Valentine's Events:  

Grab your loved ones and head on over to Bennie’s Pizza Pub in Belleville for a Valentine’s Mixology workshop! The amazing bartenders hosting will be teaching attendees how to make fun, festive cocktails! This exciting event is hosted on February 8th, 9th, and 14th all from 6:00-8:00 pm, with all ticket purchases including three specialty cocktails and dinner! 

Gather all your friends with a sweet tooth and head on down to Red Bud’s 6th Annual Chocolate Walk! This delicious event costs $20 and features chocolate candies and decadent desserts provided to all attendees at local businesses. Walk, talk, and shop around the town while filling out your punch card for a chance to win a gift certificate! 

Wanting to go switch things up this year for a Valentine’s date night? Come to the Weingarten in Belleville on February 9th at 7:00 pm for a performance from Christian the Magician and Josh Weidner! All tickets for this magical event are $25 per person and include a free drink! 

Places to Dine: 

Western:  

Looking forward to a casual dinner for date night this year? Check out Gia’s Pizza in O’Fallon that specializes in handcrafted pizzas, wings, and salads to die for. This Valentine's Day, enjoy conversations over an appetizer of the cheesiest garlic cheese bread with the sweetest marinara sauce!   

Venture over to historic downtown Waterloo for a classic steakhouse feel at Gallagher’s Restaurant. Start by sharing a steak flatbread appetizer with your loved one before finishing off the night with a grilled salmon entree! 

Central:  

Indulge in the special occasion of Valentine’s Day and visit Trenton House Restaurant in Trenton for a mouthwatering dinner. May your hardest choice for this Valentine’s Day be choosing between a stuffed salmon dinner or a ribeye to pair with your $10 off bottle of wine! 

Are you in the mood for some classic smoked barbecue this year?  For classic pulled pork sandwiches, pork skins, and tender pork steaks, make your way to Du Quoin and check out the Salty Boar Inn and Smokehouse!  

Eastern: 

Got a taste for Japanese cuisine this year? Head over to Olney for Yamato Steak House of Japan for an authentic and delicious hibachi and sushi!  

The ideal place for pasta on Valentine's Day is Rocky's Italian Bistro in Paris! Have a delicious dinner of noodles and salad with your significant other. Bonus points if you wash it down with a Strawberry Chocolate Martini!    

Gift guide: 

Western:  

Does someone you love adore handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry? Stop by Belleville's Metal Crafters Studio to pick out a unique item for your loved one, or custom design a special piece yourself!  

This Valentine's Day, grab a freshly prepared container of gelato at GiGi's Gelato and Italian Market in O'Fallon! There's nothing that says "I Love You" better than a sweet treat! 

Central: 

Visit The Flower Patch in Pinckneyville if you want to get your special someone a memorable present this year! You're sure to find a classic Valentine's Day present with many gift alternatives available, from candy bouquets to traditional floral arrangements!    

Are you hoping to get a new piece of home decor for you and your significant other to enjoy this Valentine's Day? For the perfect piece that your home will love for many years, go no farther than Warehouse 300 in Trenton! 

Eastern:  

Get a treat for your loved one by stopping at Casey's Candy Depot! You're guaranteed to choose a winner with choices like gourmet chocolates, taffy, fudge, and chocolate candies! 

“Hop” on over to Lot 50 Brewing in Paris to pick up a growler of handcrafted draft beer, perfect for that beer aficionado in your life. You’re sure to find the ideal match for your lover from the ten options available! 

When near Carmi, it would be unheard of to pass through without stopping at Higginson Farms Mercantile.  With tons of Illinois made merchandise, Higginson Farms Mercantile always has a wide variety of gift options—for every person's unique interests.  Get a hand-poured, Mount Carmel-made Scent + Soy candle for that perfect person who enjoys fragrant homes! In addition to delicious-smelling candles, Higginson Farms Mercantile offers Phillipstown Coffee Roasters blends that are made in Crossville, which make the ideal present for that particular coffee enthusiast in your life!

If you're seeking a present that both of you can enjoy, pick up some cheese curds from Marcoot Jersey Creamery from Greenville to savor together!