Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney, pictured here at their newest restaurant Jamonera, are pulling out all the stops for Valentine's Day this year. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

Valerie Safran and Chef Marcie Turney are making it easy to whittle down your Valentine’s Day checklist with limited-time offerings from their six 13th Street boutiques and restaurants.

Complete your Valentine’s Day shopping in one fell swoop by perusing the gifts at Verde and Open House. Both boutiques are carrying the entrepreneurs’ We Heart Philly gift line, with mugs, necklaces, tees, and totes emblazoned with Philadelphia’s LOVE icon, an appropriate sentiment for Tuesday’s romantic holiday.

In addition, Verde is freshly-stocked with jewelry, women’s accessories and special V-Day Marcie Blaine chocolates, while fresh flower bouquets will be available in store from February 11-14.

With your shopping finished, make a reservation at Barbuzzo, Lolita or the newly-opened Jamonera. Special Valentine’s Day menus, priced at $45-$65 per person, are guaranteed to spark romance (and give you a break from washing the dishes).

And leave room for dessert, because from February 11-14, Verde will offer to-go packs Barbuzzo’s crazy-popular budino, a creamy butterscotch custard with a dark chocolate crust. Forget sharing, the dessert will be specially-priced at $15 for a pack of two.

Valentine’s Day 2012 on 13th Street [We Heart Philly]

Celebrate Valentine's Day with your sweetheart with a romantic meal at one of Philadelphia's top restaurants. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Valentine’s Day is now only a week away, leaving you with just enough time to plan that perfect romantic evening out in the city, including a wonderful special-occasion meal at one of Philadelphia’s many amazing restaurants.

One catch: reservations at many of Philadelphia’s top restaurants are booking up fast.

So to help you in your search, we’ve put together a list of some of the city’s most romantic (and delicious) Valentine’s Day dinners. At least two seats are still available in the restaurants listed below (we did our research), but you should make reservations soon!

Check out our top picks:

• 10 Arts: Impress your Valentine with a sumptuous six-course meal presented by 10 Arts’ Chef de Cuisine Nathal Volz. Your delicious dinner comes to an end with an indulgent progressive chocolate tasting. $195 per couple; $275 per couple with a Moët & Chandon champagne pairing. Availability is very limited, so make your reservations soon.

• a.kitchen: Feast on a special five-course prix fixe tasting menu with delectable bites including date-glazed foie gras bon bons, lobster ravioli and chocolate layer cake with carmel sauce. $65 per person.

• Barbuzzo: Reservations are extremely limited for Barbuzzo’s four-course Valentine’s Day dinner. If you’re hoping to woo the one you love with one of Barbuzzo’s incredible budinos, reserve your spot online now. $65 per person.

• Ela: Normally closed on Mondays, Ela will open their doors on Monday, February 13 and Tuesday, February 14 for a special four-course prix fixe menu of exciting dishes from Chef Jason Cichonski, including fluke tartare, lobster risotto, Robiola Bosina cheesecake and more. $65 per person. Optional wine pairing available for $30 per person.

• Chifa: Inspire romance with the bold Peruvian/Cantonese flavors of Chifa. Choose from two Valentine’s Day menus offering pork belly bao buns, pan seared foie gras, coconut panna cotta and more. $60-75 per person. Wine flights available for $30-45 per person.

• Distrito: You and your sweetheart will be all smiles after a festive Valentine’s Day dinner at Distrito in University City. Choose from two tasting menus ($45 and $65 per person) featuring Distrito’s famed ceviches, tacos and more. Add an optional Valentine’s Day cocktail pairing for $25 per person.

• Fare: Celebrate your love with a special Valentine’s Day dinner of high quality organic and sustainable cuisine at Fare restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Fairmount.

• Fond: Fond is planning a delicious four-course meal featuring New American cuisine for Valentine’s Day. Don’t miss out as seats go fast at this cozy East Passyunk BYOB. $65 per person.

You can find more romantic dining options, below.

• Fork: Have a romantic evening at Fork with a special three-course, prix fixe Valentine’s Day Menu created by Chef Terence Feury. $70 per person.

• Garces Trading Co.: Chef Jose Garces’ eatery and market is celebrating Valentine’s Day with two tasting menus offering fresh seafood, delicious pizzas and more. $45-65 per person. Optional wine pairing available for $25 per person.

