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Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love. Whether they are enjoying their first Valentine’s together or their fiftieth, couples often go out for dinner, followed by a show. Of course, the best shows for Valentine’s Day are always the romantic ones. Whether, serious or silly, they add an appropriate feeling to the night of love. To that end, here are some of the best options for shows in DFW this Valentine’s Day.

Theatre Three & Theatre Too (Credit, Emilie DesJardins)

I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Theatre Too
2800 Routh St., #168
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 871-3300
www.theatre3dallas.com

Hours: Through Feb. 26

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” initially ran from 2000 to 2003, and is the longest running theater production in Dallas. It has now become an annual show. It is a musical comedy that tells a hilarious story of dating and marriage. This performance is at the Theatre Three location, but actually in the basement performance space, Theatre Too. If you haven’t been to a show there, be prepared for an intimate theater experience, unparalleled in larger theaters.

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (Credit, Emilie DesJardins)

Romeo & Juliet
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Meyerson Symphony Center
2301 Flora St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 670-3600
www.dallassymphony.com

Hours: Feb. to Feb. 17

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with the music of Shakespeare’s ultimate love story? “Romeo and Juliet” will be performed along with the romance of Debussy’s “Iberia” and Rodrigo’s “Concerto de Aranjuez.” Marco Barrueco with play a special guitar performance for the occasion. An evening at the symphony always makes an elegant date.

Emilie DesJardins currently works in Dallas television and worked with KRLD Restaurant Week for several years before that. She is always trying new places around the Metroplex to find the best food and unique things to do. See her work at Examiner.com.

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Each year, couples look for something special to do for Valentine’s Day, something different from their usual routine. Unless one of the pair is a chef, the night tends to start with dinner at a romantic restaurant, no matter what the plan is after eating. This may be a new restaurant or an old favorite. Whatever it is, it needs to be special. These DFW restaurants are taking the night seriously and offering special Valentine menus, instead of their usual.

The Grape Restaurant
2808 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 828-1981
www.thegraperestaurant.com

Price: $65/person

The Grape is known for being romantic, and has made several “best of” lists that agree. Its candle-lit atmosphere makes it a favorite date spot all year long, but Valentine’s Day is especially popular. The blackboard menu means you can always find something new and seasonal to try. The Grape earns its name by paying special attention to the wine list as well. This Valentine’s Day, The Grape is offering a prix fixe three-course menu for $65 per person, and of course a wine pairing option is available.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
2000 McKinney Ave.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 855-5151
www.perryssteakhouse.com

Price: $59.95-$74.95/person

This Texas steakhouse started in Houston but its San Antonio, Austin and Dallas locations mean that people around the state are praising its delicious food and fun vibe. The Valentine’s Day menu will include one soup or salad, one entrée and one dessert for $59.95 per person for reservations 5:30 p.m. and earlier and $74.95 for later reservations. If Perry’s live music and atmosphere are too good to leave, its bar, Bar 79, offers a place to relax together with a drink after dinner. Later, a short walk to the new Klyde Warren Park would complete the evening.

Mi Piaci
14654 Montfort Drive
Dallas, TX 75254
(972) 934-8424
www.mipiaci-dallas.com

Price: $75/person

Italy always symbolizes romance, so an Italian dinner on Valentine’s Day is only natural. Mi Piaci boasts imported cheeses and house-made pasta and offers a little extra to make the night distinctive.  The Valentine’s Day menu gives each person the chance to choose his or her courses and is replete with a rose and a glass of Prosecco. Luna Lounge, located in the restaurant, is a cozy place for a drink before dinner. Bonus: the restaurant offers frequent deals on its mailing list, so if you like what you get, you won’t have to wait until next year to come back for more.

Mignon
4005 Preston Road
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 943-3372
www.mignonplano.com

Price: $69.95/person

Mignon is a steakhouse with a French twist, all under the guise of a 1960s Paris atmosphere, replete with a lovely lake-front location. It’s a classic restaurant that has been in Plano for over 10 years and customers agree that the service is impeccable. For Valentine’s Day the menu will include three courses: choose a soup or salad for the first course, then the famous filet “Mignon” or another entrée. For dessert, a wise person would not miss the molten chocolate cake.

Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
Fort Worth, TX 76109
(817) 738-5489
www.bonnellstexas.com

Price: $85-90/person

Bonnell’s cuisine is truly Texan, with Southwestern, Mexican, and Creole flavors. Even dishes like bruschetta come out with avocado and pecans for a Texas twist. For $85-90 each person enjoys a three-course prix fixe menu for their Valentine’s dinner that lets each guest have a taste of the whole menu with several parts to each course. Lastly, everyone will get to sip a glass of sparkling wine with their dessert.

Related: Best Tasting Menus In DFW

Related: Best Bistros In The Dallas Area

Emilie DesJardins currently works in Dallas television and worked with KRLD Restaurant Week for several years before that. She is always trying new places around the Metroplex to find the best food and unique things to do. See her work at Examiner.com.

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Being single on Valentine’s Day can sometimes be challenging as many venues are focused on planning events for couples. Luckily, there are a variety of events being offered in the DFW area that are geared towards singles or offer an alternative way to celebrate love and romance.

Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
2301 Flora St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 670-3600
www.dallassymphony.com

Date: Feb. 12 – 9:45 a.m.
Click here for pricing

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of North Texas will be hosting its 29th annual fundraiser to help raise funds for blood cancer research. The event will begin with a champagne reception followed by a fashion show by Stanley Korshak featuring Monique Lhuillier. Afterwards, there will be an awards presentation and luncheon, with a reception to follow. This show normally draws in over 800 leaders from around the north Texas region and the organization hopes to make this an even bigger and better event than last year in order to raise more money for research.

Valentine’s Day Massacre
Moxley Manor
510 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX 76021
(682) 231-1313
www.moxleymanor.com

Hours: Feb. 14 to Feb. 16 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Click here for pricing

There have been many stories about the haunted Moxley Manor and the actual mansion has remained uninhabited for many years due to the stories of jealousy, lies and murder. If typical Valentine’s Day plans are not what you’re looking for, the haunted Valentine’s Day massacre may be a great alternative choice. Introducing a different  and darker side to love, Moxley Manor will be presenting a three-day haunted house. Groups of 20 or more are eligible for discount tickets so this is a great option for a group of friends. A portion of the proceeds from the events from this year will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Moxley Manor is an indoor attraction so tickets will be valid rain or shine.

Related: The 5 Best Dating Websites

The Light Crust Doughboys Special Valentine’s Concert
Pocket Sandwich Theatre
5400 E. Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 821-1860
www.thelightcrustdoughboys.com

Date: Feb. 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Price: $22

The Light Crust Doughboys are an American Western swing band from Texas that were originally organized in 1931. The Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame both count the band as a member. A 20-year tradition, The Light Crust Doughboys create a fun Texas-style music experience that is apropriate for all ages. Charley Pride’s son Dion Pride has joined as the newest Doughboy. The concert will also be starring Art Greenhaw, Maurice Anderson, Jim Baker as well as the standard Doughboys. This show will have a special Valentine’s Day theme.

Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas: Brahms: Love Songs
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
2301 Flora St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 670-3600
www.dallassymphony.com

Date: Feb. 17 – 8 p.m.
Click here for pricing

Music, in addition to love, is one of the languages that spans many different cultures. This event incorporates both love and music into one. Celebrate friendship and romance with songs reminiscent of Johannes Brahms’ compositions. The six downtown children’s and youth’s choruses as well as Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas’ three west Dallas choruses will be featured. The concert includes selections of Liebeslieder Walzer Opus 52, Cynthia Nott, and more. The Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas is made up of over 450 children and youth from 6 downtown and 3 other neighboring choruses. The children range in age from 4th to 12th grade and are from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds.

Keith And Margo’s Murder Mystery Texas
Dallas Omni Park West
1590 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, TX 75234
(972) 869-4300
www.murdermysterytexass.com

Date: Feb. 15 – 7 p.m.
Click here for pricing

This event is another great option for those that are looking for an alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day festivities. Keith and Margo have experience as writers, producers and directors and have been responsible for over 7,000 live mystery productions around the world. This year will be Keith and Margo’s 23rd annual St. Valentine’s Day celebration and murder mystery dinner in Dallas. The basic package for this event will include a reception, gourmet dinner, drink ticket, Valentine’s mystery, a DJ to dance to, prizes and access to the cash bar. The recommended attire for this event will be a suit and tie or cocktail hour attire.

