Valentine’s Day 2011 in Phoenix

We’ve got ideas for how to spend Valentine’s Day in Phoenix! Check out some of these hotspots and specials around town to help you celebrate the month of looove.

GIFTS

Sprinkles Cupcakes — The XOX box from Sprinkles contains one dozen tasty cupcakes in the flavors chocolate marshmallow, red velvet, dark chocolate and vanilla, topped with adorable XOX and heart decorations to let your loved one know how sweet you are on him or her. Other favorites this month include the raspberry chocolate chip cupcake and the red HOT velvet cupcake — a red velvet cupcake with spicy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The XOX box and cupcakes mentioned here will be available now through Feb. 14. For more information, visit sprinkles.com.

IPic Theaters at Scottsdale Quarter — For all shows after 5 p.m. on Feb. 14, couples can purchase special Valentine’s packages that include two movie tickets, three plates (appetizer, entree and dessert), and two drinks per person (draft beer, house wine and well spirits). The package is $139 per couple. Call 480.483.3232 for reservations.

Garden of Enchantment Florist — One dozen couture roses from this small, independent flower shop located in Old Town Scottsdale will surely light up your sweetheart’s face. Opt for the one dozen couture roses for $145, or view all the other great selections at rosesarered.com.

Plus, check out Haute Living Phoenix’s Top 5s for even more ideas:

Jewelry — Check out “The Top 5 Jewelry and Watch Boutiques in Phoenix.”

Candy — Check out “The Top 5 Candy Shops in Phoenix.”

Chocolate — Check out “The Top 5 Chocolate Shops in Phoenix.” Or, perhaps even better, “The Top 5 Chocolate Spa Treatments in Phoenix.”

Intimates/Lingerie — Check out “The Top 5 Lingerie Stores in Phoenix.”

EVENTS

Glendale Chocolate Affaire — Now through Feb. 6. Free event. Head to downtown Glendale to peruse offerings from more than 30 chocolatiers from all across the country. Romance writers will also be hosting book signings and romance writing workshops, but let’s face it — you’re probably more excited about the deep-fried chocolate ice cream, right? For more information, visit glendaleaz.com.

Wigwam Festival of Fine Arts
— Friday, Feb.11 through Sunday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free event. Discover the extraordinary talents of the Southwest’s most accomplished fine artists and craftsmen in a stunning outdoor gallery on The Wigwam’s expansive front lawn featuring award-winning Western and Native American artists from across the Southwest. Festival highlights include live musical performances, wine tasting, al fresco dining and spectacular art. Daily performances will feature “One Tribe, Many Fires” by internationally acclaimed Native American flute player/violinist Arvel Bird and four-time world champion hoop dancer Tony Duncan and the Yellow Bird Dancers. For more information, wigwamresort.com.

Singles Awareness Day at Culinary Dropout — Culinary Dropout at the Scottsdale Waterfront has created an anti-Valentine’s Day for the single folks in town. February 15, from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., celebrate Singles Awareness Day (S.A.D.) with drink specials and live music by Joey Arroyo. Drown your sorrows or celebrate the single life with S.A.D. specials, including $5 bubbles, $2 paperbag beers, $4 well drinks, plus $8 cocktail concoctions that have been stirred up for the occasion, including the Effen Cupid, SADcakes, and the Permanent Bachelor. For more information, visit foxrc.com.

Romance in the Garden
— On Friday, Feb. 11., you can start your Valentine’s Day weekend with a romantic candlelit concert under starry skies at the Desert Botanical Garden. The evening will showcase divine divas Nancy Gee and Margo Reed followed by the legendary Dennis Rowland with the Jazz Experience. For more information, visit dbg.org and to purchase tickets, call 480.481.8188 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends) or visit the garden’s Admissions Box Office (8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily).

