Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Omaha, NE

Hey all you sweethearts out there, your holiday has arrived! Valentine’s Day is the designated day of the year in which we all shower the special someones in our lives—partners, kids, family, friends–with our affection, which in modern times can be just about anything as long as it comes from the heart. For most, it’s still celebrated with a special date and of course the customary exchange of gifts. If you’re looking for ideas in either department, as usual, we’ve got you covered with ideas from our local businesses. Here are the lucky picks in honor of those who are lucky in love!

Enjoy A Night In – Bring Your Inner Chef Out

Sometimes it can be hard to find the time to dedicate to just enjoying the company of one another without any outside interruptions. Setting the mood tends to be much easier in familiar surroundings too. So, if you can arrange to spend the evening relaxing in the peace and comfort of your own home together, it’s an attractive proposition indeed. To some, often more so than getting to hit the town, although the Omaha Metro has some pretty amazing date spots. Or, if you’re celebrating over the weekend, you can spend the day doing something fun and return home to cook a nice dinner together and unwind.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the meal you share at home can be just as incredible as the one you might enjoy at a restaurant (and you’ll avoid the crowds too). You’ll need a little bit of skill on the cooking end of things, yes, but you’ll also need to know where to pick up the food you’ll be preparing to ensure the quality is up to par. For the best selection of the finest meats—steak, chicken, ribs, seafood—and homemade sides to pair with your entrée of choice, Just Good Meat is the place to go.

“If cooking an impressive dinner for the one you love is what’s on your agenda this year, we’re here to help you make it happen,” says Sean Fuller of Just Good Meat. “Our Sweetheart Package (also referred to as the Honeymoon Gift Pack for those ordering via the website) is a customer favorite every year, which includes two 5 oz. bacon-wrapped filets, two twice-baked potatoes, and two 7-8 oz. lobster tails for just $42.99. Stop by or call us to place an order for pick-up or delivery, we’re happy to help!”

Sean’s Gift Ideas From Just Good Meat:

“Our steak gift boxes are really nice on any occasion, Valentine’s Day included. Our team has personally curated our gift boxes; there are a number of different assortments to choose from and at different price points too. If none of these offer exactly what you’re looking for, we can also put together a custom gift box upon request. You can check out the options under the “Steak Gift Boxes” tab on our website: www.justgoodmeatomaha.com or call the store to inquire.”

Dinner And A Movie – Level: Expert

As for those amazing date spots around town, if you’re thinking about doing the classic “dinner and a movie,” how about a special twist for a special occasion? The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Liquid Sunshine Taproom combine perfectly as a place for drinks and conversation before or after, and then for the main event, a movie on the big screen complete with service to your seats! Order snacks, or even dinner, and continue to sip on your drink of choice if you please – and enjoy the show!

“Sometimes the simplest idea is the best idea,” advises Derek Dillon of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. “Just treating each other to a night out here at the theater, given our unique setting and offerings, is enough to make the night special. Of course, we’ve had our fair share of marriage proposals in the theater too! On the other hand, if you’re single looking to mingle and love movies, there really isn’t a better place in town to meet somebody with like-minded interests than the ‘movie haven for movie lovers.’

While we will be opening 50 Shades Darker, which will be a huge hit, maybe a date night to see John Wick 2 for a different kind of action and adventure would be more your style, or Lego Batman, especially if your date(s) happen to be little ones. If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day date that isn’t on the 14th, The Princess Bride Movie Party on February 9 is a guaranteed throwback winner. Or as a darker, but still very fitting, suggestion, try the famously titled horror romp My Bloody Valentine on February 11.”

Derek’s Gift Ideas from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Liquid Sunshine Taproom:

“Among our many offerings, you could easily pick something to spice up a Valentine’s Day gift. Obviously we have the pairing of food and a movie to give as a special treat, but you might simply add a bottle of champagne for an unexpected, romantic touch to the evening. We also offer gift cards that would allow for your significant other take his or her friends or family for a night out at the Alamo Drafthouse at a later date, or if you have to be apart from one another on Valentine’s Day.

