by Grayling Holmes

The season of love is here, and cupid’s arrow is about to set hearts ablaze for the next week, perhaps even longer.

Following is a sampling of ways that you might celebrate the day that is set aside annually for all things romantic. Whether you want to plan a night out with your paramour, give a choice piece of jewelry to your love, send a custom-designed floral bouquet to your boo, go solo to a Valentine’s event in search of romance, or give the love of your life a romantic trip, here lie twenty possibilities that await your perusal.

BUDS

Nothing says, “I love you,” like a custom-designed bouquet of fresh flowers from you. Send or bring home a stunning floral display from BUDS, St. Louis' premier designer of floral arrangements.  Whatever you choose will be custom designed by BUDS owner Tony Montano and is sure to make Valentine’s Day 2024 memorable.

Oh, and be sure to take pics to post on the socials. Your followers will experience the beauty of the unique arrangements only BUDS can deliver.

Stop and smell the flowers directly at their store in Clayton or order online at budsstl.com. Either way, your Valentine is in for a celebration of the senses. Buds surrounds one with the petals of love.

Galentine’s Day at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

Don’t miss an unforgettable Galentine's Day celebration at the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis on Sunday, February 11th from 5 - 8pm.

What is Galentine's Day, you ask? It is a day for women to celebrate their friendships with their lady friends. It's Valentine's Day with your gals. It's right there in the name.

Is it only for women? Nope. Despite its name, anyone and everyone can celebrate Galentine's Day. At its gooey heart, Galentine's Day is a celebration of friendship and the people who stick by your side as romantic relationships come and go.

Indulge in an evening filled with friendship, laughter, and delightful surprises in the charming Billiards Room. 

Event Highlights: 

• Capture special moments with your gal pals at our fabulous Photobooth. 

• Enjoy a complimentary cocktail on us to kick off the celebration. 

• Dive into our beverage manager's exclusive 3-drink special menu for a night of indulgence. 

• Passed tapas 1 veg/1 meat option to satisfy every palate. 

 Exciting Raffle: 

• Don't miss the chance to win a one-night stay and dinner for 4 at Idol Wolf. Your Galentine's Day could turn into a fabulous getaway! 

 Limited seats available – get your tickets now! 

Elleard B. Heffern Fine Jewelers

Elleard B. Heffern is synonymous with fine jewelry. Heffern knows what they are doing, and our city has kept coming back for more than a century.  Since 1913, Elleard B. Heffern Fine Jewelers is the purveyor of custom, couture, and casual jewelry.

Between now and Wednesday, February 14th. Valentine’s Day buy your loved one a gift and receive a @thecapitalgrille gift card for a free champagne toast on Heffern's. It’s their way of saying “I love you” to you.

Elleard B. Heffern Fine Jewelers is located at 101 South Hanley Road, Lobby Suite 110, Clayton, Missouri 63105. Visit them online at heffern.com.

Below are some romantic heirlooms designed to last a lifetime. You or your special someone could be proudly wearing a Heffern, now and forever.

Lusso

Lusso is a hip little stylish store tucked away in Clayton. An emporium, a mercantile, a chic boutique, Lusso is the world's smallest department store.  They offer a fabulous array of home decor, jewelry, clothing, and gifts -- all from your favorite designers.  Lusso is located just down from The Ritz Hotel at 165 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO  63105. Visit them online at lussotheboutique.com.

Below are just a few of the hundreds of things the one you love might just love during this season of love. Did I say love?

Valentine’s Day Dinner with a View

Indulge in an unforgettable Valentine's Day Dinner with a captivating view in downtown St. Louis on Feb 14th! Enjoy a four-course feast from mouthwatering appetizer to decadent desserts, each paired with a complimentary glass of champagne. Choose from exquisite options like Filet Mignon, Chicken Milanese, or Parmesan-encrusted salmon. For more details, visit 612north.com or call 314-899-0612. Upon ticket purchase, their managers will call to customize your menu choices. Elevate your celebration with a perfect blend of romance and culinary delight!

21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

Valentine’s Day Weekend

Downtown’s 21c Museum Hotel St, Louis is all the rage. If you haven’t joined the “in crowd” and seen it yet, you’re in for a treat. And Valentine’s Day weekend might be just the time to experience it.