Related: The History Of Valentine’s Day

Kelsi Gerwell is a freelance writer covering all things Dallas-Fort Worth. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Valentine’s Day can be stigmatized as a commercial holiday meant to help sell cards, flowers and candy. However, it’s interesting to know that the tradition of Valentine’s Day has vestiges that date back centuries before Christ and takes on various forms all over the world. While the notion of expressing one’s love on Valentine’s Day is basically the same, different countries have their own traditions for this beloved holiday.

Italy
 

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

Italy has a long history when it comes to Valentine’s Day traditions, celebrating it as a Spring Festival. Couples would spend the day surrounded by the beauty of springtime in natural settings like tree arbors or ornamental gardens. Their time was spent listening to music, reading poetry or strolling through the garden. 

Another tradition in Italy’s Valentine’s Day history was the notion that the first man a girl sees on Valentine’s Day would be the man (or look like the man) she would marry within a year. Unmarried girls would wake up extra early to sit by their window to look for men who walked by. 

While the candy tradition in the United States usually consists of some sort of heart-shaped box of assorted candies, the traditional candy gift for Valentine’s Day in Italy is a chocolate-covered hazelnut called a Baci Perugina. The candy is accompanied with a small piece of paper that contains romantic poems in four different languages.

South Korea

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Although the traditional Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14, South Korea celebrates similar days of love on the 14th of every month. Each monthly celebration has its own significance and traditions depending on the corresponding holiday. 

The actual Valentine’s Day holiday tradition is meant for only women to be the givers of chocolate to their significant other and the following month it’s the men’s turn. March 14 is named White Day and men are meant to give their female counterpart a non-chocolate candy. April 14 is marked as Black Day and is geared towards those who are not in a relationship. The tradition for Black Day is for single people to mourn their single lives, hence the name of the holiday. Single people are supposed to eat jajangmyeon noodles, which are black in color, on April 14. While the tradition of women giving chocolate to their partners on Valentine’s Day is a widespread tradition in Eastern Asian countries, South Korea takes the tradition a step further than other countries with a bigger amount of chocolate given.

Great Britain

Photo Credit Mark Large - WPA Pool/Getty Images

 
Britain and Italy have a few similarities in their Valentine’s Day traditions: Both had similar stories about how the first man a woman saw on Valentine’s Day morning will be the one they will marry. However, Britain also has traditions all its own. 

While many countries’ citizens deliver handwritten notes and poems to their significant others on Valentine’s Day, paper Valentine’s were so popular in England during the 19th Century that they gave way to the production of mass-produced greeting cards we see today. In earlier times, a tradition for women the night before Valentine’s Day was to secure four bay leaves to each corner of their pillow before sleeping and to eat hard boiled eggs with salt while removing the yokes. This tradition was meant to provoke dreams of their future husbands on Valentine’s Day eve. Women would also write names on pieces of paper wrapped in clay balls to be dropped into water and the ball that rose to the surface first would be their future husband.

Denmark

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People of Denmark referred to Valentine’s Day cards as “lover’s cards” and they were once made from transparent material that reflected a picture of a lover bestowing a gift to his or her significant other when it was held up to the light. Instead of the red roses many Americans associate with Valentine’s Day, Danish people give white flowers that they call “snowdrops.” People used to give pressed white flowers to their Valentines, but these days they have switched to bouquets. While love poems and romantic notes are given on Valentine’s Day, the Danish people also write unsigned, funny poems on neatly cut paper called “gaekkebrev.” If the girl is able to guess who sent it, she will receive an Easter Egg later in the year. Denmark takes its Valentine’s Day holiday pretty seriously and many people tend to take off work or book parties to celebrate this love-filled holiday.

France

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France is often referred to as the most romantic place in the world but the country’s older Valentine’s Day traditions are anything but lovey-dovey. In the past, the French custom called “drawing for” or “a lottery of love” would gather single people in houses facing opposite one another and make them call out the name of their hopeful partner through the window. Women who were jilted by their hopeful Valentine would gather to burn the images of the ungrateful lovers in huge bonfires. The bonfire events would turn pretty ugly, with women yelling and hurling abuses into the fire. Because the ritual would turn into an ugly event filled with ridicule, the French government eventually banned this practice. The St. Valentin Village located in Indre has held a festival since the 1960s to celebrate Valentine’s Day every year from February 12th to the 14th.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor’s in Communication and is currently working on her Master’s. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

For fresh couples or even those who have gotten past the seven year itch, an important part of staying in love is spending time together, doing things you both enjoy. The activities are limitless; you might just need a few ideas to spark your imagination. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here is a short list of great couples’ activities that you can do year-round. 

