by Grayling Holmes

The season of love is here. Valentine’s Day this year is on Friday, February 14th, and for many that’s just the beginning of a weekend when one can say, “I love you, let me count the ways.”

Whether you celebrate the day of hearts itself, or if cupid’s arrow strikes your heart during the entire month of February, we’ve got you covered at Sophisticated Living.

Here, we have compiled a list of things for that special someone in your life. Whether that be you significant other, your gal pals, your grandma or pa, your kids, or even just lil’ ol’ you, there are ways to make the special ways that you commemorate Valentine’s Day more memorable.

Below are a few things that you can give from purveyors of elegant wares found here in St. Louis and beyond – emporiums of fine goods, bastions of sparkling baubles and jewels, feasts of flowers, as well as delicious eateries, romantic hotel getaways, and other unique places to spend time with that special someone or someones whom you love.

Scroll through quickly, or take your time and savor each image that pops up on your digital journey here. You are sure to find something that will tickle your fancy. After all, it is the season where fancies are tickled; it is the season of love.

Albarré Jewelry

Albarré Jewelry has been taking care of St. Louis’ sophisticated families since 1976. Owner Barry Sherman has built relationships with generations of families for over 48 years. He has always known that the secret to success is having and cultivating real and honest relationships with customers. He has instilled this philosophy into every member his team, so that every customer gets the true "Albarré Experience".

Their staff pay great attention to detail. They have a tremendous amount of creativity and will care for your treasured jewelry as if it were their own. They strive to bring you one-of-a-kind pieces that you will not find anywhere else. They have an extensive collection of colored stones and diamonds in every shade of the rainbow — From sapphires, un-heated tanzanite, extra fine emeralds, pink and blue zircon to color change stones, the have it all. Their on-site jeweler creates new pieces for your purchasing pleasure as well as restores your family heirlooms. They also offer a full-service experience from watch repair to custom jewelry design. 

Whether you are looking for something to wear every day or that one-of-a-kind special piece, they will find it or create it and bring your dream to life.

Visit them at their space at 9711 Clayton Rd. Saint Louis, MO 63124, or online at https://www.albarre.com/

Angad Arts Hotel

Situated in the historic Grand Center Arts District, The Angad Arts Hotel is surrounded by art museums, theater and endless creative space to explore. This Valentine’s stay there and let them inspire you.

As soon as you walk through their doors, creativity jumps from every orifice. It inspires, energizes and enlightens you.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day there with flair. At Commonwealth, its signature restaurant, enjoy specialty dishes on Feb. 14 and 15 alongside the full menu. Indulge in the tender petite filet mignon, paired with buttery scallops, velvety butternut squash purée and a medley of seasonal vegetables. Alternatively, savor the bold lamb lollipop chops, accompanied by zesty Caribbean salsa, fragrant coconut rice, succulent shrimp scampi and fresh seasonal vegetables.

For Galentine’s Day with the girls or a romantic evening with your sweetheart, experience the hotel’s rooftop Art Bar. Enjoy their “Cheers to Love Flight” from February 10-15. The view and the experience are said to be unforgettable.

Visit The Angad at angadartshotel.com.

Aperture Cellars Winery & Vineyards

This Valentine’s Day, make your celebration unforgettable with the perfect pairing: love and a bottle of Aperture’s world-class Bordeaux style wine. Founded in 2009 by first-generation winemaker Jesse Katz, Aperture wines are crafted from over 200 acres of unique, cool-climate vineyards in Sonoma Valley’s top regions. Each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship, passion, and artistry, designed to elevate intimate dinners and shared moments. And, each wine label features an original Andy Katz photograph, Jesse’s father, demonstrating it as an expression of art both inside and out. Check out the below Cabernet Sauvignon gift sets from Aperture to discover together this Valentine’s Day!

Aperture wines are available for sale at aperture-cellars.com/wines/.

Aperture wines are available for sale at aperture-cellars.com/wines/.

Bella Vino Wine Bar

Bella Vino Wine Bar, located in the heart of historic St. Charles, is hosting a Galentine’s Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 9.

Nestled in the heart of Historic Old Town St. Charles, Bella Vino Wine Bar and Tapas provides the perfect combination of high end wines, variety of elaborate tapas options.  Some of these items include the following: fresh local cheeses and ingredients, house-made pasta, and flatbreads and many more!

