Have Love Your Way: 14 NoMi Events Around Valentine's Day

These activities are flexible, inclusive, and creative

Candy, flowers, and poetry—that’s how we traditionally think about Valentine’s Day, and it hasn’t changed much since Geoffrey Chaucer was writing about love in the 14th century.

But like all origin stories, this Hallmark holiday’s history is more complicated than it seems. The real St. Valentine, a 3rd century Roman Catholic priest, ran afoul of the pagan ruler Claudius II by conducting secret marriage ceremonies for soldiers who wished to tie the knot with their ladies. (Claudius II, in an effort to keep his soldiers focused on the martial arts rather than the marital, forbade his soldiers to marry.) Needless to say, Valentine ended up in prison, where he distinguished himself by caring for fellow inmates, before he was executed on Feb. 14, year 270. (Proving the axiom that no good deed goes unpunished.) 

Today, we honor St. Valentine in ways far less fraught, but a bit more fun than the basic chocolate box plus teddy bear combo. Here are 14 lovely events for couples, friends, and families over the next two weeks.

Show Your Love

1. Interlochen Arts Academy takes its show on the road, presenting The Sleeping Beauty, one of the world’s greatest romantic ballets, at Bay Harbor’s Great Lakes Center for the Arts on Friday, Feb. 16, at 7pm. Experience Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece with Marius Petipa’s original 1890 choreography and a slew of talented students. Tickets are $13-$28. (P.S. After the show, it’s a short stroll to the Inn at Bay Harbor for a special Valentine’s menu at the Inn’s Vintage Chophouse Wine Bar.) 

2. At The Alluvion in Traverse City, the Blue Note Quintet celebrates the 85th anniversary of Blue Note Records, the jazz recording powerhouse established in 1939. Led by six-time Grammy Award nominee and pianist Gerald Clayton, the band includes vibraphonist Joel Ross, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer. Catch the show Wednesday, Feb. 14; doors open at 7pm and tickets range from $30-$35. Later in the week, return to The Alluvion to see internationally renowned pianist and Interlochen grad Kara Huber, called “absolutely dazzling” by New York Concert Review, as she performs the works of Joan Tower, labeled the “the most important woman composer in America” by The New Yorker. The venue welcomes Huber on Friday, Feb. 16, at 7pm. Tickets are $28.

3. Just south in Cadillac, the Gopherwood Concert series features Michael Waite and his 9-piece acoustic band playing selections from his new album, We’ve Always Been at Home, plus American classics, at the Elks Club on Saturday, Feb. 10, 7-9pm. Tickets are $9-$18.

4. Can’t make it out for a night on the town? Cherry Capital Men’s Chorus will send a barbershop quartet to serenade your significant person of choice. Two songs, a long-stemmed rose, a card with a special message, and photo/video opportunity will make beautiful memories. Book a slot from 9am – 7:30pm on Feb. 14.

For the Foodie Fan

5. On Valentine’s Day, Visit Elderberry Farms Estate’s new venue for a five-course gourmet feast prepared by executive chef Joshua Boyer of Fork & Fire, with wine pairings from Rove Winery. There are two seatings—4:30-6:30 pm or 7:30-9:30 pm—and tickets run $100-$125.

6. Experience the Taste the Passion food and wine event from your friends on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Over the Feb. 9-11 weekend, wineries will offer the chance to sample local vintages, with sweet and savory accompaniments, from 12-5pm daily. Bonus: Receive $10 “Cork Cash” with each ticket to purchase bottles, merch, and more. Tickets are $25-$45, with 19 participating wineries to choose from.

Workshop Romance

7. Get crafty…with craft cocktails, that is. Saturday, Feb. 10, from 11am to 1pm, join Roman Albaugh of The Bartending Co. at the Cooks’ House in Traverse City for a tequila cocktail workshop. Learn cocktail basics, score three original recipes to take home, and develop a bartender’s confidence. (Bring something for taking notes.) The workshop is $85 per person.

8. Build your boo a bouquet with a special event at Gypsy Distillery. Sponsored by Open Sky Organic Farm, this workshop starts with cocktails and a floral demonstration, and then you’re set free to design your own Valentine’s bouquet. $85 for one bouquet (can work as a couple or individual). Do your building on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 6-7:30 pm.

9. Perfect your charcuterie skills together at Black Star Farms on Saturday, Feb. 17, with instructions, tips, and tricks, all while you sample delicious bites and sip wine. Leave with a fully assembled charcuterie board perfect for sharing. $80 per person.

Galentine’s Celebrations

10. Sweetwater Floral of Walloon Lake has a double-whammy weekend for gal pals. Their Sweetwater Spritz is Feb. 10, with special in-store vendors, free gifts, and discounts. That same day, the shop is hosting a Centerpiece Workshop class at the Talcott Event Center ($120 per person) that will be sure to add beauty and flair to your table. Make it a destination Galentine’s getaway for you and your gal pals at the Hotel Walloon (located across the street) with a Sweetwater-exclusive rate at the hotel and Galentine’s-specific amenities.

11. Forget romance—we love puzzles! Your team of four will have big fun, plus a chance to win prizes at the Galentine’s Day Puzzling Party at Stafford’s Perry Hotel, sponsored by Grandpa Shorter’s. Teams must complete 500-piece puzzles, with the fastest three teams taking home cash prizes of $500, $250, and $150. Registration per four-person team is $150; the competition is held Tuesday, Feb. 13, with a start time of 6:15pm.

12. Let the organic growers from Lakeview Hill Farm help you create a gorgeous 12-inch dried floral wreath for a loved one or to keep for yourself. Sip champagne while you learn—we find that’s the best way, and going to school has never been such fun. The class is held at Poppy Things of Suttons Bay on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10am-12pm; $120 per person.

For the Outdoor Lovers

13. Picture this: A walk in the snowy woods, with libations en route. Otsego Resort’s Winter Wine Walk leads to the iconic Beaver Dam, and along the way, there are curated wine stations with vintages chosen especially to warm your insides. Two stops also have roaring fires to take the chill off and allow walkers to linger in the beautiful setting. Even though the temps have warmed up, don’t forget to dress for the outdoors—this is northern Michigan, after all. Get out there Saturday, Feb. 3 or Feb. 17, from 12-1:30pm. Tickets are $40.

14. Enjoy a 1-mile candlelit hike (on snowshoes, if winter cooperates) at the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Saturday, Feb 10, and Feb 17. Regardless of the snow cover, it’s a novel way to experience this national treasure. The hikes run from 6pm to 8pm and are free with a park pass. Pro tip: After the hike, choose from one of the area’s cozy pubs and taverns for a Valentine’s Day hot toddy…or whatever lights your fire.

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