Dining Together

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Become your own restaurant of the month club. Explore new dining-out ideas and pick the ones that sound most interesting to both of you, then make a reservation and get ready to have a night on the town. Stick to the same day every month to ensure you will always have time to dine together. This is a great opportunity to explore out-of-the-way places or new types of cuisine you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Build in a few romantic nights and feel free to embarrass other diners by making out shamelessly at the table.

Educate With Love

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Do both of you have an interest in do-it-yourself household projects or photography? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to make sushi, wood working or Italian. Adult-education classes represent a great way for the two of you to expand your horizons and knowledge base together, plus acquire a practical skill of value. Make sure to choose an interest you both share and find ways of enjoying it outside of class, too.

Have A Breakthrough 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Couples-only retreats offer you the opportunity to not only explore your relationship but also enjoy activities like hiking, boating, couple’s massage or yoga together. An added plus is being with other, like-minded couples and forming new friendships, which are healthy for any relationship. Look for weekend retreats in interesting locations either close to home or far away, then suspend your current reality and enjoy being together in a completely new environment.

Have A Ball 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Pursue a sports activity together, such as golf, bowling, paddleball or running. Make time to go to the gym or take tennis lessons. Some couples enjoy friendly competition, while others prefer to play games together as if they were little, goofy kids. Whatever your sports style might be, find physical pursuits you both can share that will help you keep both your bodies and your relationship fit and healthy.

Have An Adventure 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Become tourists in your own home town by visiting sight-seeing destinations and attractions, like boat or bus tours, museums and landmarks. Pretend you don’t speak the language and ask people to take your picture together. Re-visit your own personal landmarks, too, like the place where the two of you met or the houses you both grew up in.

Take Time Out 

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Make the world go away by closing the door, shutting off the phones and dimming the lights. Remember that the little, day-to-day moments you share are just as important as the time you plan around activities together. Be a universe of two and spend some time remembering what brought you together in the first place. Congratulate each other on how terrific you are and celebrate being a couple, in any way you choose.

For idea’s on what to get your loved one this Valentine’s Day shop at YourHolidayHints.com

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

The Dallas Theater Center’s year is as epic as the larger-than-life love story portrayed in the new musical “Giant.” The DTC artistic director Kevin Moriarty understands Texas Mystique without succumbing to cartoon stereotypes. The new musical “Giant” is the largest production in the theater’s history and is directed by three-time Tony nominee Michael Greif. “Giant“ is a love story that follows a Texas ranching family through hardships and triumphs over two generations of change. The Wyly Theater in the Performing Arts District is the perfect venue for this ambitious production. Excellent restaurants are nearby in the One Arts building a block away. 
 

(credit: dws.org)

George Gershwin composed his Rhapsody in Blue in 1925 during a wildly romantic period of change in our country. The Dallas Wind Symphony has a lovely nostalgic Valentine’s Day evening in mind with classic love songs like “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Embraceable You,” “Our Love is Here to Stay” and “S’Wonderful.” These renditions will cause new generations to fall in love with Gershwin even more so after hearing a real recording from this legendary composer during the performance. The Arts District has nearby dining options for a perfect Valentine’s Day celebration.

Related: Best Concert Halls & Theaters In North Texas 

(credit: http://www.theatre3dallas.com)

“I love you, you’re perfect, now change” is the longest running show in Dallas’ history. Jack Alder, co-founder of Theatre Three, knows that theatergoers never get tired of seeing a romantic play with realistic comic touches. “I love you, you’re perfect, now change” has laugh out loud moments, dating scenes to make you cringe, memorable wipe-tears-from-your-eyes scenes, universal truths and some of the best romantic spoofs anywhere. The actors have played their parts so many times that they are perfectly in sync with outstanding chemistry. Theatre Too is located downstairs in the same building as Theatre Three in the Quadrangle. There is free covered parking for each show in the Amli Quadrangle parking garage located on the north side of the center.

