Best Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Richmond

There was a time when Valentine’s Day was a priority. You would have your reservations made, your outfit planned, and a sentimental card filled out well in advance. It was all about flowers and champagne and romance. These days, it’s more likely that you find yourself frantically sticking lollipops into Valentine’s day cards for your kid’s classmates at 11:45pm on February 13th and wondering if anyone will judge your for bringing store bought cupcakes to the class party. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

But the fact remains, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re anything like me, you’ve barely had time to get your Christmas decorations put away, much less plan a romantic date night. Fortunately, Richmond is, by nature, a romantic city. From its many upscale restaurants to its beautiful architecture to its vibrant arts scene, Richmond offers many ways to make “date night” special – whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not.

A special dinner out is an easy go-to for Valentine’s Day. However, restaurants do fill up quickly, especially on February 14. While many of Richmond’s top-rated restaurants are already booked for the big night, there’s no need to panic. There are still plenty of fun things you and your Valentine can do. In fact, we’ve found five fantastic Valentine’s Day date ideas in Richmond that offer everything you need to keep the spark alive.

When we made our list, we wanted to make sure that there were options for everyone. The resulting list includes places that offer:

1. A Valentine’s Day theme or special
2. A unique environment
3. A range of price options
4. A range of locations both in and out of the city

So, if you’re still looking for a way to make Valentine’s special, but need a little inspiration in the midst of your otherwise busy life, check out our list. And while we’re focusing on the following places for Valentine’s Day, who knows? You might find a new favorite date spot that you can come back to throughout the year!

5. Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery Dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy

Add a little mystery to your night with Maggiano’s Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery. You and your partner will enjoy a three course dinner while solving a murder…what could be more romantic than that?!

Why We Love This Idea: Murder may not be the first thing you think of when considering a romantic night out. But we love this idea because it allows you and your partner to engage in a fun, creative way – all while enjoying some adult conversation, a delicious meal, and best of all, a night together.

Cost: $70/person; includes a three-course, family style meal and entertainment; a cash bar will be available for wine, beer, and cocktails. See the menu here.

Time: Thursday, February 14, 2019; 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Contact: Book a reservation online or call (804) 253-0910

Location: 
Maggiano’s Little Italy at Short Pump Town Center
11800 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233

4. Valentine’s Beer Dinner at Kindred Spirit Brewing

Not everyone wants tuxedos and cocktail dresses on Valentine’s Day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it special. Kindred Spirit Brewing offers a warm, casual atmosphere that’s perfect for spending time with someone special. At this special event, you’ll enjoy live music, a delicious three-course dinner from Outlaw Barbecue Co., a welcome beer, and a Kindred Spirit Brewing beer specially paired with each course.

Why we love this idea: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun. For those looking for a more casual option – this event has it all. PLUS, instead of being held on February 14, which falls on a Thursday in 2019, this event takes place on Sunday, February 17. If you find it hard to get out mid-week, then Kindred Spirit Brewing’s Valentine’s Beer Dinner is the perfect solution.

Cost: $39/person; includes live music, a three-course dinner from Outlaw Barbecue Co., and four beers.

Time: Saturday, February 17, 2019; 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Contact: Book a reservation online or email heather@kindredspiritbrewing.com for more information.

Location:
Kindred Spirit Brewing 
12830 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238

3. Valentine’s Day Dinner Theater at Swift Creek Mill 

With amazing productions happening year-round, there’s never a bad time to make Swift Creek Mill Theatre your date night destination. But it’s even more enticing this Valentine’s Day with a “Month of Love” special that includes French-inspired cuisine for two, two glasses of champagne, and two tickets for their current mainstage show, Cyrano de Bergerac – all for only $100 per couple.

Why we love this idea: Not only does Swift Creek Mill offer elegant dining in their Historic Mill Room restaurant, but they also put on one heck of a show! Best of all, with the “Month of Love” special, you can book anytime during the month of February and receive the $100 price, giving busy parents plenty of flexibility. And, if you book for Valentine’s week, you’ll receive free flowers on your table!

Cost: $100/couple; includes dinner and a live performance. NOTE: Must book by January 31 to receive the special price.

Time: Select Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout February 2019; dinner seatings begin at 6pm; evening shows begin at 8pm; matinees begin at 2:30pm.

Contact: Book your reservation online or call (804) 748-5203 for more information.

Location:
Swift Creek Mill Theatre
17401 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Colonial Heights, VA 23834

2. Gearhart’s Valentine’s Day Chocolate and Beer Tasting at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

If you want to do something special to celebrate Valentine’s Day but are short on time, then we’ve got just the thing. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery will be offering a chocolate and beer tasting from 6pm – 7:30pm at their West Creek location. Hosted in the intimacy of one of their private event spaces, you and your love can indulge in luxurious Gearhart chocolates, expertly paired with four of Hardywood’s own craft brews and still be home in time to put the kids in bed.

Why we love this idea: For busy parents, an entire evening on the town is a luxury. Even 30 minutes without kids interrupting can seem like a mini-vacation. This special event is timed perfectly for a post-work meet-up and offers just the right amount of time for you to catch up in an intimate setting, enjoy a little romance, and still get home at a reasonable hour.

Cost: $25/person; includes a guided tasting of four Gearhart’s chocolates and four Hardywood craft brews.

Time: 6pm – 7:30pm

Contact: Purchase tickets online or call (804) 418-3548 for more information.

Location: 
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery – West Creek 
820 Sanctuary Trail Dr., Richmond, VA 23238

1. Fine Art and Fine Dining at VMFA

While there isn’t a specific Valentine’s Day event planned at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, we can’t think of a better place to spend a date night – any night of the year. The museum is truly one of Richmond’s gems, featuring a world-class collection of masterpieces, special exhibits, stunning architecture, and fine dining all under one roof.

Why we love this idea: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers the ultimate romantic setting. Stroll hand-in-hand through the Sculpture Garden, enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the art displays, then end your evening with a delightful dinner at Amuse, the museum’s exclusive fine dining restaurant. But the best part? Museum admission is completely free!

Cost: General admission is free; Amuse dinner options are $30 and under.

Time: Thursdays and Fridays (including February 14, 2019) the museum is open until 9pm and Amuse takes reservations until 8:30pm.

Contact: Make an online reservation at Amuse, call (804) 340-1405, or email info@vmfa.museum for more information.

Location:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220

For more amazing resources, locations, and events, be sure to check out our entire Best of Richmond series – only at Richmond Mom!