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Valentine's Day Dinner

For the Love of Valentine’s Day: Enjoy Dining, Entertainment, and Spending Time Together in Rochester

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a significant other, embracing Galentine’s Day with cherished girlfriends (on February 13, according to Leslie Knope, which is also Mardi Gras in 2024), or enjoying Palentine’s Day with your chosen companions, the city offers an array of opportunities to make the most of the month of love.

Rochester hosts a variety of Valentine’s Day-themed dinners and events, live performances, and opportunities to explore the great outdoors, providing the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable moments. This February, let’s explore the diverse ways to spend quality time with your loved ones as we navigate through a delightful blend of festivities designed for Valentines, Galentines, and Palentines alike.

And if this February 14th feels more like Schmalentine’s Day, take time to pamper yourself at the spa, wander through the woods, indulge in deliciousness from a local chocolatier, and bring home a colorful bouquet of your favorite flowers while cranking Miley.

Savor a Delicious Meal

If you’re planning to enjoy a fine meal on Wednesday, February 14, make your reservations in advance. If you’re flexible, the weekends before and after Valentine’s Day will offer more options, including breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

If you’re up for a road trip, head an hour and a half south to Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn for their seasonal all-you-can-eat pancakes topped with fresh maple syrup harvested and processed on-site.

Valentine’s Brunch

Sunday, February 11

Galentine’s Brunch

Saturday, February 4

Saturday, February 10

Saturday, February 10 & 11

Sunday, February 11

Palentine’s Dinner

Tuesday, February 13

Valentine’s Dinner

Tuesday, February 13

Wednesday, February 14

Explore More

Enchanting Evenings: Rochester’s Most Romantic Restaurants Revealed

Discover the most romantic restaurants for date nights, milestones, and memorable culinary delights within a two-hour drive of Rochester.

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Valentine’s Day-Themed Events

Thursday, February 8

Friday, February 9

Saturday, February 10

February 10–11

Sunday, February 11

Tuesday, February 13

Wednesday, February, 14

Also, Wednesday, February 14 (not a Valentine’s theme, but something fun to do on Wednesday nights!)

Thursday, February 15

Friday, February 16

Explore More

Attend a Live Performance

Through February 11

Through February 18

Saturday, February 10

Sunday, February 11

Wednesday, February 14

Explore More

Theaters Around Rochester

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.

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Plan This Year’s Adventures

Nothing says “I Love You” like planning your future day trips together!

Find a Bookseller

Unplugged and Offline: Take This Guidebook on the Road

Day Trips Around Rochester, New York, the book, encourages offline spontaneity, serendipity, and the joy of getting lost in the right direction.

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Get Cozy Indoors

Here are a few ideas that may inspire your Valentine’s Day plans:

  1. Cozy Indoor Picnic: Create a cozy indoor picnic with blankets, cushions, and your favorite comfort foods. Set the mood with soft lighting and enjoy an intimate meal together.
  2. Winter Wonderland Movie Marathon: Build a blanket fort with a movie marathon. Sip on hot cocoa and snuggle up for a cozy night in.
  3. Fondue Party: Have a fondue night with various melted chocolates, cheeses, and dipping options. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a good way to start.
  4. Winter Spa Retreat: Transform your home into a winter spa retreat. Enjoy relaxing massages, pampering face masks, and a soothing atmosphere with scented candles and soft music.
  5. Playful Sharing: Create a cozy nook with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights. Spend time playing games, reading books together, and sharing stories.

February 9–25

February 9–18

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George Eastman Museum

The George Eastman Museum is a beautiful tribute to his life & legacy, and is the world’s oldest photography museum with one of the oldest film archives.

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Escape Winter: 5 Warm & Cozy Places

With tropical temperatures or cozy environments, these Rochester-area destinations offer pleasant snowy-day getaways—at least for a few hours.

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Kindling Community: A Guide to Finding Rochester’s Cozy Fireplaces

I’ve curated a list of spots around the city perfect for quiet reading or community engagement next to a comforting fireplace.

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12 Ideas for Staying Warm & Active Throughout the Winter in Rochester

Don’t let winter in Rochester force you into hibernation. If snow doesn’t appeal to you, think of everything there is to do indoors.

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Museums Around Rochester

Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.

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Nurture Your Relationship with Nature

For nature lovers, the numerous hiking trails in and around Rochester provide a perfect escape. Mendon Ponds Park and Durand Eastman Park offer picturesque trails, allowing individuals or groups to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Explore ideas for hiking, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and tubing to create memorable moments outdoors.

Explore IDEAS

18 Wonderful Winter Walks in Monroe County

These winter walks in Rochester and Monroe County will inspire you to time outside, breathing in cold, fresh air and soaking up a little sun.

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22 Monroe County Parks

Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.

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Explore Letchworth State Park

Letchworth has something for everyone, from hiking one of the park’s 29 trails and picnicking beside a waterfall to taking a scenic drive.

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The Best Sledding Hills Around Rochester

Are you ready to play in the snow? Take your sled to one of Monroe County’s thrilling sledding hills, like Mendon Ponds and Black Creek.

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Snow Sports: 6 Ways to Stay Active in Winter

Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, and tubing are fun winter activities that offer exposure to fresh air and sunlight.

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Need a Gift?

EXPLORE Ideas

20 Rochester-Area Chocolatiers

Many of our fine Rochester-area chocolatiers are 3rd- and 4th-generation descendants using traditional family recipes with modern twists.

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200+ Places to Shop Locally Around Rochester, New York

Shopping locally is about discovering something uniquely Rochester while directly impacting the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.

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Give the Gift of Rochester! 5 City Shops that Celebrate Regional Novelties

These Rochester gifts are more than mere objects; they are nostalgic expressions of the city’s soul, making them a joy to give and receive.

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Valentine's Day Dinner
Featured image created using bing.com/create

How do you plan to spend Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, February 14, 2024?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.

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