Imagine a tony hotel that is part luxury hotel and part museum. Traveling art installations rotate from one city to the next of this 10-hotel chain (St. Louis is the 10th in the hotel’s franchise). Hotel chain is a bit of misnomer, because each hotel is completely unique. 21c is known for finding historic buildings in each city it has a hotel and renovating them — each of them unique in and of itself.

In St. Louis, 21c renovated the historic downtown YMCA. it breathed new life into the building, with restaurants, meeting rooms, and a 173 room boutique hotel, and contemporary art museum. The hotel is a short walk from the City Museum and CITYPARK stadium. Idol Wolf restaurant, Good Press café, and Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club, a full-service wellness center, all located within the hotel await you for your romantic getaway.

Go to 21cmuseumhotels.com/stlouis to book a weekend or an entire staycation.

Pisterzi Italian Grooming Art

Pisterzi Italian Grooming Art delivers authentic products the man in your life will not only enjoy, but will savor. Catering to the discriminating high-end user, their line of grooming products are eccelente, ottimo, and superb in every way.

From the metrosexual, to the hyper masculine to everyone in between, Pisterzi has something for every man on the spectrum.

Using the knowledge and skills of highly-trained barber, and founder Gian Antonio Pisterzi, the collection focuses on skin health and rejuvenation as much as it does performance. 

Unwrap any Pisterzi product and you’ll find an exclusive, high-performing formula. These grooming products differ from the rest as each product is enriched with biowaters. This means they are feature plant extracts harvested from organic agriculture using a water-based extraction method. In addition, the collection is designed with COSMOS** certified ingredients, a global certification standard for organic and natural cosmetics.

Fueled by a passion for barbering, the Pisterzi collection was built and meticulously designed for that special man in your life.

The products are available online, or if you’re traveling to New York or your man is, be sure to visit their SOHO shops for a pampering those with XY chromosomes won’t soon forget.

Hearth & Soul

Owner Suzie Busch-Transou put her heart and soul into her dream store, Hearth & Soul. And for Valentine’s Day 2024, she has put together a dreamy collection of gifts sure to be a heart-stopper for the one you love.

Below is a sampling of gifts from her curated collection, ranging from the simple to exotic. I nearly fell over when I saw the feathered bow tie (made of REAL FEATHERS) and the alligator money clip. Yes, I know what I want, but what to get for my bestie, Mary. I smell the feminine fragrance practically wafting through the air when I look at the gorgeous, delicate bottles of the perfumes pictured below that Susie and her Hearth & Soul teams have put together.

And, as Susie’s colleague Kathryn Goessling put it, “One can never go wrong with a gift card, of course; it’s a blank slate to pick out their own perfect gift.”

Whether you are here in St. Louis at her Clayton store or traveling to one of her other stores in Tallahassee, Florida or Austin, Texas, you can always discover beautiful things for yourself, your home or someone special in your life for V-Day, any holiday, or just because.

Her wide array of merchandise will both warm your heart and feed your soul. Learn more at hearthandsoul.com.

Tunnel of Love at City Museum

Love is in the air at City Museum this February! Join them for a month-long celebration filled with enchanting experiences and romantic adventures that will make your heart skip a beat. The love affair begins Thursday, February 8 and goes through Leap Year Thursday, February 29.

I’ve went to this event last year with my sweetie, and the pics don’t do it justice. It’s spectacular! It’s romantic! It’s the TUNNEL OF LOVE! Here’s what the “e-brochure” says:

Tunnel of Love: Step into a world of romance as you stroll through our enchanting Tunnel of Love located in the Vault Room. This heart-shaped light exhibit is the perfect backdrop for magical moments and Instagram-worthy photos. Share the love with your special someone, friends, or family as you immerse yourselves in the warm glow of this captivating display.