Finally, while it may not be directly tied to Valentine’s Day, if you and a significant other are major fans of beer, then you’re probably aware of Omaha Beer Week Feb 17–26. This would also make for a great date idea if the 14th isn’t doable, as it conveniently begins the weekend after Valentine’s Day, and it could easily be incorporated creatively as a part of your day-of gift. We’ll be having some events of our own at the theater and the Liquid Sunshine Taproom so keep an eye on those announcements! Put together a gift of your sweetheart’s favorite beer along with nice glasses or barware, and then include an invitation to join you for a date at Liquid Sunshine Taproom, and even perhaps a gift card too.”

Learning With Your Love – Keep it Class(y)

As far as date ideas go, taking a class together has become quite the popular trend. As a result, the options have become more plentiful, and have diversified overall. You could go for a cooking class, a guided art tutorial like those offered at paint and sip studios, a fitness or relaxation class (for couples, that might include yoga, cycling, boxing, etc.), and that’s just a few of the most well recognized. If you two will be out and about in the Omaha Metro area, how about a woodworking class? For many, it’s a unique way to get out there and try something new together. You’ll also get to keep your creation, which is a cute memento of how you spent Valentine’s Day 2017 together.

Gerry Phelan of Midwest Woodworkers offers his take on this unique suggestion, which like the others we’ve already mentioned, is actually quite fitting as a gift for a future date too. “You might consider buying your Valentine a woodworking class. Our classes are fun, challenging, and rewarding. In other words, great gifts! Even better, make it a date to take a class with your Valentine. Ok, maybe it’s not as sexy as throwing a clay pot together, but it will be a fun bonding experience.

We offer ‘hands-on’ classes that even folks who’ve never tried it before can excel in. In most classes, participants complete a project like a pen, a turned bowl, a carved figurine or even a nightstand right in class. And it’s not just for guys; we are seeing more and more women getting into woodworking.

This year, find something special you can do together. Unfortunately we aren’t offering any classes on February 14th (our instructors have Valentines too), but since it falls in the middle of the week, you may be one who opts to celebrate with a date on the weekend anyhow.”

Gerry’s Gift Ideas From Midwest Woodworkers:

“Woodworking is a passion and Valentine’s Day is all about passion, so if your Valentine is a woodworker, we’re your gift spot. We realize that it can be hard to buy for a woodworker but we’ll be happy to help. We’re woodworkers ourselves, so we can offer gift suggestions and answer your questions. Just let us know what your favorite woodworker’s interests are and we’ll go to work for you.

In any case, your time and attention are the best Valentine of all. When you’re able to make something special with your own hands, that gift has a much stronger personal connection. If you are thinking of giving a certificate for a class, consider taking the class with them. You can both enjoy learning and doing, while sharing some real quality time together.

Give the gift of creativity – the benefits will last long after Valentine’s Day.”

Staycation With Your Sweetheart – Less Packing, More Romance

Finally, why not give yourself as a couple the gift of a getaway AS your date? While you might have already made plans to whisk your love away to a far off destination, an option that can be secured last-minute is a staycation right here in Omaha! EVEN Hotels Omaha Downtown is conveniently located right in the midst of the action should you choose to go out for the evening. In honor of Valentine’s Day, they’re offering an amazing package that you can take advantage of all month long, which provides the necessities to celebrate the holiday should you choose to stay in. Or, do both – it’s sure to be memorable no matter the itinerary! The “EVEN More Romance” package includes breakfast for two, a $50 gift card to dine out, bottle of champagne and glasses, and chocolate-covered strawberries. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and of course, romance!

Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, it means more love will be spread around from the weekend prior to the weekend after. This bodes well for all of the last-minute planners and shoppers out there, and hopefully we’ve helped you out with some ideas to get you well on your way to enjoying the best one yet!