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.

 

Take advantage of great Valentine's Day hotel deals at some of Denver's best hotels!

Photo by Casey Wigotow/Two One Photography

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. Also in the Highlands is the flagship location of  Lehrer’s Flowers (3191 W. 38^th 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. Visit Bouquets in Lower Downtown (1525 15th St.)  – they were named one of America's top 10 florists by Bon Appetit Magazine. Downtown’s world-famous historic hotel, The Brown Palace & Spa (321 17^th 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. 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 16^th 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.

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' roundup of some of the city's most romantic restaurants for more ideas.