Valentine’s Day Drinks: Indulge in the spirit of love with our specially crafted Valentine’s Day-themed drinks. Sip on delightful concoctions that will tickle your taste buds and set the mood for a memorable evening. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or prefer a non-alcoholic treat, our drink menu is designed to add a touch of sweetness to your City Museum experience.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate love and Valentine’s Day at City Museum in St. Louis. Whether you’re on a romantic date or enjoying quality time with family and friends, our February festivities are designed to fill your heart with joy and create lasting memories. Come share the love with us! Info at citymuseum.org/event/tunnel-of-love-3/

Valentine's Day 2024 at The Dogwood

featuring The Red Jackets BIG Band

Love is in the air at The Dogwood in the Grove for Valentine’s Day! Join them for a romantic evening filled with live music by The Red Jackets BIG Band. Dance the night away to their amazing tunes with your special someone. This in-person event is perfect for couples looking to celebrate Valentine's Day in style. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere, enjoy exquisite drinks, and indulge in delicious food while creating lasting memories. Executive Chef Brad Bardon has created an extraordinary menu including a complimentary specialty cocktail.

The Dogwood is a modern, luxe venue with a lounge-like atmosphere. This sleek and vibrant place has both elevated cuisine and design.

Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a romantic night out, this event is not to be missed! Grab your tickets now for a Valentine's Day to remember! Dinner is at 6:30pm on Wednesday, February 14th; show at 8:30.

Chesterfield Jewelers

Anytime is a good time to lavish the one you love with a keepsake that will last a lifetime. Valentine’s Day is an especially appropriate time where the a velvet box from Chesterfield Jewelers speaks from the heart, forever and a day.

Tucked at the east end of Chesterfield Valley is this lovely, traditional store has a beautiful selection of exclusive, high quality, wearable fine jewelry.

Accompanied by a tightly-edited selection of crystal, porcelain, and sterling home accessories and gifts, Chesterfield Jewelers is THE place where one doesn’t have to dig for treasures, for they have been uncovered for you and await you at every turn throughout their store.

Chesterfield Jeweler’s exclusive designer line, Fope, is a family-owned, Italian design house, and offers an extensive array of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings that would be ideal for everyday wear.  The “flex-it” bracelet collection offers a bracelet that stretches over the hand and eliminates the need for a clasp.

Chesterfield Jewelers also has the Midwest’s largest in-store inventory of Herend porcelain.  This beautifully hand-painted line of dinnerware and figurines are elegant additions to any home.  Herend is the perfect gift for any collector this Valentine's Day!

They invite you to come in and savor the sophisticated elegance one can find there during this season of love, and in any and every season. Below are just a sampling of their wares. One can see more online at chesterfieldjewelers.com

Basque Country Vacation

Valentine’s Day is the PERFECT time to plan a romantic getaway. If you want a feast for the senses, a trip to Spain’s Basque Country might just become your next love. For the winter, do or give the romantic things on this list, or fly on Cupid’s arrow next September on what could be a trip you will truly love. Here’s what’s in store. Details can be found by clicking here.

You’ll travel alongside St. Louis restaurant impresarios Michael and Tara Gallina. They’re seasoned hosts whose collected accolades include four James Beard Award nominations  and “Best New Chef/Restaurant” nods from Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Esquire and Eater. The Gallinas are true world travelers—Micheal even spent months staging in restaurants all over Spain—with curious hearts and a deep love of coastal Europe.

If you want a feast for all the senses, this trip is for you. Wander colorful markets, visit one of the world’s greatest museums, soak in the timeless magic of ancient mountain villages and rustic taverns. Connect with the chefs, shepherds and winemakers who’ve harnessed centuries of tradition to produce the world’s most exquisite food and drink. This journey to the Basque Country will teach you, delight you, and feed your soul — leaving you full of joy, and hungry for more.

Idol Wolf at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

I first saw Idol Wolf when I attended the 21c St. Louis Grand Opening event over the summer. On the heels of a series of soft openings, the hotel was about to welcome their first paying guest. I got the chance tour the hotel from top to bottom and when I was finished 21c General Manager JP Roberts suggested that Nick and I check out the Idol Wolf. Since there is more than one restaurant at 21c, I asked, “Where’s Idol Wolf?” When he told me to look down from the vantage point of the photo below, I was intrigued.

People were immersed in the electric atmosphere and dining on the culinary traditions of Spain. Nick and I grabbed a table and YES! the atmosphere and food sizzled with flavor. We drank. We met new people. We soaked it all in. Nick is gone now, but Mary is still here. Let’s go to Idol Wolf for Valentine’s Day, Mary — I’m sure the atmosphere and dining experience will be truly memorable.

