Celebrate Valentine's Day with these out-of-the-box suggestions
A romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant with that special someone might be a nice way to celebrate Valentine’s Day — but it’s oh, so predictable.
With the holiday of love just around the corner, how about considering something entirely different this year? Maybe a little offbeat, even a little crazy?
And who says Valentine’s Day is just for lovers? What about those special relationships with your kids, your fitness friends or your group of work buddies? They’re certainly worth celebrating too.
There are plenty of opportunities out there for making this Valentine’s Day weekend memorable and truly special — flowers and a box of heart-shaped chocolates are optional.
‘Galentine’s Day’ yoga
The Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh’s Strip District offers a fresh and fun “Galentine’s Day” themed evening of yoga — with a special emphasis on heart-opening poses — designed to “toast to health and history with your closest gal pals” from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 12.
The event being held in partnership with Pittsburgh Yoga Events and Athleta includes a 60-minute yoga class led by Sarah Reed-Lieb, certified vinyasa yoga instructor, followed by an adult beverage, a Galentine’s Day candy bar station and after-hours access to the History Center.
Admission is $25 per person and yoga attire in shades of pink, red, purple and hearts of all colors is encouraged.
Details: 412-454-6000 or heinzhistory center.org
Hearts and history
The Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park offers “Love Tokens and Valentines,” a drop-in program to make a small handmade love token or valentine for someone special with provided materials during museum visits Feb. 14-15.
Visitors will learn about some early Valentine’s Day traditions and explore the newest additions to the Fort Pitt Museum, including its current temporary exhibit, “Pittsburgh, Virginia,” that explores how Pittsburgh nearly became a permanent part of Virginia.
The program from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 14-15 is included with museum admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $4.50 students with ID and ages 6-17, free for ages 5 and younger. Discounts for active/retired military and Access card holders.
Details: 412-454-6418 or kmlugarich@heinzhistorycenter.org
Romance with the Pittsburgh Symphony
“True Love Takes Musical Form” at Heinz Hall Feb. 14-16 for concerts featuring Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko performing Maurice Ravel’s “Daphnis et Chloé —Suites No. 1 and 2,” Edgar Elgar’s “Cockaigne Overture” with guest artist violin virtuoso Ray Chen in Jean Sibelius’ “Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47.”
Chen has performed in Europe, Asia and the U.S. as well as his native Taiwan and Australia, with upcoming engagements in Berlin, Germany; Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo, Japan. He is dedicated to inspiring the younger generation of music students with his series of videos combining comedy and music.
Performances are 8 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15, and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Heinz Hall. Admission is $20-$98.
Details: 412-392-4900 or pittsburghsymphony.org
‘I Loathe Lucy’ murder mystery
Somebody’s got some ’splainin’ to do when Mystery’s Most Wanted murder mystery troupe presents its Feb. 13 production of “I Loathe Lucy” at the Oaks Theater in Oakmont.
Fans of the classic “I Love Lucy” comedy show featuring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz should get a kick out of this immersive whodunit takeoff with a Valentine’s Day spin. Help solve the mystery to win prizes when America’s favorite redhead turns up dead.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the mystery starts at 7:30. A Valentine’s cocktail menu will be featured at the bar. The Mighty Oak Barrel in Oakmont is offering a special menu with this event for those presenting a ticket before the show. Reservations are recommended. Tickets for “I Loathe Lucy” are $15-$20.
Details: 412-828-6322 or theoakstheater.com
Taking the party outdoors
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in Oakdale will celebrate the holiday with a Seedlings Valentine’s Day Party on Feb. 13.
The Botanic Garden’s Seedlings Program is designed for children ages 3 to 6, accompanied by an adult. Together they will explore the outdoors, participate in a hands-on activity and read a story. Kids should dress for the weather. Two sessions will be offered, from 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
The cost of $12 ($5 for members) includes one child and one adult. Additional adults pay regular admission.
Details: 412-444-4464 or pittsburghbotanicgarden.org
Spinners bring the love songs
With their hit record list of memorable titles including “Mighty Love,” “Then Came You,” “I’ll Be Around” and “The Cupid Medley,” the Spinners will be sharing the love in a concert presented by Latshaw Productions at 3 p.m. Feb. 16 at The Palace Theatre, Greensburg.