Visit at 325 S. Main St., St. Charles, bellavinowinebarstl.com.

BUDS Floral and Event Design

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 2025 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.

Visit BUDS at 522 S Hanley Rd, Clayton, MO 63105, budsstl.com.

Candlelight Concerts

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in St. Louis. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Valentine’s Day Special at E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight, Thursday, February 13th, 6:30pm.

The E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater is an intimate venue that seats 250 people and is at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, Touhill Circle, St. Louis, MO 63121 on the campus of the University of Missouri St. Louis.

Get tickets at feverup.com.

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! Chesterfield Jewelers is the largest distributor of Herend in the state of Missouri.

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 or at their store, 17037 Baxter Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005.

Circus Harmony Unbound

Circus Harmony’s new show, Unbound!, is an unfettered look at fairy tales that uses athleticism and allegory to amaze and amuse the audience while teaching some deep life lessons. Get ready for flying beasts, hooping princesses, pole-climbing mermaids, aerial queens, hoop diving hatters, sleeping hand balancers, unicycling townspeople, and more!  The show will take place at Circus Harmony inside City Museum at 2pm every Saturday and Sunday  in February. The $20 ticket price includes Museum admission. Tickets are on sale at circusharmony.org.

City Museum

City Museum is kicking off their City Nights series just in time for Valentine’s Day! Bring your date to dance to the musical stylings of St. Louis’s own Clownvis Presley for a special set of love songs. Bop, jitterbug, and shimmy with DJ Dot Matrix. Make your favorite people a Valentine, then find out what the future has in store with a tarot card reading. Don’t forget to explore the museum and take a stroll down the Tunnel of Love in the Vault Room.

Friday, Feb. 14 from 7pm–11pm

• Live music by Clownvis and additional tunes from DJ Dot Matrix

• Play all day, party all night: Your event ticket includes General Admission for the day of the event

• Adults only: They’ll have a whole floor dedicated to 21+ City Nights activities, and then when the museum closes at 9pm we’ll have the whole place to ourselves!

• Arts and crafts: Make your own buttons, valentines, and other interactive crafts for a special gift or souvenir

• Food, drinks, beer, and cocktails will be available for purchase throughout the museum

21+ only with valid ID. Some items and activities, such as Tarot Card readings, may have an additional fee. Ticket includes General Admission for the day of the event.

City museum is located at 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, citymuseum.org.

Clementine’s Ice Creamery

Just in time for the season of love, four ice cream flavors will be released on Tuesday, February 4th from Clementine's Ice Creamery. Enjoy ice cream or indulge in one of their warm lava cakes topped with hot fudge.

This year's Valentine's flavors are: White Chocolate Cherry, Cinful Bunz, Love Handles and Passionfruit Almond Tryst. Eight locations to choose from, to find one near you, visit clementinescreamery.com

Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery, also known as Clementine’s Creamery, is an ice cream shop with eight locations in the Greater St. Louis Area that serves unique small-batch ice cream flavors, including alcoholic and vegan options. Clementine’s Creamery was founded by Tamara Keefe in 2014.

Das Bevo & Tim’s Chrome Lounge

Grab your gal pals! Das Bevo and Tim's Chrome Bar are co-hosting their annual Galentine’s Day Market from noon to 5 p.m. on Feb. 8. Both venues will feature merchandise made by St. Louis artisans and the day promises an experience that will offer guests a chance to shop, sip and snack their way through the event. In addition to artisans, this fun-filled day will also include a fortune teller, tooth gem artist and a permanent jewelry vendor. Admission is free.

Das Bevo is at 4749 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116, dasbevo.com.

Tim’s Chrome Bar is across the street at 4736 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116, timschromebar.com.

Galentine’s Day Brunch, Sunday, February 9th, 10am-2pm

Grab your gal pals and come brunch with us! We’ll have bottomless mimosas and some fun cocktail specials for you and your friends to enjoy. We can accommodate large groups, so bring everyone. Email reservations@dasbevo.com to save a table. Cheers!

Eclipse

On Valentine’s Day itself, Friday, February 14th, spend a romantic evening dining at Eclipse restaurant inside the Moonrise Hotel.