• Granite Hill Restaurant: Make your Valentine’s Day dinner a masterpiece with an indulgent prix fixe menu at Granite Hill at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Friday, February 10. $45 per person, includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

• JG Domestic: Comfort food is on the menu this Valentine’s Day at J.G. Domestic. Choose from two tasting menus featuring wood oven flatbreads, Maryland crab croquettes, Country Time Farm Berkshire Pork Chops and more. $65-85 per person.

• Lolita: Get spicy at Lolita, a BYOT (Bring Your Own Tequila) on 13th Street, with a three-course meal of Mexican favorites. $45 per person.

• London Grill: Fairmount’s London Grill is showing the love with a special four-course menu from Chef Michael McNally. $45 per person.

• Mercato: Mercato is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a four-course chef’s tasting menu featuring braised duck and housemade pappardelle, 21-day aged black Angus strip steak, artisanal cheeses and more. $65 per person.

• Meritage: Enjoy an evening of contemporary seasonal cuisine in Rittenhouse Square with a special five-course Chef Tasting menu at Meritage for $49 per person.

• Modo Mio: In addition to their normal menu of rustic Italian cuisine, Modo Mio will be offering a special four-course Valentine’s Day dinner. $50 per person.

• Monsu: Chef Peter McAndrews’ restaurant in the Italian Market normally is closed on Tuesdays, but the doors will be open this Valentine’s Day for a special four-course “Sweetheart Dinner.” $40 per person.

• Moshulu: Step aboard the Moshulu for a romantic evening on the Delaware River including a special four-course prix fixe menu for $85 per person.

• Pumpkin BYOB: Cozy up for a Valentine’s Day dinner in the newly renovated dining room. Let Chef Ian wow you with four beautiful courses for $50 per person.

• R2L: Sweep your date off their feet at R2L with fine dining and some of the best views of the city. Enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu or share your meal with a seven-course menu for two. $85-145 per person.

• Sabrina’s Café: All three incredibly popular Sabrina’s locations are offering a fantastic three-course Sweetheart Dinner for Valentine’s Day. Menu options vary by location, so be sure to check out sabrinascafe.com for more information. $25–35 per person.

• Sbraga: The incredible (seriously: it’s incredible) new restaurant from Chef-Owner Kevin Sbraga will be hosting a special six-course prix fixe menu all week long (February 11-17) with sure-to-please dishes including orecchiette pasta with braised rabbit and a chocolate tart with Grand Marnier ice cream.

• Spirit of Philadelphia: Set sail for romance aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia and celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner, dancing and unmatched views of the city from the Delaware River. Both lunch and dinner options are available. $44.90-$169.90 per person.

• Square 1682: Executive Chef Guillermo Tellez is going all out this Valentine’s Day with a decadent six-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu. Feast on bacaloa fritters and Peking duck breast before ending your meal with sinful strawberry s’mores. $65 per person; $100 per person with optional wine pairing.

• Varga Bar: Romance is in the air at Varga Bar this Valentine’s Day. Share the love with a four-course dinner that includes oysters, braised short ribs and an ice cream sandwich trio. $55 per person.

• Vedge: Newly opened Vedge, a locally-sourced “modern vegetable restaurant,” will be serving a special, four-course, prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day.

• Verdad: Why wait to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Verdad is launching a five-course Lover’s Menu starting Sunday, February 12. $40 per person.

• Water Works: Enjoy first-class service and gourmet cuisine with Water Work’s $75 Cupid Menu available Valentine’s Day weekend (February 11, 12, 14). Sweeten your romantic experience with the Water Wheel-chocolate lover’s dream.

For even more romantic Valentine’s Day dinners, be sure to check out Visit Philly’s Guide to Valentine’s Day Dining in Philadelphia.

Ice is heating up in Manayunk this weekend with three days' worth of frigid fun. (Photo courtesy National Ice Carving Association)

Nothing says, “I love you” like a chainsaw furiously ripping away at a massive block of frozen H2O.

If this sounds like the perfect way to declare your love, then cozy up with the National Ice Carving Association as they present this year’s Valentine’s Day-themed 2012 Manayunk on Ice, February 10-12, on Main Street.

The opening ceremony lights up Friday evening with an ice bonfire from 6-8 p.m. where you can fill up on sips and fare from Couch Tomato, Kildare’s and Chabaa Thai Bistro and peruse goods from participating merchants like TAG Denim and Manayunk Greenworks.

