Denver Valentine’s Day
It's that time of year again! Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are showing up in shops, couples are walking hand-in-hand, and love is in the air. Denver is a wonderfully romantic city in which to spend this lovers' holiday.
Treat your sweetheart to a romantic stay at one of Denver's hotels offering incredible deals for Valentine's Day. Click for details.
Flowers
No Denver Valentine’s Day is complete without fresh flowers – just trust us on this one. Clueless about which bouquet to buy? Don’t worry; Denver’s expert florists have got you covered. If you’re near the Highlands, head to The Perfect Petal (3600 W. 32nd Ave.), with its elegant (and affordable) floral arrangements. Don’t miss their charming boutique, which is well stocked with chic jewelry and other gifts. Also in the Highlands is the flagship location of Lehrer’s Flowers (3191 W. 38th Ave.), with a wide selection and a knowledgeable staff. You can also place your order through Lehrer’s Web site and have flowers delivered to your sweetheart’s office or house. Downtown’s world-famous historic hotel, The Brown Palace & Spa (321 17th St.) has its own flower shop, featuring exquisite designs and arrangements using flowers from around the world.
Denver Valentine’s Gifts
Perhaps you don’t want to stop at flowers this Valentine’s Day? You’ve got plenty of gift options. Baskets By Rita is an Aurora-based company that lets you create a custom-designed gift basket filled with all kinds of goodies – chocolates, spa indulgences, perfume – and will deliver it anywhere in the Denver Metro Area. Check out the "Romance for Two" basket or the "Naughty But Nice" basket. More great gift baskets can be found at A La Carte Baskets and the Original Basket Boutique. Looking for an only-in-Denver gift? Explore Denver’s vibrant art districts, which are filled with galleries, boutiques and craft stores. You could come away with a handcrafted piece of jewelry, a beautiful painting or sculpture by a Denver artist, or a vintage antique. For the trendiest, most glamorous fashions, head to Larimer Square in Lower Downtown or to the nearby Denver Pavilions on the famed 16th Street Mall. Still on the hunt for that perfect gift? Cherry Creek North is Denver’s premier shopping and dining neighborhood, boasting 320 independently owned shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and spas. Add to that the upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center (with an additional 160 brand name stores) and together they create the largest, most diverse shopping district between Chicago and San Francisco.
Some Romantic Denver Tips
Slow down and take in the historical sites of downtown Denver from the Old World confines of a horse-drawn carriage. This classic carriage ride meanders along the 16th Street Mall and the city’s surrounding side streets, creating a relaxing and cozy ambiance. There are various pick-up points along the Mall – call 303-670-3134 or go to www.coloradocarriagecompany.com for more information. Get a luxurious facial, a pedicure, or a couples massage at one of the city’s many fine spas (learn more here). The Spa at The Brown Palace is offering the decadent "Chocolate Kiss" special, including a couples’ chocolate pedicure, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne. And remember, one of the most romantic activities in the city -- watching the sunset -- doesn’t cost a dime. There’s nothing quite like seeing the sun dip behind the Rocky Mountains with the one you love — and Denver is advantageously situated for this swoon-inducing activity. The Peaks Lounge (in the Hyatt Regency Denver) is great for sipping a cocktail with your sweetie and gazing out at a breathtaking Rocky Mountain panorama – that is, when you’re not gazing into one another’s eyes.
An Enchanted (and Delicious) Evening
Valentine’s Day is a perfect excuse for an intimate, candlelit dinner for two. And in Denver you’ve got dining options galore. Almost every type of cuisine is featured here; choose from traditional steak houses, tres chic French bistros, adventurous fusion menus and much, much more. Lower Downtown (LoDo) boasts countless great restaurants, but you might also want to check out the offerings in some of Denver’s other neighborhoods, including the buzzing Highlands and the cozy Old South Gaylord district near Washington Park. Explore some these restaurant’s Web sites – many are offering special Valentine’s Day deals. And check out local writer Irene Middleman Thomas' TENver on some of the city's most romantic restaurants for more ideas.
Chocolate Lovers' Lounge at the Peaks Lounge
Peaks Lounge at Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center celebrates Valentine's Day weekend with a special presentation of chocolate and wine pairings February 11th through February 14th. With views overlooking the Mile High City lights, guests are invited to indulge in four tasting stations pairing a variety of 19 chocolates from around the world with champagne, port, red wines and dessert wines. Complementing it is a menu of 23 delectable desserts created by Pastry Chef Joel Gaillot. Approximately 400 pounds of chocolate will be used throughout the weekend, making the selections especially decadent. Served from 7 p.m. to midnight, the price for the Peaks Chocolate Lounge wine pairing is $15 per person per station. For all four stations, the price is $45 per person. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (303) 486-4433.
Make a Night of It: Luxurious Hotels and B&Bs
Some of the Mile High City’s most deluxe downtown hotels are offering special packages, designed specifically for romantics.
The Grand Hyatt Denver will be offering a February Champagne Package that includes a complimentary welcoming bottle of Champagne upon arrival, starting at $139/room (valid Feb. 5-7 and 12-14). If you're looking to make this a truly once-in-a-lifetime Valentine's Day, GHD also has a beyond-luxurious Diamond Valentine's Package priced at $5,000 -- actually not a bad deal, when you see what you get! It is offered February 12, 13 & 14 (subject to availability) and includes:
* Limousine service to and from the hotel and throughout the evening
* Privately catered dinner for two people in the Library of the Pinnacle Club
* String quartet serenade during dinner
* One carat diamond bracelet
* Overnight stay in the Presidential Suite
* Welcoming Bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne and Caviar for Two
* A dozen long stemmed red roses
* In-room dining breakfast the next morning
Reseravations can be made at http://granddenver.hyatt.com or by calling 303-603-4095.
At The Brown Palace, the "Cupid’s Cuddle" package includes a make-your-own cocktail mix (choice of cosmos, martinis or mojitos), delectable appetizers delivered to your room, a floral arrangement and other intimate amenities. Check The Brown’s Web site for more romantic packages.
The "In Style and Luxury" package at LoDo’s historic Oxford Hotel includes a bottle of Dom Perignon, chocolate truffles, a Bloody Mary breakfast in bed, and a massage for two.
Downtown’s whimsical boutique hotel, The Curtis, offers the "Crazy In Love" package, including a bottle of wine in your room or a round of shots at The Corner Office, rose petal turndown service, and other great amenities.
The Hotel Teatro has a Valentine's Day package boasting luxurious room accommodations, a bottle of Rosa Regale with champagne flutes to keep, Belvedere chocolate hearts, fresh strawberries, breakfast in bed, rose petal turndown and a 1 p.m. check out time for extra snuggle time.
Hotel Monaco's "Lucky In Love" package includes a romantic breakfast for two in Panzano Restaurant, plus champagne and Godiva Chocolate Truffles in your room.
Explore more Denver Valentine's Day events at www.Denver365.com.
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