Original member Henry Fambrough will be joined by lead singer Charlton Washington, high tenor Marvin Taylor, tenor Ronnie Moss, bass Jessie Peck and a five-piece band led by Keith Ferguson
The Spinners have six Grammy nominations and were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. Tickets are $43-$75.
Details: 724-836-8000 or thepalacetheatre.org
‘Dancing with the Cars’
An annual tradition held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, “Dancing with the Cars” offers a chance to check out the latest exotic and luxury cars and classics the evening before the Pittsburgh International Auto Show opens to the public Feb. 14-17.
The Red Carpet preview party from 5:30-11:30 p.m. Feb. 13 includes two complimentary drinks, strolling dinner stations, a dessert bar and music for dancing provided by Redline.
Proceeds will benefit the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Charities helping provide residential care, treatment and support of individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities in Pittsburgh.
This event is for ages 21 and up; dress code is business casual and cocktail attire. Tickets are $250 each.
Details: pvgp.org
Classic love story
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is staging a two-week run of Lew Christensen’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the classic tale about unexpected romance, heartbreak and the power of love, opening Valentine’s Day weekend at Benedum Center.
The program will run Feb. 14-23, with Valentine’s weekend performances at 8 p.m. Feb. 14-15 and 2 p.m. Feb. 15 and 16. An opening night preview of the ballet by Répétiteur Leslie Young, who teaches and coaches “Beauty and the Beast” for ballet companies around the country, will take place in the theater at 7 p.m. before the Feb. 14 performance.
Tickets for ballet performances are $28-$122.
Details: 412-456-6666 or pbt.org
‘Art of Love’
Artist and writers explore “love” and all of its splendor — and not-so-splendid moments — at “The Art of Love” juried art show at Greensburg Garden and Civic Center.
A free public reception will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 12 that includes a blend of writing and art, music, friendship and light snacks. Local writers have been invited to compose poetry, prose and short narratives about pieces in the show that spoke to them. Awards and honors will begin at 6:45 p.m.
Kenneth Nicholson of Latrobe, instructor at Westmoreland County Community College, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, and Seton Hill University is juror for the exhibition. Mary Ellen Raneri, an artist and writer also from Latrobe, is organizer and curator of the show.
The “Art of Love” exhibition will be on display through March 26. There is no admission and the show is open to the public.
Details: thepalacetheatre.org
‘Love and Courtship in the Gilded Age’
Special Valentine’s Day weekend tours of Clayton, the historic home of the Henry Clay Frick family at The Frick Pittsburgh, will explore courting customs of the American Victorian era, including the social etiquette of romance, announcing an engagement — or breaking one off — and wedding traditions.
The tour, “My Dearest One: Love and Courtship in the Gilded Age,” will have a particular focus on the courtship, wedding, and early married life of Henry Clay Frick and Adelaide Howard Childs. Several tour times are available Feb. 14-16.
Admission is $15, $13 for seniors, students and military, and $8 for ages 16 and younger. Babies in arms are free.
Details: thefrick pittsburgh.org
Valentine’s Day Skate
Allegheny County’s North and South parks outdoor ice skating rinks are offering buy one, get one free admission for couples of all ages from 7:30- 9:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, weather and conditions permitting.
The North Park rink is located at 1101 Pearce Mill Road, Allison Park; the South Park rink is located at 30 Corrigan Drive, Bethel Park. Skate rental is available.
Details: alleghenycounty.us
Ice Princess Valentine Ball
Gateway Clipper Fleet and Life’s a Beach USA is hosting a special cruise with the most famous “Ice Princess” and all of her friends to celebrate Valentine’s Day aboard the Ice Princess Valentine Ball at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16.
The two-hour cruise on Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers includes story time with the characters, interactive play and games and a DJ dance party. Face painting, souvenirs, balloons and photos are available for purchase.
Boarding is at the Gateway Clipper Station Square dock a half-hour before each cruise. Admission is $26 for adults, $13 for ages 1-12 and $5 for 11 months and younger.
Details: gatewayclipper.com
Candy Williams is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.
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