Related:Best Theater Companies In Dallas

(credit: bringitonthemusical.com)

“Bring It On: The Musical” is energetic and exciting. It’s also full of laughs, great choreography and daredevil stunts thanks to a host of Tony Award winning creators. This lively musical gives theatergoers a different twist and spin on Valentine’s romance. The storyline is simple: two cheerleading squads from two high schools with one National Cheerleading Championship at stake. The competitors have to figure out what is more important: bringing home the trophy or finding true love. It will leave you cheering (hopefully in your seats and not on stage).

(credit: contemporarytheatreofdallas.com)

The Contemporary Theatre of Dallas is an intimate performance space located in a historic converted church. Whether producing a comedy or drama, the producing artistic director Sue Loncar finds a magical connection with her audience. At first glance Tennessee Williams’ “Night of the Iguana” may not seem like a Valentine’s Day play. Williams is known for his depiction of dysfunctional and trapped characters many times more absorbed with themselves than love, but that is the point.

The play focuses on sexual relationships, compassion and characters that reach out to help each other. “Night of the Iguana“ is one of Williams’ finest works. Sip a glass of wine during the performance while discovering Williams’ complicated characters beautifully realized by the Contemporary Theatre.

Marilee Vergati, is an international award winning art director and writer. As a native Dallasite and fifth generation Texan, she brings a unique insight to her beloved state, its events, arts, ecology and people. Her work can be found on <a href=”http://www.examiner.com/events-in-dallas/marilee-vergati”>Examiner.com</a&gt;.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

There are many rumors as to how exactly Valentine’s Day originated. Many people believe it is a holiday created purely by greeting card companies to sell flowers and chocolate. But my girlfriend assures me that is just not true, and if I believe it then I can get used to sleeping on the couch. Others murmur rumblings of Christian martyrs and Popes and love. Not together, or necessarily in that order.

When looking back historically, most people will cite Christianity as Valentine’s Day’s origins. There were numerous early Christian martyrs named Valentine, with a couple — Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni — honored on February 14th itself. No romantic elements arise from any of these Christian figures or their history, however.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

The first recorded instance of associating Valentine’s Day with romantic love comes from Geoffrey Chaucer in 1382, from his “Parlement of Foules“:

For this was on seynt Volantynys day
What euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.

The internet translates this to:

For this was Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.

Written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia, Chaucer’s poem spread through England. So very romantic, even taking into account that both Richard II and Anne of Bohemia were a ripe 15 years old at the time.

On Valentine’s Day in 1400, the French established a “High Court of Love” to deal with love and betrayal, as well as violence against women. Judges at this court were selected by women based on a poetry reading. Some of these poems survive to this day, and many people consider them the first ever valentines. The oldest of which is from Duke of Orléans to his wife, which was in French and very short, so I didn’t include it here.

Fast forward a couple of hundred years to 1784. The first soon-to-be-cliché love poem is found in an English nursery rhyme compilation:

The rose is red, the violet’s blue
The honey’s sweet, and so are you
Thou are my love and I am thine
I drew thee to my Valentine
The lot was cast and then I drew
And Fortune said it shou’d be you.

Isn’t that sweet?

Photo Credit: Public Domain

The transition from lovely day of expression to capitalism at its finest kicked off around 1797, when a British Publisher came out with The Young Man’s Valentine Writer, a collection of writing and verses for men who couldn’t create their own. A giant was born. By the 19th century, paper valentines had become so popular in England that they were produced in factories. Lazy men rejoiced. The first mass-produced valentines in the U.S. were produced shortly thereafter, by Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts, utilizing the resources in her father’s stationary store.

Fast-forward to modern day. In the United Kingdom, 1.3 billion pounds are spent annually on cards, chocolates, flowers and hopefully awesome hot air balloon rides. The U.S. Greeting Card Association, which is apparently real, approximates that nearly 200 million valentines are sent each year, yet somehow I only accumulated three Scooby Doo valentines in third grade.

Now, with the advent and flourish of the internet, love has become even easier and more passive. E-cards, flower delivery websites, love coupons and more have allowed men all over the world to procrastinate caring about their significant others until the very last moment.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

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Valentine’s Day approaches each year like the monster from Cloverfield: quiet at first, but you know it’s there, and suddenly it is everywhere, wreaking havoc from all angles. Then before you know it, it’s all over, and you probably died (or didn’t die) kissing some girl in a park.

