It seems like Valentine’s Day in Wheeling gets better every year and the line-up this year promises to be incredible! From big group activities and concerts to intimate, romantic getaways, this holiday is ramping up to be one for the books. Whether you plan to celebrate with friends, with a partner, or you’re simply looking to treat yourself, we’re here to help with a curated list of fun activities, delicious food, and delightful holiday-themed items available around the city and beyond over the next two weeks.
Local Activities
Psychedelicacies Pop-Up Shop at Waterfront Hall (2/8)
“Stop by Waterfront Hall on Thursday, Feb. 8 from noon – 7 p.m. to shop local for your Valentine.. or just for you! Browse locally made, hand-poured soy candles, gift box sets, and handmade crafts and decor.”
Love Potion Perfume Making at Empress Emporium* (2/8)
“Cindy is bringing out the aphrodisiacs for this special event. Create your own love potion with magickal oils that entice your nostrils sending vibrations humming. Each person will create a roll-on perfume ready to wear!”
*Ticketed event. Message on Facebook or call 304-905-4909 to attend.
Romance Weekend Getaway at Oglebay Resort (2/9-2/11)
“Spend a romantic weekend at Oglebay with dinner and dancing this year! Enjoy a delicious dinner expertly prepared by Oglebay’s Executive Chef and dance the night away in Glessner Auditorium at Wilson Lodge. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or just because, choose the destination that has it all– breathtaking scenery, outstanding cuisine, one of America’s top 100 spas, and countless activities for couples. Nestled in the rolling hills of Wheeling, West Virginia, Oglebay offers all the amenities you’ll need to plan a truly romantic getaway with that special someone. Two-night packages from $574 per couple.” Learn more and book your getaway at oglebay.com.
The Art of Wine: Five-Course Valentine’s Dinner* (2/9)
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in grand style 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 with a wine tasting and dinner at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. Oglebay Institute’s Valentine’s Day Dinner features live music and a five-course dinner with wine pairings served in the elegant, yet intimate, atmosphere of one of Wheeling’s historic properties.
*Ticketed Event. Tickets can be found here.
LOVE SUCKS: Anti-Valentine’s Day Pop Punk Show at Waterfront Hall* (2/9)
“Love sucks but this show won’t! Waterfront Hall presents the Anti-Valentines Day Pop Punk Show, featuring Someday Saturday, Splash Panel, and Crow Hardly.”
*Ticketed event. Tickets can be found here.
Valentine’s Day Kids Event at The Public Market (2/10)
Head to the Public Market on Saturday, Feb. 10 for a special Valentine’s Day event for the kids from a.m. – 2 p.m.! The folks at Grow Ohio Valley have made plantable Valentine’s Day cards out of wildflower seed paper that you can plant in the spring! Cards are pre-made and ready for decorating. The Public Market will also have a special station for cookie decorating too! This event is free, but donations are accepted. Learn more here.
Valentine’s Day Crafting at Clientele Art Studio* (2/11)
“Join us at Clientele Art Studio on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. for a lovely Valentine’s Day craft session led by local artist Amanda Carney. During this event, you’ll have the opportunity to personalize your own 4-inch cake heart box, complete with faux icing, sprinkles, cherries, and other fun toppings.
*Ticketed event. Tickets can be found here.
Love Stinks! Karaoke at Taqueria 304 (2/13)
“Come listen to some of the best Heartbreak-Love Stinks-Super Freak Nasty anthems and get on the mic and sing your hearts out. The first 20 singers get a special Valentine and a small box of chocolates from DJ Voodoo Jenkins.” Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Learn more here.
Lovey Dubby at Waterfront Hall* (2/16)
“LET LOVE AND MUSIC FILL THE AIR! Set the mood for this Valentine’s Day at Wheeling’s new Waterfront Hall. Join OVDJ for a night celebrating love and friendship! Create unforgettable memories with your special someone and/or your best friends! Dj sets by: Chasing Rabbits, Energy With Erica, Louie The XIII.” Doors open at 8 p.m., music from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
*Ticketed event. Tickets can be found here or purchased at the door.
Wheel Throwing Date Night with East Wheeling Clayworks* (2/17)
“Need something fun to do for Valentine’s Day? Tired of just getting some chocolates or flowers? Back by popular demand, Wheel Throwing Date Night is your chance to try something new and exciting, and a bit dirty. You and your date will first get a throwing demonstration while enjoying some snacks and beverages. Then you’ll have a chance to try throwing on the wheel for yourself!”
*Ticketed event. Tickets can be found here.