DINING

Litchfield’s — Make a reservation for dinner at Litchfield’s at The Wigwam on Monday, Feb. 14 between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. for $45 per person. With a farm-to-table menu, live entertainment and a traditional candlelit dinner, Litchfield’s is the place to be. Dinner will feature four delectable courses starting with fire-roasted, prosciutto-wrapped dates followed by seared scallops and Spanish chorizo. Enjoy the Rancher’s Duet with a Talus Wind Ranch Lamb Rack and Cedar River Farm Petit Filet for the main course and finish the evening with White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse with a crème anglaise. For more information, visit wigwamresort.com.

Carefree Station — Feb. 11-14 enjoy special appetizer, entrée, dessert and cocktail creations at Carefree Station in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Specials include a Jerk Scallops appetizer with coconut panna cotta, mango puree and cinnamon toast; an entrée of Supreme Oscar featuring an all natural double breast of chicken, fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetables, jumbo lump crab and Béarnaise sauce; and Rose Water Panna Cotta for dessert. The Passion’s Potion cocktail features muddled raspberries, agave nectar, lime juice, lavender water, and Square One Botanical (an organic spirit), and is only available during the month of February. For more information, visit carefreestation.com.

Sapporo Scottsdale — To pair with their romantic meal, couples can share The Sapporo Torch, a cocktail made especially for two with Myers’ Rum, Bacardi Rum, Cointreau, Velvet Falernum, fresh grapefruit juice and fresh lime juice. Served with a flaming lime half floating at its brim, the restaurant’s signature “love potion” ignites the same fire reflected in the iconic torches marking Sapporo’s main entrance. Try pairing it with the Ménage à Trois de Chocolat, featuring chocolate crème brûlée and chocolate cake glazed with chocolate sauce, and topped with housemade raspberry, lychee and rose sorbet. For more information, visit sapporoscottsdale.com.

Talavera — Talavera’s Chef Mel Mecinas at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale has created a special “Art of the Aphrodisiac” menu for Feb. 14. For $198 per couple, guests can enjoy a five-course tasting menu, featuring Taste of the Sea (prawn, oyster and caviar), lobster bolognaise, venison and tuna loin, honey-glazed Wagyu strip loin, and Valhrona chocolate fondu with a rose champagne toast. For more information, visit talaverarestaurant.com.

Petite Maison
— On Feb. 14, chef James Porter will be serving loving couples such delicacies as lobster and caviar, black truffle and foie, beef tournado, and profiteroles — a four-course Valentine’s menu available between 5 and 10 p.m. for $75 per person. Add perfectly paired wines for an additional $25. For more information, call 480.991.6887.

Cafe ZuZu — At Hotel Valley Ho’s Cafe ZuZu, enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner of classic farm-fresh American cuisine. Available Feb. 12-14, ZuZu will be offering a special four-course tasting menu that can be ordered alone or with recommended wine pairings. Call 480.421.7997 for more information or visit hotelvalleyho.com to view the menu.

The Melting Pot — “Dip Into Romance” at The Melting Pot between Feb. 11 and 14, where you can enjoy a four-course gourmet fondue dinner with your sweetie. Each couple also receives a framed photo, the annual “Love Quiz” and a parting gift bag with lots of great goodies. $130 per couple Feb. 11, $150 per couple Feb. 12-14. Ask about the Ultimate VIP Package, $250 per couple, to really stir things up. For more information, visit meltingpot.com.

HOTELS

W Hotel — The “What’s Your Fantasy Rated?” Package offers couples three options: “PG-13” — Chocolate covered strawberries and rose petals in-room upon arrival, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, upgrade to a Spectacular Room and breakfast in bed for two; “R” — Receive a Jimmy Jane Spin the Bottle Set with Kama Sutra Body Paint and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot in room upon arrival, upgrade to a Spectacular Room and breakfast in bed for two; or “W” — This sultry package includes a whip, handcuffs and mask with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot upon arrival, upgrade to a Spectacular Room and breakfast in bed for two. Packages start at $299 per night. For more information and to book, explore wscottsdalehotel.com/fantasy.