Enjoy a three course meal and cap it off with an overnight stay at the Moonrise! Your choice of Mini Beef Wellington or Vegetable Spring Roll, house or Caesar salad, pan seared duck or chicken, or grilled medallions with shrimp. Save room for turtle cheesecake for dessert. Call 314-721-1111 to make a reservation.

The Eclipse Restaurant specializes in modern American cuisine, serving classic American fare with a cosmic twist and specialty seasonal and classic cocktails. More information at moonrisehotel.com/food-drinks. The Eclipse is in the Moonrise Hotel at 6177 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112 in the Loop.

Galentine’s Day

What is Galentine’s Day & How did it start?

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.

In season 2, episode 16 of Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope introduced Galentine's Day. 

• In the episode, Leslie and her friends have brunch instead of celebrating Valentine's Day. 

• Leslie says, "Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast style". 

How it's celebrated:

• Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13, the day before Valentine's Day. 

• It's a day to honor platonic friendships and show appreciation for women. 

• People celebrate by having brunch, going to a restaurant, getting a mani-pedi, or sending care packages. 

• Some people also use the day to pamper themselves. 

How it became popular:

• The holiday became popular after the episode aired in 2010. 

• The word "Galentine" was mentioned in episodes in 2012 and 2014. 

• By 2016, the holiday was being featured in national and international publications. 

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.

Grants Farm Valentine’s Date Nights

Enjoy a romantic dinner with your Valentine in the historic Carriage Haus at St. Louis’ historic Grants Farm.

Mark your calendars and select a night from February 7th - February 22nd for Valentines Date Night at Grant's Farm 2025.

Each table reservation includes a plated dinner and a dessert for two, a Clydesdale meet-and-greet with a complimentary photo, and an exclusive Grant's Farm picture frame. An acoustic guitarist will be playing in the Carriage Haus during your dinner. VIP parking for one vehicle is included in this package.

Enhance your date night experience by adding a carriage ride, a bottle of wine, or a Clydesdale blanket or Clydesdale plush.

For information and reservations log onto grantsfarm.com/event/valentines-date-night-at-grants-farm-2025. Grants Farm is located at 7385 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123.

Handlebar in the Grove for Singles

For those flying solo this Valentine’s Day, HandleBar in The Grove offers a playful way to connect. Their Valentine’s Day Speed Dating event runs from 7–10 PM on Friday, February 14, giving you the chance to meet potential matches in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking for romance or just a fun evening, HandleBar is the place to be. Who knows? You might just meet your match!

Timed slots cater to various subgroups:

• 7:00 PM: Lesbians

• 7:30 PM: Straights

• 8:00 PM: Gays

• 8:30 PM: Whatever

Each $10 ticket includes:

• A glass of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic cocktail to kick things off

• Five minutes to chat with each attendee in your chosen subgroup

• Icebreaker questions to keep the conversation flowing

• Becca Diamond as your fabulous host to keep things lively

• Pairing results delivered ASAP so you can dance the night away with your matches

• A hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberry to sweeten the deal

And that’s not all! Craft your own Valentine’s Day card at the card-making station, indulge in $5 heart-shaped pizzas, and enjoy drink specials all night long. Stick around for DJ Mark Lewis, who will start spinning tunes at 10 PM.

Location: HandleBar, 4147 Manchester Ave., The Grove, more information at handlebarstl.com/event-details.

Hearth & Soul

“Whether you're shopping for your Valentine or your Galentine, visit us during the season of love to discover that special something they’ll be sure to XO!” — Susie Busch-Transou, Hearth & Soul CEO & Founder

Susie continues to put her heart and soul into her dream store, Hearth & Soul. And for Valentine’s Day 2025, 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 fell in love with the Shinola leather watch and matching card case. 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.

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.

Le Méridien Hotel in Clayton

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a unique culinary experience shared with the one you love and perhaps savor the moment  and unlock on of the premiere destinations in St. Louis.

The Le Méridien is more than a typical hotel stay; it is an experience. Located in the epicenter of the chic Clayton business district, minutes from Forest Park, downtown Saint Louis, and WashU, this luxurious hotel celebrates art through an effortless blend of simplicity and comfort with style and detail.

Immerse yourself in an exquisite culinary journey at our on-site French-inspired restaurant, Café La Vie.