Saturday and Sunday include two competitions as the “Ice Carvers” and “Master Carvers” come from all over the country to bring hours of skillful crafting and sculpting to portray this year’s romantic theme: passion.

All participants compete for ten places with first receiving the grand prize of $2,000, bringing someone’s Valentine a whole lot of roses and chocolates.

If admiring from afar with a hot cocoa in hand is more your style, then check out the weekend schedule here.

2012 Manayunk On Ice
Where: Main Street, Manayunk
When: Friday, February 10-Sunday, February 12
Cost: Free
More info: www.manayunk.com

Last week we introduced our month-long “29 Nights of Dates” promotion, a sweet giveaway-a-day throughout February for couples to enjoy the City of Brotherly Love at its loveliest.

As promised, we’ll be teasing each week’s series of giveaways every Monday.

A sampling of what you could win throughout this week (in scrambled order, to keep an element of surprise), by entering on the Visit Philly Facebook page:

• Tasteful Music: Dine in style at Sbraga, the buzzed-about American restaurant by Top Chef winner Kevin Sbraga. Hit the right note after dinner with a performance by the acclaimed Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center.

• Rink side and Courtyard: Your night begins at Chickie’s & Pete’s, followed by a Taxi Crab ride to the Wells Fargo Center to watch the Flyers. Then, snuggle up for the night at Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown and enjoy champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and breakfast for two.

• A Date-Night Classic: Romance and delicious Italian cuisine await at Positano Coast, a trattoria boasting 27 wine flights, 150 by-the-glass selections and a 530-bottle reserve. Directly across the street at the indie-movie heaven Ritz Five Theater, you can look forward to perfect-sized popcorn and plenty of hand-holding time.

29 Nights of Dates Contest [Visit Philly Facebook]

Previously: Introducing Our “29 Nights Of Dates Contest”: Enter To Win A Vespa Plus 28 Other Great Romance-Themed Prizes All Month Long

Still don’t have your Valentine’s Day plans squared away?

Top of the Tower, located on the 51st floor of Three Logan Square, celebrates Valentine’s Day a little early with dinner, dancing, panoramic views and cabaret entertainment on Saturday, February 11.

Whether you’re single or attached, enjoy bites to eat from various dinner stations, a full bar pouring all drinks under $10 and a love tunes showcase from Eddie Bruce and the Tom Adams Trio.

Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. with dancing to follow.

Tickets can be purchased online.

Top of the Tower: Valentine’s Day
Where: Three Logan Square, 51st floor, 1717 Arch Street
When: Saturday, February 11, 6 p.m.
Cost: $90 per person
More info: www.topofthetower.com

Make Valentine's Day extra sweet this year with chocolate from a local Philadelphia sweets shop, like Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates in Midtown Village. (Photo by Julie Davis)

You’ve put in your order for a dozen red roses, but one critical element is still missing from your Valentine’s Day gift line-up: chocolate.

That Whitman’s sampler will do in a pinch, but treats from local Philly sweets shops are guaranteed to make your sweetheart’s tastebuds do a back flip, whether they’re craving decadent truffles, old-fashioned taffy or chocolate-dipped bacon.

Check out our top picks for Valentine’s Day chocolate in Philadelphia, below:

• Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates: Midtown boutique Verde is home to Marcie Blaine Artisinal Chocolates, where Chef Marcie Turney churns out chocolates made from locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Exotic spices make their way into the chef’s popular boxed chocolates, while creamy caramels and barks combine the earthy flavor of cocoa with nuts, dried fruit, granola and the occasional sprinkling of sea salt.

• Shane Confectionery: Old City’s newly reopened Shane Confectionery delivers a taste of the past with house-made, old fashioned confections that continue the American candy-making traditions of the early 20th Ccentury. Gift your sweetie with taffies and buttercreams made from century-old recipes, or opt for something more modern, like chocolate dipped bacon.

• Philly Chocolate: At this Walnut Street chocolate shop, your traditional gourmet boxed chocolates and decadent desserts are displayed alongside imaginative delights, like rice cereal treats, Oreos, Twizzlers and Swedish Fish, all drenched in white, milk or dark chocolate.

• John & Kira’s: Whether you choose John & Kira’s best-selling 28-piece Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box, or decide on their hand-painted chocolate bees and lady bugs, your sweetheart’s tastebuds will be tickled by the confections’ sustainably harvested ingredients, some of which are sourced locally. You can also pick up John and Kira’s Chocolate Covered Cherries at Di Bruno Bros.

