Whether you’re planning a get-together with friends, opting for a classic romantic night out, or seeking something out of the ordinary, here are some ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Erie, Pennsylvania with your loved ones.

Galentines Outing

Celebrate the joy of female friendships by getting the girls together for a day, afternoon, or evening filled with fabulousness!

• On Saturday, February 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. a delightfully fun afternoon awaits at Werner Books Galentine’s Day Event. Gather the gal pals for an afternoon of crafting friendship bracelets, decorating sugar cookies, and other creative activities. Indulge in chocolate-covered strawberry and raspberry white chocolate specialty lattes, cookies, scones, and even vegan delights from Werner’s café. The event is free, excluding café purchases.
• The Cork 1794 will host their 2^nd Annual Galentine’s Brunch on Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a sumptuous selection of brunch menu items complemented by specialty cocktails and snacks. this year, in addition to brunch, ladies can shop from a dazzling display of jewelry from Maggie Smith, owner of Infinity Bonds Permanent Jewelry. Don’t wait, space is filling up! Reserve your table here.
• Buona Cucina Oils and More private tasting parties for groups of up to 35 people are flavor-packed experiences featuring a variety of olive oils, gourmet vinegar, herbs, and salts, complete with dipping bread and a few other goodies. Elevate your tasting party with your own drinks, snacks, or caterer. To reserve your Galentines or any occasion tasting party, call 814-835-6898.
• Ditch driving multiple cars and instead, rent a luxurious limousine or party bus to tour the wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country in style. Rupp Limousine can be your designated driver for the day so your group can focus on sipping and sampling the bounty of award-winning wines of Lake Erie Wine Country.
• Combine the joy of wine, food, and paint together with laughter and creativity at Board & Brush. Sign up for a private party DIY workshop and create personalized wood signs while socializing with friends.

(picture by @diana_akopyan_rn on Instagram)

Think Outside the Heart-Shaped Box

Maybe it’s time to break free from Valentine’s cliches and embrace creativity and uniqueness with some unconventional ideas to express your love.

• Bring your sweetheart or treat the entire family to Burch Farms for a private horse-drawn carriage ride through the countryside. Rides take place Saturday, February 10 from Noon to 5 p.m. and include two hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries per person, a glass of wine from Burch Farms winery (must be over 21), or a glass of farm fresh cider. Each carriage comfortably seats six adults. Reservations and pricing are available by calling 814-725-0747.
• Fill your Valentine’s Day with excitement and a spirited atmosphere cheering on the Erie Otters. Erie’s beloved OHL hockey team takes the ice February 14 against the Niagara Ice Dogs at Erie Insurance Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15 per person.
• Speaking of otters, the Erie Zoo’s “Otterly amazing Valentine’s Gift” is a unique token of affection to surprise that special person. Each gift bag includes an exclusive Erie Zoo otter button, a 6" otter plush, a mini bag of popcorn, and your choice of customizable otter-themed Valentine's Day card. There is also an option to add up to two discounted tickets to the Erie Zoo, whose new North American River Otter exhibit debuts in 2024! While supplies last. Gift bags must be picked up by February 14.
• It’s the inaugural Hearts & Drafts at Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales, February 14 from Noon to 9 p.m. Gather your friends, bring a date, or travel solo to Port Farms newest addition. The event features flights of locally crafted Poverty Knob beer paired with decadent chocolate, food specials, and cocktails, plus live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. by the Recapitulatti String Duo. No reservations are required. Chocolates will be available to purchase without a flight.
• Schedule a couples massage at Monacella Massage & Kinesiology. Have all your stress melted away together in the same room, at the same time, by two different therapists with a rejuvenating massage. You and your significant other can choose from a combination of Swedish (relaxation), deep tissue, aromatherapy, or reflexology massages.

Traditional Romance

The time-honored traditions of a romantic dinner, chocolates, or an overnight getaway are classic ways to show affection.

• Indulge your Valentine with an intimate dinner for two at Bricks American Steakhouse, located inside the historic Cashier’s House in Downtown Erie. This modern venue boasts a cozy and romantic atmosphere and is featuring a delicious pre-fixe Valentine’s Day menu complemented by a curated selection of cocktails and wines. Reservations are accepted until 10 p.m.
• For the sweeter side of Valentine’s, Erie’s premier chocolatiers, Pulakos Chocolates and Romolo Chocolates are fully stocked and ready to sugarcoat your celebration with an assortment of sweet temptations. Pulakos Valentine’s offerings include chocolate-covered marshmallow hearts, heart-shaped boxes brimming with truffles, creams, nuts, or caramels, and of course, cartons of their number one seller, chocolate-covered strawberries. Meanwhile, Romolo’s Valentine’s delights include their signature light and airy sponge candy, hot cinnamon chocolate bark with an extra kick of super-hot cinnamon candy, and the Love Collection; a sumptuous assortment of raspberry and strawberry cremes, chocolate nougat, cherry cordials, and solid milk, dark, and white chocolate hearts
• It’s Wine and Chocolate Month throughout February at Lake Erie Wine Country. Participating wineries present a pairing of their finest wines with exquisite chocolate. Each winery offers a distinct pairing, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience no matter where your tastings take you. Your ticket includes three additional tastings at each winery and a special gift. Secure your spot here.
• Transform your Valentine’s Day into an enchanting overnight retreat at the Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront. Enjoy dinner for two at Oliver’s Rooftop on the hotel’s top floor where the cuisine is only surpassed by the breathtaking panoramic views of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. End your evening in a luxurious King suite and wake up to a complimentary hot breakfast.