Starting at $70 per person, our pre-fixe meal includes dishes like: Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta, Brioche Crusted Salmon, and White Chocolate Mousse. Each couple will also receive a #ButterCandle with freshly baked bread for dipping.

Book your reservation on #OpenTable for February 10th or 14th

Magic Mini Golf in the Loop

Say "I Do" at Magic Mini Golf in The Loop, everyone on staff is ordained. Take advantage of their stage and screens to make this a truly special night to get married or renew your vows. Cap it off with a spin on the indoor Ferris wheel. 

Magic Mini Golf is at 6160 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112 across the street from the Moonrise Hotel. More information at magicminigolf.com.

Missouri Cannibis

This Valentine's Day, elevate the romance by shopping at Missouri’s top recreational and medicinal marijuana dispensaries.

Try Kushy Punch's sweet-yet-punchy 1G all-in-one THC vapes, the perfect way to set the mood. Whether you're sharing a cozy night in with your loved one or creating unforgettable memories with your friends this year, Kushy Punch all-in-one vapes offers the ideal balance of relaxation and bliss to enhance every moment. Available in eight states and a ton of lovable flavors. Find your nearest dispensary holding Kushy Punch products here.

For Valentine’s ‘25, give the gift of Hugs. Nothing says 'I care' like Hugs Salve—a little jar of love, comfort, and relief. Ideal for soothing the aches and pains of everyday life (or that Valentine’s Day couples yoga class you signed up for), Hugs Salve combines powerful ingredients like live emu oil, THC distillate, and calming essential oils to deliver targeted relief with a touch of relaxation. Plus, its calming lavender-chamomile scent just might make you the hero of the day. Because nothing says romance like Hugs! Hugs Salve is exclusively available at all Hippos Cannabis dispensaries across Missouri (you can shop online to pick up your order in store), so be sure to pick some up in your area before the big day!"

PALM Health

Valentine's Shower Steamers | Rose | 4 Pack Gift Set

Transform your shower into an aromatic spa experience by enjoying the relaxing, floral scent of these calming and grounding signature Rose shower steamers. The rose oil blend has a warm, deeply floral, rich, and slightly spicy scent which makes for the perfect indulgence after a long day.

•Handmade with natural ingredients in Fairfax, VA

•A portion of sales to provide free lunches to vulnerable preschoolers in South Africa

•Leaping Bunny certified

Recharge Day Spa Package

Give the gift of revitalization! This package includes five luxurious services to recover, refresh, and renew.
- Targeted Revitalizing Massage (45 Minutes)
- Modern Express Facial (45 Minutes)
- Lip Plump and Quench Treatment
- Eye Radiance Smoothing Treatment
- PEMF Mat Session

The Little Book of Self-Love

Nurture your relationship with yourself with The Little Book of Self-Love. The Little Book of Self-Love will show you how to practice self-compassion and kindness with uplifting quotations, real-world tips and gentle exercises, teaching you how to love yourself a little bit more every day.

Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager // the Yoisho

“Yoisho!” is the sound of relaxation and letting go in Japanese, and we thought there was no better word to use as the name of one of our best-selling heated shiatsu foot massagers. Featuring rolling, kneading, and patented foot shiatsu massage technology, The YOISHO has instant effect on muscle pain relief, promotes healthy circulation, and is the perfect foot massager for neuropathy and plantar fasciitis patients.

Weekend Shawls in an assortment of colors — Bone, ballet or mink

Elegant, effortless, and delectably soft, the Kash-ease™ Weekend Shawl will accompany you to the ballet bar, the bookstore, and beyond.

Damask Throw — Rosewood / Blossom

Exuding both comfort and sophistication, Kashwere's signature Damask throw will elevate any room with livable luxury. The intricate two-toned pattern is sure to add visual allure to any space. Plus, it is double-sided and double the thickness of the original throw, so no matter how you drape it on your sofa, there is never a right or wrong side to cuddle up with.

Nod Pod

The Weighted Blanket For Your Eyes ® Nodpod's award winning strap-free design equally distributes the power of deep-touch pressure across key pressure points to help calm overactive minds, soothe headaches and help you sink into deep restful sleep. Enjoy the luxurious feel of 22 Momme Mulberry Silk on one side, and Soft Touch Velvet on the other.

Get Closer Couples Edition - Relationship Question Card Game

Get Closer Couples Edition is a question card game rooted in positive psychology, designed to cultivate meaningful relationships and joyful moments with your partner.