• Lore’s Chocolates: With more than 100 varieties of chocolate piled high under the glass at Lore’s Chocolates, you may have a hard time deciding on just one. Our advice: Take home a little bit of everything, or ask for a sample, and allow your tastebuds to do the decision-making for you.

• Teuscher: Stop into The Shops at the Bellevue for Teuscher’s decadent Swiss chocolates. Red, heart-shaped boxes enclose truffles of assorted flavors, but Teuscher’s signature champagne truffle, made with Dom Perginon and a dark chocolate cream ganache, is the real star of the show.

• Max Brenner: Throw a log on the fire, cuddle up with your special someone, and indulge in Max Brenner’s Chocolate Fondue Tower for two. Or pamper the serious chocolate lover with Max Brenner’s Chocolate Spa Gift Set, which includes everything from cocoa nib sugar scrub and vanilla-infused handcream to mouth-watering, nutty chocolates.

• Chocolate by Mueller: Put a smile on their face with Chocolate by Mueller’s fun molded confections, like anatomically-correct hearts, brains, and noses crafted from yummy, rich chocolate. This Reading Terminal Market vendor also makes more traditional offerings, like fruit and nut clusters, turtles, and a large selection of sugar free treats.

Awesome Contest Alert

Romance abounds in Philadelphia in February and Visit Philly is making it possible for couples to celebrate their love in style thanks to the month-long “29 Nights of Dates” promotion, launching today, February 1.

We teased the campaign yesterday, when the With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® street team surprised Suburban Station commuters with chocolates and postcards.

Now we can provide the full reveal: Visit Philly is giving away a Vespa.

Plus 28 other great date-themed prizes all month long. From February 1-29 (yes, it’s a leap year… which only adds to the fun), fans of Visit Philly on Facebook will have a chance to win one of 29 fun, romantic and inspired Philly dates.

Fans are encouraged to check the Visit Philly Facebook page each day to see what prize is up for grabs on that day. Because each day will feature a different bonus-packed date for one person to win. Think a Mural Arts Program Love Letter Mural Tour along with lunch at Table 31 and a one-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown; or a class at Cook and drinks at Twenty Manning Grill; or Ritz theater tickets and dinner at Positano Coast.

Entrants are permitted one contest entry per day. And each day you enter, you’ll get another entry into the grand prize drawing for the Vespa scooter.

Meanwhile here on Uwishunu, at the start of each week in February, we’ll be giving you a sneak peek of that week’s prizes. Itching for details on what you can win? (Besides that Vespa; we know you’re still thinking about it.)

A few highlights:

• Headed North: A romantic setting since it was founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ is currently showing the Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit exhibit. After ogling this artist’s works, continue your walk on North Broad to Route 6, Stephen Starr’s newest restaurant. Then unwind for the night at the striking Le Meridien Philadelphia.

• That’s Amore: During a two-hour Urban Adventures tour at the Italian Market, you’ll meet store owners, learn the history of the market and get your share of tasty samples. Then enjoy supper at Supper, upscale, modern American cuisine in a rustic, urban farmhouse setting.

• Up, Up & Away: Enjoy your choice of a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride over Southeastern PA and the post-flight champagne toast that comes along with it. Continue your scenic day with dinner at the 18th-century Black Bass Hotel, complete with expansive picture windows that overlook the water, and a stay at the B&B Bridgeton House.

That’s all we’re revealing for now. Be sure to head straight to Visit Philly’s Facebook page daily throughout February (ahem, that means today) to enter to win unforgettable dates like the ones detailed above, and plenty more where those came from.

29 Nights of Dates Contest [Visit Philly Facebook]

The With Love, Philadelphia street team made a surprise appearance at Center City's Suburban Station this morning to kick off a special campaign in honor of February, Valentine's Day and the leap year — stay tuned for more details. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

Valentine’s Day came early this morning to Suburban Station commuters, as the With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® street team made a surprise appearance.

The station take-over was part of a special month-long promotion we’re kicking off tomorrow, February 1, in honor of Valentine’s Day and the leap year. It may or may not involve super exciting prizes.

Stay tuned for more details tomorrow.

Romantic Philadelphia [Visit Philly]

Hotel Palomar boasts 230 guest rooms each uniquely equipped with luxurious, stylish touches. (Photo courtesy Hotel Palomar)

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, one of the city’s luxury boutique hotels, is offering several cute new “Couples Retreat Overnight Stays” packages.