Go to idolwolfstl.com to learn more about what might become your favorite restaurant for VD and many other date nights to come.

Third Degree Glass Factory Hearts on Fire

for Valentine’s Date Night

Valentine’s Day is on a Wednesday this year. What’s the fun in that?

Why not do Friday instead? On Friday, February 16, at 5 P.M., Third Degree opens its doors for ‘Hearts on Fire,’ a Valentine’s Day themed experience at its monthly free event, Third Friday. WARNING: This is not your typical Friday night out. Guests can grab a front-row seat to see exhibiting glass artists Jon Biscan and Eve Cascella in action; a flameworking demo by artist Grady Breichenbach; and a large-scale heart piece created by studio director Gavin Piemsomboon. Guests have the chance to WIN additional handmade glass pieces with three separate raffles, drawn at the end of each demonstration.

Guests can sign up online at thirddegreeglassfactory.com by Feb. 12 to make the Third Friday event an unforgettable date night. The $200 fee includes a custom wood invitation and glass heart pendant to gift before the event. On Feb. 16, the couple will receive a 30-min private session with one of our skilled artists to craft a solid glass heart, measuring approximately 4" x 4". Presale ONLY. 

There will be a cash bar, live music by folk singer Devon Cahill, and food from Urban Eats. During the event, guests also can shop the gallery and view the current spotlight exhibitions Roots and Rivers by glass artist Jon Biscan and Branching Out by Snazzy Glass. 

About Third Degree Glass Factory: Established in 2002 by Jim McKelvey and Doug Auer as the only publicly accessible glass art studio, gallery and education center in the City of St. Louis, Third Degree is dedicated to providing amazing experiences with glass. Third Degree has welcomed thousands of visitors to buy handmade glass art, take classes, watch the creation of glass, and host private events in its one-of-a-kind facility. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, the public is welcome to walk in and browse the gallery or step into any of Third Degree’s three studios to watch the independent artists honing their craft.

Lugano Diamonds

This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of one-of-a-kind wearable works of art from Lugano Diamonds. These sparkly, timeless diamond pieces will inspire romance while highlighting the wearer’s own unique sense of style. With access to the world’s most precious gems that are personally selected in-house, Lugano’s master artisans have created these modern designs with passion and precision that will last a lifetime. Prices available upon request.  All of these stunning pieces Lugano’s full inventory of gems are available to see at luganodiamonds.com. 

LOCOCO FINE ART PUBLISHER

Entrenched in St. Louis’ rich arts community is Lococo. This Valentine’s Day, you might want to paint a romantic palette and color your love with a fine art print from Lococo Fine Art Publisher.

Lococo is s a leading publisher of contemporary fine art prints, editions, and monographs. Since their founding in 1990 by Robert Lococo, they have collaborated with our artists, master printers, and innovative technologists to create exclusive prints and multiple editions.

LOCOCO now represents over 60 international artists, including many of the most important and innovative artists of our time. They are proud to have established long-term, ground-breaking relationships with Alex Katz, Kenny Scharf, Donald Sultan, Ugo Rondinone, David Salle, and so many more, such as St. Louis’ own Katherine Bernhardt.

Last summer, I had the honor of attending a fundraising pool party for the Tennessee Williams Foundation. Katherine hosted the party, and I was honored to see originals of prints of her Lococo makes available. If you give one of these prints, or any other to your Valentine, it will be something they will cherish for their lifetime, and may pass it down to loved ones for generations to come.

Visit Lococo online to view their offerings.

Love Bites — St. Louis Aquarium

Let’s face it — love doesn’t always last forever, right? I for one know that Valentine’s Day sometimes brings to mind some pretty nasty breakups that I’ve had, and maybe a divorce or two. Instead of emitting negative energy for loves labors lost, why not help out a good cause instead.

If you’re looking for something unique and memorable for that not-so-special someone in your life this Valentine’s Day, then look no further than Love Bites?

Does your ex no longer “OCTIPI” your heart? This Valentine’s Day, join in the fun by donating to symbolically name a mealworm, cricket, or veggie after your not-so-special someone and have it fed to one of the animals at the St. Louis Aquarium!

