7 Truly Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day

February can be one of the coldest months of the year in Kingsport, but it is also the warmest when it comes to the heart.

Yes, we’re talking about that holiday that falls smack dab in the middle of the month — Valentine’s Day.

During the winter months, the warm-hearted folks of Kingsport find some wonderful ways to celebrate this holiday with their significant others and friends. (Who says Valentine’s Day is just for lovers?)

We’re dedicating the entire month to celebrating love. To that end, we’ve come up with a few romantic ideas to celebrate on Valentine’s Day and throughout the month.

TAKE A ROMANTIC STROLL THROUGH DOWNTOWN

Bundle up and enjoy a warm beverage and a leisurely walk through town as part of the Sip & Stroll sponsored by Downtown Kingsport on February 6.

Listen to live music while you stroll and partake in a bit of window shopping or pick up a special gift for your loved one. Or, just savor the cool breeze and music wafting through the air.

GAZE AT THE STARS

There is nothing more spectacular than the natural light show in the heavens. This month the Bays Mountain Planetarium is featuring Appalachian Skies – Winter.

This program will take you on a majestic tour of our beautiful night skies using the planetarium’s Carl Zeiss ZKP-4 projector.

The fiber-optic generated star-field is magnificent, and visitors will learn about the constellations and their lore as well.

This outing is both romantic and informative.

GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH NATURE

If your honey is the outdoor type, a hike in Bays Mountain could be the romantic adventure you both will love. Bays Mountain is open year-round, and the flora and fauna of winter are beautiful this time of year.

Or, you may want to participate in the many nature programs presented by Bays Mountain Park naturalists this month:  Listen to the story of the winter trees found in Bays Mountain, dine with the wolves and experience their haunting calls, or tour the habitats of the bobcats, deer, foxes and birds of prey. Check the park calendar for dates and times for these and other programs.

SPA DAY

Kingsport is the home of one of the most romantic spas in the area. Set in 120-wooded acres, Agota Springs Spa is a full-service day spa. Spend an entire day there enjoying facials, massages, hydrotherapy and more. Relax with a soothing couple’s massage while enjoying beautiful views of Bays Mountain.

FINE DINING

We have an abundance of eateries of all types in Kingsport. You might say that we really know our food here. For that romantic date, here are our two choices:

Riverfront Seafood Company. Set on the banks of the Holston River, the Riverfront Seafood Company, offers stunning views of the river while you dine. Menu items include seafood, beef, pork, chicken and pasta dishes, but we think it’s the best place in town for seafood.

Chop House. If your palate leans more toward steaks and prime rib, check out The Chop House. This restaurant features low romantic lighting as well as the best steaks in town. They also serve seafood and have a variety of wines.

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC

Perhaps your honey is a lover of music. In Kingsport, you’ll find music to satisfy all tastes.  After all, music is in the DNA of our area.

Take your significant other on an outing to listen to his or her favorite music. Check out some of the venues in town. We offer everything from country to bluegrass to hard rock.

If your loved one’s taste in music is a bit eclectic, you might want to check out the Symphony of the Mountains, Our Voices Rise Together, in celebration of black history month on February 15 at the Toy F. Reid Employee Center at Eastman. Featuring the music of composers Verdi, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and Kirke Mechem; and the voices of soloists Carami Hilaire and Kenneth Overton as well as the best choirs in the area, this will be a unique and memorable musical night.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS

You can make grand gestures to express your love this month like those above. Date nights, massages and musical concerts are wonderful — and appreciated — but remember, it’s the little things that make your loved one feel loved and appreciated.

Don’t forget those small romantic gestures. The ones you can make this month and all year.

Leave a handwritten note in an unexpected place, buy that certain something that your partner has been pining for, serve your honey breakfast in bed or do the chores without being asked.

And, of course, the tried and true chocolate and flowers is great, too.

Happy Valentine’s Day!