These overnight romance packages are based on the relationship statuses of the guests, and are valid for travel dates between February 1-29, 2012.

• It’s Complicated: This package is perfect for those couples that are having a great time, but have yet to decide where exactly the relationship is headed (you know how that goes). Valued at $75, this package includes a full breakfast and two free cocktails at Square 1682.

• Getting Serious: Think you’ve finally found “the one”? Celebrate the most romantic holiday of the year with this package, ideal for those couples in a serious relationship. Valued at $125, you get a complimentary upgrade to the next available room type and a full breakfast at Square 1682. With a bottle of house champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries awaiting your arrival, what’s not to love?

• Married, Back off!: For those looking to celebrate their lifelong commitment to one another this Valentine’s Day, come celebrate with the most romantic package of all! Valued at $200, snag a comped upgrade to the next available room type, parking for one vehicle and a full breakfast at Square 1682. A complimentary bottle of Veuve Cliquot and chocolate-covered strawberries will be awaiting you, plus a $50 credit towrds the hotel retail outlet.

To book your “Couples Retreat Overnight Stay” or for more information, head online or call 1 (888) 725-1778.

Hotel Palomar
117 S. 17th Street
www.hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com

Visit PA is once again offering a one-day only PA Groundhog Day Foursquare Badge on Thursday, February 2.

The Groundhog Day Badge was one of last year’s most popular Foursquare badges. In a single day, it was unlocked by 27,846 users (!!), more than any other partner badge at the time.

The Groundhog Day badge is particularly special because it’s available worldwide. Punxsutawney Phil resides in the Pennsylvania Wilds and is the only weather-forecasting groundhog. Everyone in the world gets a chance to think about Pennsylvania — and visiting here — for one day.

All you have to do to earn the exclusive PA Groundhog Day 2012 badge is follow VisitPA on Foursquare and “check in” to “shout” the word “groundhog” on February 2. A shout is Foursquare lingo for a status update or tweet.

A Webcast of the Groundhog Day festivities will be available online, including links to Punxsutawney Phil-related videos on YouTube.

Here’s hoping Phil doesn’t see his shadow and we have an early spring in Philadelphia.

Visit PA [Foursquare]

From duo trapeze lessons to a night of swing dancing, from gourmet dinner reservations like at XIX complete with a stunning view to luxurious couple spa packages, Philadelphia has plenty of Valentine's Day options. (Photo credits clockwise from top left: courtesy Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, G. Widman for GPTMC, courtesy Society Hill Dance Academy, courtesy Spa Terme di Aroma)

Ah, February. The month of l’amour. The time of year when there are big (read: huge) expectations for date night come mid-month.

So one needs to up the ante. But what can you do that hasn’t been done before or doesn’t seem cliché? Do not stress. This is the City of Brotherly Love, after all.

Check out our ideas for interesting and inventive ways for you to treat your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day:

Wining and Dining

• Aphrodisiac Menu, Cupid’s Crawl and Lover’s Brunch at Gypsy Saloon: Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend, Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14, at Gypsy Saloon. The Aphrodisiac menu is available February 10-14 and the Lover’s Brunch is available on Sunday, February 12. After dinner on Friday, February 10, join Conshohocken’s Cupid’s Crawl. Hop on a complimentary bus that boards at Spamp’s Restaurant at 8 p.m. and ends at Gypsy Saloon at midnight. Enjoy drink specials and prizes at each stop along the way. Sales from Cupid’s Crawl t-shirts benefit Cradles to Crayons.

• Hawthornes Valentine’s Beer Dinner: Join the folks at Hawthornes on Sunday, February 12 from 6-9 p.m. for a four-course meal and six-beer menu (including a surprise beer!) sure to heat up an evening with your sweetie. Live music will be on hand. Dinner with the beer menu is $75 per person. Reservations are required as space is limited (call 215-627-3012).

• Penns Woods Winery Wine and Chocolate Month: Every weekend in February, join Penns Woods Winery for chocolate, wine and fun. Each weekend from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Penns Woods will feature John & Kira’s handmade decadent chocolates paired with six different “reserved” wines. Also featured will be their limited-production dessert wine, Lacrima Dolce, with flavors of ripe fruit and dark chocolaty tannins, paired with a chocolate dipped, ganache-filled fig. Each tasting includes a free souvenir wine glass. To register, call (610) 459-0808 or e-mail andrea@pennswoodswinery.com.