As part of your $5, $10 or $25 donation, you will receive a digital Valentine’s Day Card showing your support for the Love Bites Fundraiser. Be sure to share the fun on social media with hashtag #LoveBitesSTL and tag @AquariumSTL on Instagram. The best part is 100% of your donation benefits conservation and education programs at the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation! (You must be 18 years old or older to participate).

For more information, please stlaquariumfoundation.org/events/love-bites/

Be Mine at Clementines

Make a date with Clementine this Valentine’s Day. From their elegant Afternoon Tea in a Box, to their ooey, gooey  S'Amores, which i absolutely LOVE, they have so many ways to celebrate and spread LOVE!

When there make sure you sample full bounty of wares. Their love affair with food is on full display this time of year with heart-shaped entreés like Chicken Pot Pie and Macaroni & Cheese, shortbread hearts and heart-shaped bake-at-home scones. We've got festive cookies & cupcakes for Valentines of all ages and pies perfectly sized for two.

Go to clementineonline.com for their full Valentine’s Day menu.

Valentine’s Day Bollywood Dance Party

My bestie Gerry Kalicki and his hubby Pratik Jahveri took me to see my first Bollywood movie at the old Chesterfield Mall back in the day. To say the least, I was literally blown away. The lights! The colors! The sounds! The utter exuberant dancing! I thought American Hollywood was a big deal UNTIL I saw Indian Hollywood. Wow!

I came across this Valentine’s Day Bollywood Party, and since Gerry has gone to that big Bollywood party in the sky, I’m gonna get my new bestie, Mary Wimbley to don her best Indian garb and head west to the Red Chili Indian Cuisine & Bar and hit the dance floor.

Here’s the 411 on the event from the promoters.

Hey, party peeps! Get ready to spice up your Valentine's Day with the hottest beats in town! ️

Love is in the air, and so is the beat! Join me, as we turn up the romance and rhythm at the most sensational Bollywood Dance Party this Valentine's Day! 💖💃🕺

18+ Event

📅 Date: Saturday, February 10th 2024

🕗 Time: 8:30 PM TO 12:30 AM

📍 Venue: Red Chili Indian Cuisine & Bar - 963 Chesterfield Center, Chesterfield, MO 63017

Mark your calendars for February 10th 2024 as we're serving up a night of:

• Unlimited Food Buffet included with ticket from 9PM to 11PM

• Bollywood, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil bangers from the classics to the chart-toppers

• Masala mixes that'll make you move

• Delicious cocktails and permium bar

• A chance to win surprise giveaways

💃 Dress Code: Wear your most stylish attire or something Red or Black to match the theme of love!✨

So whether you're single and ready to mingle, coupled up and crazy in love, or just looking for a fun night out with your besties, this is the party for you!

Don't miss out on the hottest Valentine's Day bash in town! Share this invite with your friends and family, and let's paint the town red with music beats!

See you on the dance floor!

White Castle Restaurants Transform into

“LOVE CASTLES” for Valentine’s Day

My son, Jacob and his wife Jamie first told me they had a done really romantic and fun thing back in for Valentine’s Day. I assumed they had gone to a fancy restaurant like most upwardly mobile young people do. “No,” Jamie beamed, “We went to White Castle, Dad!”

She went on to explain to me that every year White Castle restaurants throughout the country transform into romantic eateries. So, in 2019, I made a reservation for a table for two for my date and I. Yes, reservations are REQUIRED. When we walked in, we had to check in with the maitre d and be shown to our table. Next, she handed us printed menus. Yup, menus! The place was full of other couples snuggled in booths and at tables. The place was decorated floor to ceiling with festive décor befitting the holiday of love.

Our booth was draped with red curtains. It was so romantic. After our waiter took our order of double cheeseburgers, shakes and fries, we were given dessert menus. Yes, dessert menus were separate from the entree menus.

The evening ended with keepsake photos at their Valentine’s couples booth. I think we spent about 20 bucks total for food, so we tipped the staff generously. it was truly one of the best Valentine’s days I ever had. I highly recommend getting your reservations now. This tradition has caught on nationwide. I think everyone wants to cuddle up in a “Love Castle” for the most romantic night of the year.