Activities Just Outside of Town
Valentine’s Chocolate Walk on Main Street in St. Clairsville (2/10)
“Pick up your stamp card at any participating business. Visit each location on the card and be entered to win prizes. Sip hot cocoa while you shop for the perfect Valentine’s gift. Many businesses will be giving away chocolate treats. Dine downtown till 8 p.m. The Melting Pot Marketplace, Giacianta’s, Newellstown Diner, C & J Photography, Milano’s Pizza, Fur Pet Sake Boutique, Nusta Cosmetics and Zel Properties.”
Love is in the Air Dinner at Grand Vue Park* (2/10)
“Join us Saturday, Feb.10 from 5- 8 p.m. in the Grand Vue Park Banquet Hall and enjoy an evening full of music, wine and a delicious 4-course meal with the one you love. Plus live music by the Eli Lambie Trio! $120 – Couple or $70 – Solo.”
*Ticketed event. Tickets can be found here or reserved by calling the Main Office at 304-845-9810 EXT. 403.
Table 304 Charcuterie Workshop at Black Sheep Vineyard* (2/16)
“Cupid is stupid but we got each other so let’s get together and have some charcuterie. Grab your besties and let’s have some cheese and lots of fun!” This workshop, led by Table 304 will be held from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Black Sheep Vineyard in Adena, OH.
*Ticketed event. Tickets can be found here.
Special Holiday Menus and More!
Valentine’s Specials Good Mansion Wines
Good Mansion Wines will be offering an abundance of Valentine’s Day-themed goodies, notably Valentine’s Day cannoli boxes, bonbons, heart entremet, heart macarons, sparkling roses, heart ravioli, chocolate tablets with hearts, and gift baskets! All of these items are expected to be in store by February 9.
Holiday Drinks at Table 304
With their consistently updated special menu at Table304, it should come as no surprise that this local favorite has an incredible menu planned for Valentine’s Day. You’ll have a choice between a White Mocha with Rose, a Chocolate Covered Cherry (chocolate chai with cherry syrup), a Cherry Mocha, and a White Chocolate Cardamom Matcha. You might just have to try them all! Stop in and try one for yourself Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Apartment Two Art Heart-Shaped Wax Melts
Exactly as it says on the tin, these limited edition heart-shaped soy wax melts will be available at Table 304 and on Etsy. The box set includes six wax melts total, with two of each scent included: honey butter, chocolate-covered strawberry, and raspberry white chocolate. Melts are 1.5 inches wide by .5 inch thick.
DeFelice Heart Shaped Pizzas for the American Heart Association (2/12-2/14)
From February 12-14, DeFelice Bros. Pizza restaurants will be cooking up heart-shaped pizzas at all 9 of its locations, including the one here in Wheeling. The pizzas will be 12 inches and one dollar from each sale will go to benefit the American Heart Association. Order online at eatdefelice.com.
Sweet Treats at The Market Cafe in Centre Market
Stop into the Upper Market House and get your holiday treat fix at the Market Cafe! Valentine’s Day-inspired chocolate loaves, chocolate bark, cake pops, and variously flavored pink, red, and white drinks may be just what you need to celebrate the holiday!
Bite Me Bakery Valentine’s Day-Themed Confections
Wonderful, handmade baked goods will abound at Bite Me Bakery as we approach Valentine’s Day! French macarons, eclairs, donuts, brownies, blondies, and a variety of cookies will be offered in various heart-shaped and decorated forms. Pair a pastry with one of the bakery’s handcrafted coffees and you’re sure to have a good holiday!
Mugs of the Month at Mugshots Cafe
Known for wonderful monthly creations, it should be no surprise that Mugshots has a stellar round-up of holiday-flavored drinks. This year, the “Mugs Mixtape” includes the “Flowers” latte with lavender and rose, the “Raspberry Beret” raspberry white chocolate mocha, the “At Last” chocolate cherry americano with chocolate whipped cream, and “Love Potion #9” an infusion #9 tea with honey. Delicious!
So, during this sweet holiday, we urge you to get out and about around Wheeling. Celebrate the mushy-gushiness with your significant other at a fancy dinner or rage against the capitalism of it all at a pop-punk show. Indulge in some heart-shaped ravioli or a rose-flavored latte. No matter how you choose to celebrate, try to embrace this opportunity to create good memories and do something fun with your loved ones. Happy Valentine’s Day!
• Ellery McGregor is a Wheeling transplant from Los Angeles, California. She works remotely for a marketing team in LA and now moonlights as an author for Weelunk. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from California State University Long Beach in Long Beach, California. Since moving to Wheeling over a year ago, she has spent her time helping her family restore an Italianate Victorian row house in Centre Market, picnicking at Heritage Port, and marveling over having actual seasons.