Life and Religion

ILLUSTRATION/JIM HUNT

Romance fills the air as Valentine’s Day approaches. If you are planning a romantic getaway, a night out on the town or an evening at home, we have a list of ideas to help you make the occasion special.

Start your engine: Think outside the box of chocolates, and enjoy a thrilling race car experience complete with full gear, a speedy car, timed laps and scoring at Victory Lanes Indoor Karting Center. Victory also has billiards, light snacks and Wii games on the big screen plasma.

Taste the finer things in life: Enjoy a romantic evening at Childress Vineyards annual Valentine Dinner and Dance in Lexington, N.C. The ambiance of the winery is sure to set the mood for a nice evening of dinner and dancing. Dine on an exquisite buffet prepared by executive chef David Thomas and listen to sounds of the Fat City band. Admission is $275 per couple and includes buffet, wine, hotel stay and limousine. Or stop by the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge for an evening of savoring different champagnes paired with house made chocolates.

Challenge the intellect: Levine Museum of the New South is unveiling a new exhibit on Valentine’s Day.
“Changing Places: From Black and White to Technicolor” explores how people are responding to Charlotte’s growing cultural diversity. The interactive exhibit will surely spark a provocative conversation and help you learn more about your date and yourself.

Have a Mint: The Mint Museum is displaying the works of Lois Mailou Jones. The exhibition presents works from Jones’ prolific career featuring African, Caribbean and African American images, designs and themes.

See the beauty: The legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is bringing the power, passion and artistry that are its hallmarks to Charlotte’s Knight Theater. The company will present diverse repertory of revered classics, recent favorites and exciting premiers.

Rest and relaxation: Enjoy a couple’s massage at any of Charlotte’s premier day spas or arrange to have a professional masseuse come to your home.
Get in touch with nature: Plan a romantic evening stroll at sunset through one of Charlotte’s parks or watch the sunrise together or spend an evening enjoying the beauty of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s third annual orchard spectacular.

Have a ball: Whether you are coupled up or single, you can enjoy disc jokeys, dancing, food, entertainment and an open bar at the Charlotte’s ninth annual Bartender’s Ball held at the Blake Hotel. 

Tried and true favorites: Enjoy the traditional dinner and a move with an upgrade. Instead of driving, hire a chauffer or rent your dream car for the evening. Get dressed up and make reservations at one of Charlotte’s five star restaurants. Don’t forget the flowers.

Have an A’Fare: Cook out and dine in with The Dinner A’Fare, a gourmet kitchen studio complete with recipes, fresh ingredients, spices and utensils.
You and your Valentine can bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack and cook together. You don’t have to shop, go to the store, do dishes or worry about cooking the rest of the week.

Comments