You don't have to have Bill Gates' bank account to show your sweetie how much you care. Here are some ideas to make Valentine's Day special--regardless of your budget.
Here's one tip to remember: Life's too short to drink cheap champagne. Go for the mid-range stuff at least.
Give Blood: Carter Blood Bank
With DFW's recent ice and snowstorms, blood drives have been canceled and Carters lost four days of blood supply. They are in need of life-saving blood. Bring a friend or a family member and give the gift of life this month.
It won't cost you a thing--but what you give will be priceless. Every pint of blood you save can save up to three lives.
Dallas Zoo
If you're looking for an opportunity to snuggle up with your sweetie, then take a trip to the Dallas Zoo. The temperature has dropped and so has the price of admission to only $5 for the entire month of February. So make like a penguin and enjoy the cooler temps.
The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35 at Marsalis). The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dallas Arboretum
Angela Patterson
Take a stroll hand-in-hand through the Dallas Arboretum. It's some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery in the Metroplex. The winter flowers are in bloom (colorful pansies, flowering kale) and ornamental shrubs and trees make the perfect setting for your Kodak moment. Pack a picnic basket and make it a romantic getaway. Picnic tables are available but feel free to bring your own blankets, wine and chocolates, champagne and strawberries, or fabulous spread. It's perfectly OK to bring glass items/adult beverages to the Arboretum. There are areas with a stunning view of White Rock Lake. Animals not allowed (except for service animals). Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $12 adults; $10 seniors. Self parking is $7.
The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218.
Champagne and a View
How about a glass of champagne and the best panoramic view of the Metroplex? Have cocktails in the bar at Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck and enjoy the view from the top of Reunion Tower. Hours 5 p.m.to 11 p.m. Kitchen closes at 10. Closed on Sundays but they will remain open Sunday, February 13, 2011.
Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, 300 Reunion Boulevard East, Dallas, TX 75207. 214-741-5560.
Cake Balls from Bread Winners Cafe
Courtesy of Bread Winners Cafe
Bread Winners Cafe makes the perfect dessert: Cake Balls. Cake Balls are little 2-or 3-bite balls of cake covered in rich, delicious frosting. They're perfect because you can eat one or two or a lot. DFW loves dessert but the large slice of cake is so last year. These mini desserts are the perfect after-dinner indulgence and only $1.99 apiece or $22.99 a dozen.
Here's a Sweetheart of a Deal: A Sweeatheart box filled with your choice of Red Velvet Cakeballs (pictured), Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Sinful Sampler, Mini Cream Puffs for $9.99 each.
Heart-shaped Iced Sugar Cookies with a message: $2.39 each, $6.59 decorated 2-pack, $26.99 dozen.
Uptown, Park Cities and Plano locations.
Roses from Costco
I know it's where you buy your paper goods and 30-can cases of soda, but Costco has some of the freshest, highest-quality flowers in DFW if you want to give a bouquet or don't mind arranging them yourself. Costco has a special offer now where you can pre-order 36 red roses with baby's breath, greens, in a vase, delivered for only $69.99. Order by February 8, 2011 and pick your delivery date of either February 11 or February 14, 2011. Fresh-cut floral bouquets will be available in stores too.
The Cakeball Company
Photo courtesy The Cakeball Co.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Love is in the air at DFW Kroger locations. For Valentine's Day they are offering long-stemmed, chocolate-covered strawberries $1.99 each. The dipped delights are available in either dark or white chocolate in the bakery. Pick up a bouquet of one dozen roses, in select colors, for only $19.99.
Heart-Shaped Pizza from Papa Murphy's
If you don't want to fight the crowds at popular restaurants or destroy the kitchen cooking, then take home a heartbaker pizza from Papa Murphy's. It's only $7. Perfect for your sweetheart or all your little sweethearts (the kids will love it). Take it and bake it at your home -- whenever you want. Locations throughout DFW.Norma's Café
Norma’s Café brings romance to the table on February 14 with its Valentine’s Day specials. Love birds can cuddle up and share a romantic southern meal. Each location will serve a different delectable couples menu for only $29.99. Dine in at the original Oak Cliff store and enjoy a finger lickin’ appetizer sampler, a choice of Monterey Chicken or Rib Eye Steak with a loaded baked potato and a luscious four layer red velvet cake. Love is also in the air at the North Dallas location, offering an appetizer sampler, a choice of Tilapia Veracruz or Brisket Tacos with selected sides and the scrumptious four layer red velvet cake. On this special day guests can BYOB at both location Cheers to love at Norma’s Café.
Best Places in DFW for Gourmet Chocolate
Photo credit: Dave Carlin
