Plan ahead for Valentine’s Day romance

Several local events set to impress your sweetheart

2/5/2014
BY RONEISHA MULLEN
BLADE STAFF WRITER
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  • Friendly Reminder: Valentine’s Day is almost here, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t avoid it.

    So, whether you're alone and bitter, hoping to lock eyes with your coffee shop cutie, or just need a last minute-plan for your special someone, there’s something out there for you.

    But hurry, you don’t have time much and competition is tough, with many Toledoans already vying for reservations in posh restaurants and scouting out florists who promise to deliver bouquets and chocolates to their sweeties.

    Yes, people are making costly plans in the name of love and it’s time you made plans too. Kindle a romantic fire by taking your sweetheart to one of these area Valentine’s Day events.

    Share Love Letters with your valentine. The Toledo Repertoire will present the comedy/​drama Valentine's Day weekend on the 10th Street stage. The play, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for drama, follows Melissa and Andrew, who are seated at separate tables, reading letters exchanged between the childhood friends during their separate lives. Their hopes, successes, and failures are shared over a 50-year relationship. A different set of actors will perform each night. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Tickets are $15, or $33 for a Valentine’s Day weekend special for all three performances; call 419-243-9277.

    No valentine? No worries. Hang out with dozens of other singles at the Holland Gardens' singles Cupid Dance party on Valentine's Day. Chocolates and teddy bears will be raffled off, along with tax preparation services. A dance instructor will teach you some of the latest dance moves, starting at 7:30 p.m. The party begins at 8 p.m. and goes until midnight. Admission is $8. Information: 734-859-8963.

    Romance your valentine with dinner for two at the Toledo Yacht Club. Prime rib, salmon Wellington and Asiago Stuffer Chicken, are just a few of the options available. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and tickets are $49.99 per couple. Call 419-726-3485 to make a reservation.

    Ride the rails to romance with a murder mystery dinner on the Old Road Dinner Train Blissfield. Included are a five-course dinner, cash bar, and flowers for the ladies. The comedy murder mystery will be performed by a local troupe of professional actors. Departures are scheduled for 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Cost is $69.95 per person. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling 888-467-2451. Information is available at murdermysterytrain.com.

    Ignite your passion for the outdoors, or each other, on a romantic, self-guided walk along a candle-lit trail at Oak Openings Preserve. Lanterns are provided. At the end of the walk, trekkers can enjoy chocolate desserts by a fire, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy soft music at the Oak Openings Lodge. Walks are scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb 14 and 15, and depart every 15 minutes. Cost is $15 per person (Metroparks members $12). Register online at metroparkstoledo.com.

    Contact RoNeisha Mullen at: rmullen@theblade.com or 419-724-6133.