Valentine's Day Fun in the Triangle 

What is there to do on Valentine's Day in the Triangle area? Here are ten fun things to do for Valentine's Day when planning a romantic evening or a fun day with friends! 

Valentine's Day is a beloved holiday dedicated to celebrating romance and all the special people in your life. Whether you have been married for years, just entered into a brand new relationship, or are happily single, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this holiday of love in Raleigh and the Triangle. 

While it can be easy to celebrate at home, planning to do something fun and unique can help show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. From having a nice dinner to planning a spa day, make this upcoming Valentine's Day the best yet. 

If you live in Raleigh or the surrounding area, here are ten ways to spend Valentine's Day with your partner or good friends. 

1. Get Dressed Up For a Night Out 

Dressing up and going to a nice dinner is a classic way to spend Valentine's Day, and luckily, Raleigh has no shortage of top-rated restaurants to enjoy. Offering intimate atmospheres and delicious menus, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from when making a dinner reservation. 

If you are in the mood for award-winning steak, consider dining at The Angus Barn, an iconic steakhouse in Raleigh best known for its in-house aged steaks, fresh seafood, and wine cellar, which is one of the largest in the country. 

Do you love fondue? Then, visit The Melting Pot off Wake Forest Road in Raleigh. Even though this is a popular franchise, this fondue restaurant offers a unique dining experience with heated pots of cheese, chocolate, and broth. 

For a global dining experience, check out Coquette in North Hills, an authentic French Brasserie known for its beautiful atmosphere and vibrant bar area. With an intimate dining space, Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen and Bar is the go-to spot for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. 

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern combine history and fine dining at this AAA Four Diamond restaurant. Located in the beautifully restored Dodd-Hinsdale House, the menu changes seasonally and uses fresh, local ingredients. 

Pooles Diner is another great option for a seasonal menu. Chef Ashley Christensen owns this iconic restaurant, which is well-known for its modern diner setting and American comfort food. 

2. Enjoy Afternoon Tea 

Afternoon tea is a great way to spend Valentine's Day with friends. If you are single and want to host a Galentines event, having a tea party is the perfect way to celebrate. 

The Pimiento Tea Room in Holly Springs is a cute spot for lunch and dinner. This is a must-visit tea room that serves southern-inspired small plates, craft beverages, and a large selection of teas. There is even a special Valentine's Dinner offered that features a four-course menu where reservations are accepted online. 

Afternoon tea at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill is another popular option that occurs every Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. With a dress code of casual elegance and business or resort casual, this is a great excuse to dress up and have a good time. You'll need to make reservations in advance. 

3. Take a Chocolate Tour 

Chocolate is a Valentine's Day staple, and instead of buying it from the grocery store, why not visit a chocolate factory for this special day? Videri Chocolate Factory in Downtown Raleigh is a popular artisan chocolatier making its own chocolate from bean to bar daily. 

Made using only the best ingredients, Videri offers self-guided and guided factory tours so visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process. After a tour, buy some goodies to take home with you. 

4. Get Drinks 

Sipping on a Valentine's Day cocktail is a nice way to celebrate the special day. If you plan on enjoying a romantic drink or two for the occasion at one of the best bars in Raleigh, visit Watts and Ward, a basement cocktail bar with a vintage library vibe and artisanal drinks. 

The Green Light in Raleigh is a cool and intimate speakeasy found behind a discreet bookcase door. Best known for its delicious bespoke cocktails, reservations can be made online in advance. 

Found in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, Bittersweet is a popular cocktail bar that serves tasty coffee, homemade desserts, and specialty cocktails in a chic atmosphere. This is a great spot to grab a dessert and drink after dinner.

Located in The Dillion in Raleigh, Barcelona Wine Bar is a beloved Spanish restaurant that serves seasonal tapas and an extensive wine list. For whiskey fanatics and cocktail enthusiasts, stop by Dram and Draught for Valentine's Day, which is home to multiple locations all over the Triangle. 

5. Take a Cooking Class 

Channel your inner chef with your loved one by taking a cooking class. Cooking classes are a great way to make fun and delicious memories while learning something new in an interactive environment. 

Sur La Table offers plenty of date night cooking classes that are exciting and hands-on. Featuring multiple different cuisines and class types to choose from on the website, there is no better way to cook up some romance. Whether you want to learn how to make pasta from scratch or classic French croissants, cooking classes at Sur La Table are a fantastic way to work together with someone special.  

Home for Entertaining in Cary is another great place to take a cooking class with a loved one for Valentine's Day. This small business offers a fun and unique way to learn the art of entertainment. Classes can be reserved online. 