• Edible Aphrodisiac Menu and Free Tango Lessons at Isabella: Chef Michael Cappon of Isabella in Conshohocken has created an inspiring 10-course tasting menu of sensual aphrodisiac foods guaranteed to create romance. Isabella’s Edible Aphrodisiac Menu is available Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14. For those who want to spice up Valentine’s Day even more, enjoy complimentary Tango lessons in “The Loft” at Isabella. The beginner’s class starts at 8 p.m. and advanced begins at 9 p.m.

• WHYY’s 3rd Annual CHOCOLATE event: Celebrate the season for sweetness with WHYY at its premier Valentine’s weekend event: CHOCOLATE! Join WHYY members on Saturday, February 11, from 7-9 p.m. where a beer garden and an exciting chocolate raffle are only the beginning to this cocoa-filled two-hour sampling of delightful desserts, savory snacks and decadent drinks. The night is topped off with live music from bassist Phil D’Agostino.

• South Philly Love Your Co-op Event: On Sunday, February 12, join the South Philly Food Co-op for two chocolate, cheese and wine tastings as well as demos by Pastry Chef Chad Durkin (former Executive Pastry Chef at Susanna Foo’s and the Water Works Restaurant, as well as a competitor on several Food Network shows). Durkin will be demonstrating an easy-to-make dessert that you can replicate at home for your loved one on Valentine’s Day.

Read on, below, for ideas for more fun ways to celebrate the holiday.

Theater and the Arts

• 1812 Production’s “Funny Valentine” Cabaret at the Tin Angel: Spend Valentine’s with Philadelphia’s all-comedy theatre company. This annual cabaret of songs and comedy features all of your favorite 1812 personalities delivering the funniest Valentine’s you’ll receive. This one-night performance is Monday, February 13 at 8 p.m. and tickets are only $15.

• First Person Arts “The Ex-Files” Valentine’s Day StorySlam at World Café Live: First Person Arts slams Valentine’s Day on February 14 (doors open at 7:30 p.m., slam starts at 8:30 p.m.). First hosted last year, it’s an unconventional Valentine’s night out for couples and non-couples alike. Ten storytellers take to the stage with their true tales of love lost. Stories range from the sweet to the sad, the hilarious to the ridiculous. Each storyteller has five minutes to captivate the crowd with his/her storytelling prowess. Judges, selected from the audience, score the performances on a ten-point scale.

• Valentine’s Date Night or Brunch at The Clay Studio: Share the wheel with your sweetheart by candlelight while enjoying light fare, chocolate, champagne, wine and mood-music while celebrating Valentine’s Day in a way you’ll be sure to remember. Wear or bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Pre-registration is required. Date nights are Saturday, February 11, 7-9 p.m. or Tuesday, February 14, 7-9 p.m.; Valentine’s brunch is Sunday, February 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact sara@theclaystudio.org or call (215) 925-3453 ext. 23 for more information.

• Matchbox Theatre Company’s The Playdaters: On February 14 at 8:30 and 10 p.m., Matchbox Theatre will stage this comedic tale of first dates and romantic drama in the 21st century.

• Cupid is Dead Valentine’s Day Fundraiser Cabaret: This fundraiser for the Collage Festival coming in May 10 acts for $10 working with an anti-Valentine’s Day theme at the Tritone. Acts include local and internationally renowned musicians and artists from Philadelphia and New York.

• Jim Brickman Plays An Evening of Romance: On February 18 at the Kimmel Center, America’s romantic piano sensation Jim Brickman makes his Philadelphia debut at the Merriam Theater. One of the best selling solo piano artists of our time, Brickman will perform a special concert featuring his beloved hits “Valentine,” “Love of My Life,” “The Gift,” “If You Believe,” and “Never Alone,” as well as his own compositions from his latest album, Romanza, a collection of Italian-inspired original love songs.

• I Love You/I Hate You 5th Anniversary at Azuka Theatre: Each year Azuka puts together the “best of the best and the best of the worst” from the City Paper’s iconic “I Love you/I Hate You” column for a one-night-only melo-dramatic reading with some of the funniest actors in Philadelphia. This year’s event is at 5 p.m. on February 13.

