February 14 is just around the corner – cue last-minute searching for romantic gifts and date night ideas. Whether you plan to dine out or order in, book a staycation or simply buy fancy chocolates or a nice bouquet, this Love Local blog rounds up some sweet ideas to surprise that special someone – and support local. Win, win.
Something Sweet
For the ultimate decadence, check out Penticton’s two local chocolatiers. Maison Mulnati specializes in French vegan chocolate, with an “intense taste that will surprise the traditional chocolate lovers,” their website reads. Intrigued? We thought so!
Also pop in to Accent Chocolate, with beautifully handcrafted Belgian chocolates, specializing in truffles and creative molded shapes. Select your favourites to create a special hand-picked box.
And let’s not forget Gratify. Pictured above is a limited edition dairy-free cheesecake (choose from chocolate, raspberry or vanilla), topped with house-made chocolate and a jam-glazed strawberry. All their treats are 100% plant based, gluten free, dairy free, vegan and free of refined sugar. You’ll need to pre-order this Valentine’s Day special.
Treat Yourself or Someone
Flowers: You can’t go wrong with a bouquet of flowers. For the best service and blooms, contact your local florist directly, either by phoning that shop or masking up to pay it a visit.
Massages: How about a couple’s massage? Book ahead with your local spa or reflexology specialist.
Lingerie: Oh, la la! Try Peaches Lingerie for something special or Flirt Adult for the risqué.
A Loving Mug: For a unique gift made with love, pick up a lovingly handmade mug from Penticton Art Gallery, as part of their annual Loving Mugs Project. They're available now in the gift shop, wrapped up with a recipe book plus coupons and goodies from local cafés Seis Cielo Coffee, Blenz Coffee, Nautical Dog Café and KJ Coffee Bar.
Something to Drink: According to Lonely Planet, Penticton is the craft beer capital of Canada. We’re also in the heart of wine country. In other words, local beer, wine and spirits make great gifts.
Staycation: Update: Sorry, the Penticton Lakeside Resort’s Feb. 14 package including a three-course meal at the Hooded Merganser is sold out. However, you can contact them to book another date night or try any of the other hotels throughout town for a mini “getaway.” Did you know Hotel Penticton is offering a staycation rate of $85/night with a room including a whirlpool bath? Find out more and enter online with Castanet to win a two-night staycation.
Go for a float: Are you ready to #RelaxHarder? Check out this package deal with oGoFloat.
Send a musical e-card: Here’s your chance to serenade your date. Penticton Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts is creating customized musical Valentine video cards, featuring the talented faculty playing a selection of romantic pieces. Order by the end of day Friday, Feb. 12. Find out more!
Jewelry: Plenty of stores to choose from throughout Penticton!
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out Visit Penticton’s Valentine’s Day gift guide.
Gift the Gift of an Experience
Ice skating: How about skating, hand in hand, on the outdoor ice rink set on Penticton Lakeside Resort’s private beach? You can book 45-minute slots free of charge. At the time of writing, a few slots were still available for Valentine’s Day (open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Contact the front desk to book ahead – no drop-ins available – and note it’s BYO ice skates. And let’s not forget the 1 km ice skating loop at Apex Resort. It’s maintained by a Zamboni and is even lit up at night until 11 p.m. Bring your own skates or rent them from the Apex Rental Shop.
Snowshoeing: You don’t need experience or even snowshoes to enjoy this peaceful winter activity. Snowshoes are available to rent from Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, where you can head out on the trails. Or how about a snowshoe under the stars and three-course dinner package and sauna with Chute Lake Lodge? This package is available until Feb. 28.
Game night: For something a little bit different, why not take your date to Meeples & Milkshakes Board Game Café, open Valentine’s Day from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stay and play a game and choose from a wide selection of desserts, including two new Valentine’s treats: lemon meringue tart and chocolate raspberry mousse tart.
Skiing/boarding: Choose from downhill slopes at Apex Mountain Ski Resort or cross-country at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre. Even if you don’t ski, you can head up the hill to walk around the ski village and check out the shops and restaurants.
Wine or craft beer tasting: So many to choose from, right here in Penticton and outskirts. One option includes Township 7, where they’re offering a Blind Wine Tasting (reserve online). Or send your loved one a Wine-O-Gram.
More ideas: How about walking or ride the KVR, going for an ice cream, the list goes on…
Dine-in Restaurant Ideas
Here are a few local restaurants offering Valentine’s Day specials. Note that reservations are required for most of these due to limited seating.
Bogner’s: Visit their website for details about their enticing dine-in menu and be sure to book as soon as possible.
The Cellar: Reservations are required for their special dine-in menu on Valentine’s Day, and we hear it’s booking up fast. They’re also offering the four-course menu for takeout.
Elma: Serving a Turkish-inspired five-course menu, with a vegetarian option (visit their website for details). Seating is limited, so book ahead (info@eatatelma.com).
The Hooded Merganser: How does a three-course menu and live entertainment sound? Visit their website for details and be sure to book.
The Nest: Opt for the three- or five-course dinner with sittings at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on both Feb. 13 and 14. Reserve your table online.
Time Winery: They offer a dine-in three-course dinner for two or an at-home date night menu (more on that below).
The Restaurant at Poplar Grove: Reopening after the winter break with a Valentine’s Day menu and optional wine pairings.
Theo’s Restaurant: We hear the restaurant is booking up fast, offering an a la carte feature and belly dancer. Call 250-492-4019 to find out more and make a reservation.
Black Antler: Their outdoor covered area is heated and warm and they’ll be featuring their steaks and wine, not to mention their usual amazing cocktails. Reservations are a good idea but not required.
We’re adding to this list as we hear of more! Did we miss one? Email us at economic.development@penticton.ca and we’ll update the list.
Order Ahead, Eat at Home
Heat and plate these amazing meals to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
Bad Tattoo: They have teamed up with Station Public House to offer pre-made Valentine's dinners. Pre-order for pickup on Feb. 13 or 14.
Bogner’s: Choose from two menu choices for this contactless, drive-through dinner option. These meals come hot and ready to go. Visit their website for the menu and book ahead by emailing love@bogners.ca.
Brodo Kitchen: Order this three-course menu by Feb. 11 to pick up Friday the 12th and enjoy at home over the weekend. Email chef@tastebrodo.com to order.
Flambé Catering: How does dinner and a concert from your dining table sound? They’re cooking up a three-course meal, delivered to your door on Friday, and featuring a live Zoom show on Feb. 14 from local musician Ari Neufeld (as seen on our Love Local video).
Time Winery: Their at-home menu features dinner for two including a bottle of TIME Winery Brut and a box of hand-rolled truffled. Visit their website for details and to book ahead.
Front Street Brasserie: Sorry, sold out! Their three-course menu is no longer available but you can book ahead for one of their next at-home offerings.
The Cellar: Their four-course menu is available for takeout (order before Feb. 13 by calling 778-476-1771).
Did we miss one? Email us at economic.development@penticton.ca and we’ll update the list.
More Ideas on Visit Penticton
For more great ideas, check out Visit Penticton’s Stay Local, Support Local Penticton blog, broken down by categories of things to see, do, eat and drink.
Do you have a great idea we may have missed? Or another Love Local story to tell? Contact us! Email economic.development@penticton.ca.