6. Go to the Movies 

After a nice romantic dinner, head to the movies to see a new film. Featuring an immersive experience on the only 3D-capable giant screen in North Carolina, Marbles IMAX is the place to be when watching a movie. 

If you want to enjoy good food and drinks at the theater, spend the night at CMX Cinébistro in Waverly Place. Paragon Theaters in Fenton is a new theater in Cary that features Lux Box dine-in seating and large reclining seats. 

7. Have a Staycation 

One of the best ways to spend Valentine's Day is by having a staycation. Exploring new places and making new long-lasting memories close to home is exciting and offers a different approach to the holiday without traveling far. 

Heights House is a beautiful boutique hotel set in a restored historic mansion from 1858 that is found just 10 minutes from Downtown Raleigh. Perfect for a staycation, this refined hotel offers nine luxury suites and standard rooms for booking and can sleep up to 20 guests. 

Featuring luxury accommodations, The Umstead Hotel in Cary sits on 12 acres of lakefront property and is the only Forbes Five-Star Hotel in North Carolina. Located minutes from Downtown Raleigh and local area attractions, staying at this hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway. 

If you want to stay in the heart of Downtown Cary, The Mayton Inn is a great option for couples. Situated next to the new and improved Downtown Cary Park, this boutique hotel is the perfect home away from home and is known for its southern charm and hospitality. The top-rated restaurant Peck and Plume is located inside and is a staple for guests. 

8. Enjoy the Performing Arts 

The performing arts are always a great way to inspire love and laughter, from music to dance to comedy and theater. The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is the premier location for art and entertainment in Downtown Raleigh.

Home to the North Carolina Symphony, the North Carolina Opera, the North Carolina Theater, and the Carolina Ballet, there is always a one-of-a-kind stage experience to enjoy. The Raleigh Memorial Auditorium is located here and hosts musicals, comedy shows, and dance performances. 

9. Have a Spa Day 

A spa day is a perfect gift for a memorable and romantic Valentine's Day. Woodhouse Spa North Hils in Raleigh offers a unique experience for visitors and a Valentine's Day promotion that includes chocolate with an in-spa purchase. 

Recognized as one of the best spas in North Carolina, The Umstead Hotel and Spa is known for its luxury and tranquility. From body treatments and facials to massage therapy and waxing services, The Umstead Hotel and Spa is worth the visit. 

Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, NC, is home to The Spa at Fearrington, which offers a laid-back and relaxing escape. Featuring multiple different packages, including a couples massage option, make an appointment today. 

10. Get Active 

If the weather is nice, then why not venture outdoors and get active for Valentine's Day? Raleigh and the surrounding area are known for its beautiful and well-maintained parks and hiking trails. 

William B Umstead State Park is great for bringing your significant other, best friends, and loving dogs. Located northwest of Downtown Raleigh, multiple trails are available for hiking, walking, biking, birding, and exploring. 

Eno River State Park is located in Durham and Orange Counties, which spans across the Eno River and features plenty of recreational activities, from hiking to fishing. If you love biking, walking, and picnicking while admiring beautiful works of art, then head to the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. 

For couples that like to take exercise classes, check out Prana Yoga Studio in Holly Springs. Featuring classes for all experience levels, this yoga studio offers gentle flow, restorative, yin, hot, and aerial yoga classes in a modern setting. 

Methodology 

We used information and data from different local sources, including NCParks and our own experience living in Raleigh, to determine the top ten ways to spend Valentine's Day in the triangle. 

FAQs 

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day in a unique way? 

If you want to spend Valentine's Day uniquely with your partner, consider taking a road trip, stargazing, going to a jazz club, taking a mixology class, or recreating your first date. 

How can I make Valentine's Day extra special? 

There are many simple ways to make Valentine's Day special for the ones you love. Valentine's Day is about affirming your loved ones, from spending quality time together to giving heart-felt and well-thought-out gifts. 

What can a single person do on Valentine's Day? 

If you are single on Valentine's Day, there are plenty of ways to have fun still and can include treating yourself to a spa day, hosting a singles-only party with friends, spending time with family, having a movie marathon, and buying yourself flowers. 

Valentine's Day in the Triangle - Final Thoughts 

There are plenty of ways to make Valentine's Day fun and memorable with the ones that you love. Luckily, Raleigh and the Triangle area offer no shortage of unique ways to celebrate this special holiday. 

Instead of just exchanging gifts, why not spend Valentine's Day trying something new and making memories? Whether you make a reservation at a fancy restaurant or enroll in a cooking class, there is no reason not to make this upcoming Valentine's Day one to remember forever. 

If you are moving to Raleigh or want to learn more about the area, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help and answer any questions.