Do you know a certain someone who’d love to spend the holiday exploring historic architecture? Admiring an iconic house museum or finding inspiration in a gallery of artwork and antiques? Make your sweetheart swoon this Valentine’s Day with one of our seven itineraries, dreamed up for the one who appreciates all-things design. Restaurant recommendations included.
For the antiques lover
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The Hill Antique Market is hosting a special Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop on February 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. Cash bar, light snacks, and a treasure trove of new vintage and antique merch. On Tuesday, February 14, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for perusing and shopping.
Restaurant recommendation: Pizzeria da Gloria, a seven-minute walk from the Market. Read about it here.
For the plant parent
Missouri Botanical Garden is back with its popular Orchid Nights on February 9 and 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, learn from local orchid experts, and nibble on small bites. Or, take your sweetheart on a Valentine’s Day tour with the Garden’s MyGuide Tours: Home enthusiasts will love a look at the Henry Shaw house, the Sachs Museum mural, and Global Gardens.
Restaurant recommendation: Union Loafers, in the Botanical Heights Neighborhood, for lunch or dinner.
For the mid-century modern architecture buff
The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park offers guided tours of the “little gem” in Kirkwood but be sure to book yours in advance. Learn about design, construction, and restoration of the Usonian-style house built by St. Louis artist Russell Kraus and his wife Ruth. For a sneak-peek at the home’s stylish interiors, click here.
Restaurant recommendation: Spencer’s Grill on Route 66.
For the design fiend
KDR Designer Showrooms’ Kim Caldwell, Monica Dalton, Ashlee Morgan will preview new fabric, wallcovering, window shades, rugs, trimmings, and more at the company’s Valentine’s Day Trunk Show on February 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grab your best design friend for a morning or afternoon of inspiration from Cowtan & Tout, Samuel & Sons, Stark Carpet, Hartmann & Forbes, and more. Light bites and refreshments.
Restaurant recommendation: DD Mau Vietnamese Eatery‘s original location on Dorsett is “casual but delish,” says KDR’s Caldwell.
For the crafts enthusiast
St. Louis Public Library invites the public to sign up for Adult Craft Evenings every Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. During the month of February at the Buder Library branch, crafty adults–and their dates–will make self-love jars. All are strongly encouraged to add their names to the February 14 event waitlist. Supplies are provided.
Restaurant recommendation: Russell’s on Macklind for sweet desserts.
For the one who loves to spend time in the kitchen
Kitchen Conservatory welcomes chef Austin Dubinsky on February 8, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dubinsky will share his passion for chocolate with a demonstration of stunning desserts using a variety of Valrhona chocolate mixed with spices for a Mexican flair.
Restaurant recommendation: Akar features more culinary creativity. Seatings at 5, 6:45, and 8:30 p.m.
For the iconic architecture seeker
The Gateway Arch beckons St. Louisans to take a tram to the top of the Arch. Gaze at the more than 43,000 tons of concrete and steel that make up the monument—63 stories high above the ground. Snap a few pictures together while you’re there.
Restaurant recommendation: Broadway Oyster Bar is less than a mile away.