• Til Death Do Us Part: Love Stories of Laurel Hill: Join Laurel Hill for this tour and reception honoring the “spirit” (get it?) of Valentine’s Day. The love stories of Laurel Hill are as varied as the hearts from which they have sprung. Red wine, hot chocolate and sultry bites aside a toasty fire will warm your flesh afterwards.

Mesmerizing Miscellany

• Celebrate Love in the Cellblocks at Eastern State Penitentiary: Eastern State Penitentiary invites couples to break out of the ordinary and celebrate Valentine’s Day with special Winter Adventure Tours from Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14. Bring your valentine to receive buy one get one free admission and experience the history of Eastern State with a focus on love stories throughout the prison’s history.

• Twisted Love Dance Party at Society Hill Dance Academy: Friday, February 11 from 8-11 p.m., twist the night away at Society Hill Dance Academy’s annual Valentine’s dance party. Love potions will be served.

• Spa Terme di Aroma’s Valentine’s Day Package: Old City’s Spa Terme di Aroma is offering a Valentine’s Day Escape Spa Package for lovers, which includes a half hour Escape Facial and a one-hour signature Aromatherapy message for $110. Services are performed in separate rooms with the relaxing and soothing spa lounges as common areas.Terme di Aroma is also having a fun Valentine’s sweepstakes throughout the month of February. With every purchase of a gift certificate of $100 or more, you can enter to win two Escape Spa packages (valued at $220), along with an overnight stay for two at the Holiday Inn Historic District (including parking). Enter as many times as you wish throughout the month of February.

• Coeur Lingerie Boutique Fashion Show: Coeur Lingerie will be having a Valentine’s Day Lingerie Fashion Show in their store window on February 13 at 12:15 and 5:15 p.m. Additionally, representatives will be in-store from Teuscher’s Chocolates of Switzerland and Blooms Flowers for one-stop shopping.

• Free Library Speed Dating Events: The Free Library of Philadelphia will present multiple speed dating events for single adults of all ages during the first week of February. Participants are encouraged to bring a book they’ve either loved or hated, or just recently read to use as an ice-breaker. One lucky couple at each event will win Author Events tickets to see Anne Rice, bestselling author of The Vampire Chronicles series, and have their first date at the Free Library on Valentine’s Day. The speed dating meetings are as follows:

• With Love… at Historic Philadelphia Center: Have the best Valentine’s Day in history! Bring your loved one to the Historic Philadelphia Center for a showing of Liberty 360, a 15-mintue film exploring the symbols of our freedom in dazzling 3D and hosted by Ben Franklin. Buy one ticket, get the second free Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12). Plus, enjoy 10% off your meal at Jones following the show!

• 3rd Annual Valentine’s Ghost Tour of Society Hill: Departing from the Powel House February 11 through 14 at 8 p.m., the tour includes a candlelit stroll through Society Hill and a tour of the Powel House, a haunted colonial-era mansion. Listen to tales of love, loss, scandal and betrayal of famous scoundrels and socialites during a 75-minute walking tour led by a costumed guide. A portion of proceeds benefits the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.

• Philadelphia School of Circus Arts “Double the Love” Workshops: Love is literally in the air at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts with its first-ever “Double the Love: Intro Circus” workshops on Friday, February 10, 7-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 11, at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. During these Valentine’s Day-inspired workshops, couples/pairs will fly during doubles trapeze, work together in doubles acrobatics, and balance on doubles tightwire. “Double the Love” is $25 per person, and open to anyone 16 years and older. Workshop activities are geared towards beginners with no special experience or skills required.

Set your alarm clock for Grey Lodge Pub’s annual Groundhog Day Hawaiian Shirt Beer Breakfast.

Chase away the winter blahs with this annual event, which starts off at 7 a.m.

Cheer on Punxsutawney Phil as he makes his official announcement at 7:20 a.m., and enjoy 10 great beers on tap (mostly local: think Yards, Sly Fox, Philadelphia, Ommegang and Sierra Nevada) specially for little Phil’s moment of glory.

There will be special events with a different brewery every hour, including a Hawaiian shirt contest, a hula hoop contest and more.

Need even more incentive? Grey Lodge will break out a case of Founders CBS that they’ve been saving for almost a whole year for the occasion.

The brew will be first come, first serve, and there are only twelve 25 oz. bottles. Game on!

Groundhog Day at Grey Lodge Pub
When: Thursday, February 2, starting at 7 a.m.
Where: 6235 Frankford Avenue
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.greylodge.com