The Wigwam — The Bed of Roses Package offers the opportunity to pamper your special someone with an evening of romance in one of The Wigwam’s historic suites. Begin your evening with a romantic candlelit dinner for two at Litchfield’s. While at dinner, The Wigwam’s Director of Roses will create a floral heart on your guestroom bed using rose petals picked fresh from among the 8,000 rose bushes that grow at The Wigwam, and place homemade truffles bedside to be enjoyed. Sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed the next morning. Package is $395 per night. For more information, visit wigwamresort.com.

Hotel Valley Ho — The Romance Package is the perfect way to treat your sweetheart to a memorable Valentine’s Day escape. For $299 nightly, enjoy turndown service as well as a half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne with an assortment of fresh seasonal fruit. Watch a complimentary movie in bed, then sleep in and wake up to breakfast in bed or at Cafe ZuZu. And take home a special gift — a Red Flower aromatherapy candle. Book your Valentine getaway online at hotelvalleyho.com, or call 480.248.2000 or 866.882.4484 for package reservations. If you’d like to spark up your Valley Ho visit, make time for a couple’s massage at VH Spa in addition to all the fun of your Romance Package. Call 480.421.7777 to reserve your spa treatments.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch — Experience a romantic Sandolo (gondola-style boat) ride through the resort’s waterway as gondoliers — decked head-to-toe in the traditional garb — serenade you and your loved one with romantic Italian songs. Afterward, settle into a private lakefront casita complete with a fireplace, wet bar and Jacuzzi-style spa and deck to keep the romance alive. Book the Amour Package to enjoy full breakfast, spiced chocolate truffles and champagne. Visit scottsdale.hyatt.com for more information and to check rates.

Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa — The Romance Package at Boulders Resort includes casita accommodations, a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and a $25 dining credit per person. Or, enjoy a sunset Tee Box Dinner on one of the resort golf courses. Right before sunset, get whisked out to the tee box for a private dinner, complete with fine china, crystal, linens and candles. To check availability and rates, visit theboulders.com.

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa — With the “Be My Valentine” Package at Westin Kierland, you’ll celebrate your love with a relaxing getaway, including massages (one 50-minute massage treatment per person) and romantic dining without having to leave your guest room and your “Heavenly” bed. The package is available Feb. 11-14, and also includes a four-course dinner for two, a bottle of sparkling wine and breakfast in bed for two. Rates start at $749 per night. To book, call 480.624.1202 and mention rate code VDAY. For more information, visit kierlandresort.com.

SPA

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale — With the “Ready for Romance” package, couples can get carried away by enjoying a specialty Duo Massage, including a takeaway gift of body lotion and oil, as well as a certificate for a romantic dessert a deux in the Onyx Bar & Lounge. The package is available. Feb. 9-16 for $299 per couple. For more information, call the Spa at 480.513.5145 or at fourseasons.com/scottsdale/spa.

Spa Avania — Ask for the Happy “Two”gether package, during which a couple can enjoy synchronized foot rituals and massages performed in the privacy of the Avania Suite. The package includes private time in the suite during which you can enjoy a glass of champagne or wine and a selection of artisan, domestic and imported cheeses and breads, and a take-home gift from Spa Avania. Two hours, $450. For more information, call 480.483.5558 or visit scottsdale.hyatt.com.

Willow Stream Spa — At Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, you can meld romance with relaxation with the Desert Moonlight Massage. The treatment features your choice of massage, followed by an evening swim under the stars in the spa’s rooftop pool and use of the waterfall therapy pool, plunge pools, sauna and steam rooms. Indulge in the moonlit offering with the Couples Celebration Package, featuring champagne upon arrival and $200 in resort credit to Willow Stream Spa or one of the property’s restaurants. For more information, visit scottsdaleprincess.com.

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