagen is? Come to Black Paws on Valentine’s Day (or another day) and find out! (FYI - kids are welcome, so great for a family date, too!)
If evening plans during the week don’t float your boat, how about a coffee or lunch date? The Liquid Bean opens at 7 am and will have a hot cup of joe and a warm pastry ready for you and your date in no time. They make some really tasty sandwiches, so it’s a great lunch date option, too! Be sure to pop into the alley for a selfie in front of the Bean mural to document the day!
Cooking a meal together is another great way to enjoy Valentine’s Day. There are thousands of great sources for recipes online, but why not gift a cookbook, choose a recipe from the cookbook, and have the ingredients ready for your date? The Lake Region Heritage Center has a limited number of copies of Amy Thielen’s New Midwestern Table featuring elevated versions of recipes you’ll be familiar with and plenty of new recipes to enjoy. Amy is a native of Park Rapids, MN, and had a show on The Food Network, “Heartland Table,” featuring many of the recipes in The New Midwestern Table. The cookbook has local ties, too. Amber Fletschock, a native of Devils Lake (class of 1993,) did all of the art and font work for the cookbook. Pick up your copy at Lake Region Heritage Center in Downtown Devils Lake, pick your recipes (the Butter-Basted Walleye with Thyme and Garlic or the Rosemary-Infused Brown Butter Chicken Breasts are both winners), and hop on over to Leevers with your grocery list. Stop at The Liquor Locker for a bottle of wine and you’re set for a cozy night in.
Relax and Pamper
Everyone needs some pampering from time to time, so why not get pampered together? Schedule appointments for a couples’ manicure/pedicure at your or your valentine’s favorite salon. Yes, guys should take care of their feet and hands too! Massage appointments would be another great option for pampering. If you aren’t interested in mani/pedi or massages but your valentine is, grab them a gift certificate for their favorite service.
Total Skin is a new option in the Lake Region for pampering. From Hydrafacials personalized to address a variety of skin concerns to peels and injectables that will erase years of skin damage, Total Skin offers luxury pampering to keep your valentine looking and feeling their best. Their loyalty program awards members with special pricing and a free facial during your birthday month. They also have monthly specials highlighting discounted services and products. February’s special theme is “Love Your Lips, Lose Your Lines.” Head to www.totalskinnd.com to learn more about all of the services offered and purchase a gift card!
Make Weekend or Future Plans
Going out during the week isn’t always an option, even if it is Valentine’s Day. We have a few suggestions for fun dates through the week, and a few after that too!
The Fort Totten Little Theatre is back at the KC Hall this winter with a dinner theater beginning Wednesday, February 8th, running through Saturday, February 18th. Tickets for this year’s production, Who Made Who by Devils Lake native David Lassig, are $40 and include the show, meal and dessert. Drinks are sold separately. Tickets and more information are available at www.forttottenlittletheatre.com.
Shiverfest is back February 18th and 19th with some fun outdoor activities for you and your valentine to enjoy! Creel Bay Golf Course will be hosting cross country skiing with free ski rentals (thanks Gerrell’s!) from 9 am - 4 pm Saturday and Sunday. The Frozen Fanny 5k Starts at 11 am at the golf course. The cost is $20 and you can register on site prior to the race.
Snowga (snow yoga) courtesy of Lake Region Fitness, starts at 12:30 pm at the Golf course. A wonderful way to loosen up after the 5k or skiing! Across the Lake at The Cove you can enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores by the fire pits from 1:30-3:30 pm, and a steak and burger fry benefitting The Optimist Club from 4 pm - 9 pm.
Plan a concert “staycation” at the Spirit Lake Casino and Resort! Country music artists Tyler Farr (March 25th) and the Legendary Tanya Tucker (May 20th) will be playing the casino this spring. Prince fans won’t want to miss the “Prince Purple Madness Tribute Show” featuring Bobby Miller on April 22nd. Book a hotel room, grab some dinner at The View and take in a show for the ultimate staycation date weekend.Go to www.spiritlakecasino.com to purchase tickets and book hotel rooms.