They say Virginia is for Lovers (that’s literally our slogan, lol), and I have to say that I agree. Virginia is such an amazing state with everything from mountains to beaches, bustling cities to historic towns, and a rarely matched variety of activities! Now, personally, Hampton Roads, Virginia, is one of the best places to spend Valentine’s Day, whether or not you live here. In fact, for you out-of-towners, I highly recommend you plan a weekend getaway here asap to enjoy all the things the area has to offer!
And for all the locals, well, we’re pretty lucky, aren’t we?
If you’re trying to decide what to do this weekend, here are my favorite ways to celebrate!
Top 10 recommendations for a fun and romantic V-Day in Hampton Roads
1. Meander through the Freemason District. For those who enjoy peace and quiet, a stroll down the quaint cobblestone streets of Norfolk’s Freemason District is the perfect environment. Bundle up and cozy up for a tour of beautiful houses, waterside views, and a unique restaurant stop or two (The Freemason Abbey Restaurant are Grilled Cheese Bistro are always good choices!).
2. Shop at the Valentine’s Vendor Marketplace. Find the perfect gifts for each other at this year’s Valentine’s Vendor Marketplace by the Virginia Beach oceanfront! You’ll be able to shop a wide variety of beautiful pieces made by local artists–and they always create amazing things! It’s open 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday the 13th.
3. Take a carriage ride through historic Williamsburg. You can rarely go wrong with a carriage ride–especially on Valentine’s Day! Take your romantic day up a level by reserving a ride for two at Colonial Williamsburg. You can choose to buy all-day admission with your ride or just enjoy this unique tour of the beautiful historical town!
4. Catch a show at the Commodore Theatre. Watch and dine in style at the beautifully restored Commodore Theatre! What sets this place apart is its gorgeous 1940s style and fine dining options. The main auditorium offers the choice to watch the movie from theater seating or a fancy table where you can order from a full menu. This weekend’s featured show is Hidden Figures (2016), the amazing story of the three women behind one of NASA’s most significant launches!
5. Do a local DIY. Hampton Roads is full of fun and unique DIY locations where you can try all sorts of fun crafts and activities! Consider a takeout craft from Coast DIY Bar, a bath bomb making class from Sugared Mango (here’s a Groupon), or a Vibe N Paint Glow-in-the-Dark session (here’s another Groupon.) All of these offer fun 2-person activities to boost your creativity!
6. Cook a Three-Course Meal (with guidance). Join Now You’re Cooking Culinary Studio for a fun night of luxury cooking with your loved one! This special event will teach you to make a charcuterie board, your choice of wellington, and dessert! All materials are provided, and the event starts promptly at 6 pm. Sign up online asap to reserve your spot!
7. Take a LOVEworks tour! As previously mentioned, Virginia’s tourism slogan is “Virginia is for Lovers.” In keeping with this theme, our state is highly decorated with giant LOVE signs. So why not celebrate the holiday of love by taking a unique driving tour to visit some of them? Each one is made with a different style and materials, so the variety is really fun. Follow the link to see an extensive map of every LOVEwork sign in the state!
8. Let out some energy at Tribal Axe. Looking for something less mushy and more outside the box? Try Tribal Axe in Virginia Beach! For $22 per person, you and your date can reserve a lane and throw axes to your heart’s content for an hour! You’ll definitely work up a sweat, but you’ll have fun (and let out any stress) while you do!
9. Get creative at the Chrysler Museum of Art. If you and your loved one like art, you can’t go wrong with a tour of the incredible Chrysler Museum in Norfolk! Not only is it free, but it has a fantastic variety of permanent and rotating art displays from over 5000 years of creativity. Have some fun by using the artwork for a cute couple’s photo session and playing around with the interactive exhibits. If you want to get really hands-on, you can even sign up for a Hot Glass Class and make a colorful glass heart!
10. Check into a Historic BnB. Thanks to our historical roots, coastal Virginia is full of gorgeous houses ranging from the colonial era and beyond. Why not check out from modern-day problems by checking in to a quaint BnB for the weekend? Williamsburg is full of cute ones, but you’ll also find plenty in Yorktown, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach!
Closing Thoughts on Valentine’s Day in Hampton Roads
How will you spend this Valentine’s Day? If you decide to try out any of my suggestions, let me know! For even more ideas, check out my ultimate guide to Hampton Roads and this post on romantic getaways in the U.S.
Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter before you go (spoiler: free stuff and lots of travel deals!) and share this post with someone who needs a good date idea for this weekend!
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I hope each and every one of you has an amazing Valentine’s Day filled with love, laughter, and fun, whether or not you celebrate in Hampton Roads.
Until next time! <3
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