The Ideal Date for Couples, Singles, and Galentines

Stressed by the heavy pressure of planning the perfect Valentine’s Day date? Looking for ways to rock Galentine’s Day with your gang? Single and seeking ways to feel fabulous? Forget sappy movies on Netflix, last-minute supermarket flowers, stale drug-store candy, and sad heart-holding stuffed bears. Here’s how to level up your date game in Staunton.

Couples

Spend a magical weekend in a large, plush room at The Blackburn Inn. The space combines historic charm with modern amenities. Take advantage of the on-site spa, which is offering a Valentine’s Day Couples Massage package that includes massage with scented oil, prosecco, petit fours, and more. Back at the room, surprise your partner with a bouquet from Brin’s Posy, gourmet chocolates from Giancarlo Fine European Pastry, and a basket of scented soaps and body butters from Essentially Zen Artisan Body and Bath Co. 

Next, put on your fancy attire and for drinks at the newly-opened Junction Bar and Lounge, which serves handcrafted cocktails and small bites to share. Another great place for drinks and starters (or the entire meal) is BLU Point Seafood. If you’re looking to really impress, enjoy the delicious (and beautifully presented) offerings at Maude and the Bear, which serves 4 and 7-course progressive meals highlighting in-season ingredients. Queen City Bistro is another delicious choice, which serves farm-to-table fare with Italian and Southern roots. If you celebrate early – on the 13th, you’ll get to enjoy the weekly Live Jazz Night.

Consider celebrating your love with a train ride (and a tasty meal) when you climb aboard the Virginia Scenic Railway for a tour of beautiful Augusta County. However, if nothing sounds better than celebrating love while wearing your stretchy pants, head out for pizza and beer at Shenandoah Pizza. 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day and support the arts at the Staunton Augusta Art Center’s Third Annual Dance Your Heart Off (February 14). Look for drinks, snacks, valentines, and dancing with DJ Mark of Class Productions. The fundraising event is for couples, singles, and groups of friends. If you have plans on the 14th, you’ll get another chance to dance with the Valley Program for Aging Services Snow Ball (February 28). Enjoy music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, good food, and great company. (45+)

Galentine’s 

Celebrate friendship and the end of Dry January with a professionally-guided wine class at Accordia (Fridays). Valley Pike Farm Market is having a Galentine’s Day Rosé and Cider event on February 13. Alternatively, enjoy the area’s biggest selection of fine wine at Yelping Dog Wine while you share a cheese plate. You can also savor cider, wine, beer, cocktails, and light fare at The Green Room.

Looking for craft beer and live music? Hurricane Phil will be “bringing the storm” to Redbeard Brewing Company on February 14, and The Hot Mamas will perform a Galentine’s show at Marino’s on February 15!  

Buy fashionable and wearable Galentine’s Day gifts at Design at Nine, Juniper Lane, and Magnolia Rose. Try The Sparrow’s Nest and Bonfire Begonia for jewelry, and find cool gifts at Made; By the People, for the People, Foxtails, and Latitudes. Not shoppers? Bond with your brains and communication skills at Crack the Code Escape Room. 

Gather your pals and make special gifts at the Valentine’s Candle-Making Workshop at Stable Craft Brewing & Cidery (February 9). It’s also igloo season at Stable Craft, so plan to rent a private heated igloo for up to eight friends and enjoy fresh craft beer and a delicious agri pub menu. Look for Valentine’s Day live music, beer and cider releases, and a special menu. Art Hive is holding a Valentine Maker’s Nite event on February 13. All mixed-media creative supplies for your amazing project are included! 

Singles

Ciders from Mars is partnering with Shenandoah LGBTQ Center and Whole Woman’s Health Alliance to host its second annual Winter Mingle, a pop-up artisan market and mixer with a “sweet and spicy Valentine’s theme” on February 6. And if you’re looking for a date ahead of Valentine’s day, sign up for speed dating at the Alpine Goat Brewery on February 7. 

Writers and book fans: Sol Art is a community space designed for safe artistic expression. Read your best work or kick back and listen to others at SWAG Writers Open Mic on February 13. If you prefer to snuggle up with a book in your own home, get a personalized recommendation from the Book Dragon or Staunton Books & Tea, which carries a curated collection of books and hosts regular book groups. 

Relax at Mill Street Body and Soul Day Spa and Salon with a menu of body treatments as well as makeup application classes and boudoir photoshoots. Breezy Hill Day Spa pampers with mud body wraps and raindrop massages. Next, treat yourself to a new hairstyle and manicure at Bonita’s Salon. Make sure to compliment your new look with a piece of vintage jewelry from The Velvet Case. 

The Depot Grille has an amazing bar for dining solo! Grab your favorite drink and choose from a full menu of American comfort foods. Zynodoa’s upscale and cosmopolitan vibe will make you feel like you’re dining in the big city, Baja Bean, Byers Street Bistro, and Hotel 24 South also have great bars.

There’s usually something going on like trivia, karaoke, or live music at Redbeard Brewing. Queen City Brewing has excellent craft beer and acoustic open mic night each Wednesday. And if you enjoy a fine cigar, you’ll appreciate the selection and company at The Beverley Cigar Store.

If you’re looking for a new best friend to shower with love, the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center is running a “Name Your Price” adoption event on Feb 10-15! Schedule a meet and greet with an animal that needs your love.

Whether you’re part of a couple, hanging with friends, or flying solo this year, we hope we’ve given you some ideas about how to have fun in Staunton this Valentine’s Day!