It's designed to help couples reconnect, repair relationships, and become healthier communicators. With 100 prompts and three levels, this game sparks conversations that go beyond the surface, promoting emotional intimacy and fostering moments of joy and closeness. Get Closer Couples Edition is a question card game rooted in positive psychology, designed to cultivate meaningful relationships and joyful moments with your partner.

Girls' Night Conversation Cards

Perfect for Galentine’s Day or any girls' night, are Girls’ Night Conversation Cards. These conversation cards are here to bring the laughs, the feels, and the kind of moments you’ll be talking about for awhile. With 75 fun and engaging questions, these cards are perfect for sparking deep conversations, hilarious confessions, and everything in between.

Whether you’re hosting a sleepover for your 9-year-old’s crew, planning a bachelorette bash, or enjoying a cozy night in with your lifelong friends, these cards are designed to make girls’ nights unforgettable—no matter the age.

Ruth’s Chris Valentine’s Week

Valentine’s Week Sweetheart Special for Two at Ruth's Chris Steak House - Chesterfield and Downtown STL. This special menu is available from Thursday, February 13th - Sunday, February 16th.

• 3-course prix fixe menu which includes a Caesar salad, Surf & Turf featuring an 8 oz. Filet with Two Large Shrimp or Lobster Tail, Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Spinach topped off with a slice of Chocolate Sin Cake.

Hours of Operation Valentine's Week

Downtown STL: 4pm – 11 pm - 315 Chestnut Street at the Hyatt Hotel overlooking the Arch

Chesterfield: 11am – 11pm - 16493 Wild Horse Creek Road

SqWires Restaurant

Enjoy a Valentines Brunch Buffet at SqWires Restaurant & Market on Saturday, February 15th at 11am.

Breakfast and brunch stations (omelets, smoked salmon, salads, sweets & carved meats, and more). $42 adults, $18 kids 12 and under.

Full bar with bottomless mimosas & loaded Bloody Mary's will be available, tickets: www.exploretock.com/sqwires

The Reception

This Valentine’s Day weekend Tenacious Eats and the Improv Shop present "The Reception" at Work & Leisure. Showtimes on Friday, February 14th and Saturday, February 15th at 7pm.

This is not your typical dinner and a show, guests will get a front row seat to a dysfunctional family wedding in this interactive dinner, and dance away with some family secrets. DJ and Fete photo booth are part of the action along with an open bar. Guests will dine on elevated wedding fare by Chef Liz Schuster of Tenacious Eats featuring apple and fennel salad, blue cheese hot honey and bacon tart, beef filet and prawn with wedding cake and Bissinger's Chocolates for dessert.

All inclusive tickets are $125 at workandleisurestl.com.

Winston Flowers

For the Valentine who prefers savory over sweet. Satisfy salty cravings with Plymouth Cheese’s heritage cheddar, aged honey sriracha salami from Salt & Twine, and delicate edible flower crackers from Flouwer Co. Then, snack on sumac and thyme crisps from Hungry Bird Eats, zesty pretzels from Stellar Snacks, and organic grass-fed tallow tortilla chips from Masa. For a little sugar, we’ve included strawberry peppercorn shortbread cookies from Makabi & Sons, a pretzel shortbread bar from Hey Champ, a rich chocolate caramel bar from Goodio, and buttery cocoa and coconut biscuits from Effie’s. All of these treats are beautifully displayed in a signature Winston Flowers crate. $200.

LUXE CHOCOLATE CRATE: Add some sweetness to the season with a dreamy selection of small-batch chocolates. This irresistible assortment includes a chocolate-filled snowman and a box of chocolate cremés from Harbor Sweets, and Mrs. Meckler’s salted caramels and nonpareils. Complete with a snowflake sugar cookie from Three Hundred Fifty, chocolate chip cookies from Greystone, cocoa shortbread from Rustic Bakery, cardamom cocoa chocolate bar from Madhu, pretzel poppers from Brooklyn Born, creme brûlée crackle truffle bar from Seattle Chocolate, toffee pistachios from Gräem, and six chocolate-dipped caramels from Big Picture Farm. Decorated with seasonal touches and presented in our sophisticated gifting box.  $200. 

Available at winstonflowers.com.