Maybe it isn’t that extreme, but Valentine’s Day is inevitable, and for those of us that fall into the “single” or “considering buying friends” or “lying about my relationship on Facebook to try and make my ex jealous” categories, Valentine’s Day is usually spent trying to distract ourselves from our loneliness.

If you are one of the millions of singles just counting the days until February 15th, this article is for you. Let’s take a look at some ways you can cope with couples coddling each other while you freeze your lonely butt off in your cheap peacoat and beanie, lacking any sort of human contact. I’ll discuss ways to distract, occupy and consume yourself while you suffer through this artificial holiday.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Go Out With Other Lonely Coworkers: Remember, you’re not alone. Well, you are, but you’re not the only solo-Valentine. Everyone’s deeply hidden sadness can be cured with a few Jack and Cokes and some Dave and Buster’s skee ball. Or, better yet, Big Buck Hunter. Take out your rage on a few digital deer. With the proper mix of overpriced alcohol and shame you could be headed for an awkward morning after next to a coworker. All Vallow’s Eve (as we sometimes call Valentine’s Day) falls on a Tuesday, so embrace the morning after as a hungover hump day.

Just Play it Totally Cool: Thanks to social media, your ex(es) can track your one-person Valentine’s Day from afar, while they celebrate their newfound love aboard their significant other’s yacht. You must have a rebuttal. Photoshop yourself into some pictures with Rihanna, or on Maury for a paternity test with Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It’s much easier than ever to make yourself look busier and more popular than you actually are. Take advantage of fake retweeting a celebrity to make it seem as though they are trying to talk to you. Example:

RT @LadyGaga Hey @kyleayers, can’t wait for our Valentine’s date tonight. Kisses!

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Reconnect With Your Kids: If this option is even remotely a possibility for you, then I suggest you power down your laptop, get in your Civic and be a better parent.

Watch an Entire Television Series: Watching a single movie has too high of a probability of reminding you of that special someone, plus movies are about two hours long, which is more than 20 hours too short to consume your entire Valentine’s Day. I recommend The Wire or The West Wing, both of which avoid too many malicious relationships, and also have enough episodes to last you until Arbor Day (which I will now google to see exactly when it occurs).

There are numerous ways to make your Valentine’s Day as painless as possible. Find a way to distract yourself, and remember that Valentine’s Day is a competition. So make sure you’re having (or looking like you’re having) a better time than every single one of your exes.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

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Hollywood is forever in search of the next big hit. Sometimes us movie-goers get something so fresh and exciting that we flock to theaters in droves. More often we get enjoyable retreads of last year’s enjoyable retreads. At least we know what’s coming, from the summer action blockbuster, the holiday family movie and, this week, the Valentine’s Day romance.

In our love letter to the love scene, we’ve gathered up the worst romance movie clichés. Maybe Hollywood will finally put these to bed — and start writing some fresh love stories.

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema

Kissing In The Rain

The rainy-day kiss is a romance classic, and cinematographers have all sorts of fun with it. Sure, The Notebook’s dock scene set millions of hearts aflutter. Sure, Spiderman and Mary Jane’s upside-down kiss was all the sexier with the cascading water and epic flashes of thunder. The device definitely works aesthetically. But the overuse makes it seem like most great romances occur only in Portland, during weather disturbances.

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox

Fixing It All With A Stunt

We know that for the sake of a story, everyone’s romantic problems have to be solved in quick satisfying bursts. But since Hollywood also likes to make sure that couples hit huge roadblocks in their relationships, this can make for some utterly ridiculous solutions to big fights/character flaws. Did one of you make a huge mistake? Just hold a boombox outside of the window. Has one of you been a complete jerk to the other? Just sing a song from the rooftops. Or sing it on an airplane!

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Valentine’s Day, like New Year’s Eve and Independence Day, is a holiday that sometimes seems to let us down. It’s supposed to be fun — even magical — but we’re often left wondering why we were ever so excited. It just doesn’t live up to the hype. And it’s worse for those unattached types, who have to suffer through what might also be called “Singles Awareness Day.”

Instead of getting down and out about your Valentine’s Day situation, gather a group of friends and celebrate not having to fake smile when someone gives you a giant red stuffed bear! Here is a stellar menu for an “I Love My Friends But Hate Valentine’s Day” party!

Also Check Out Recipes For A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Roasted Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients:

* 15-20 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus 15-20 full basil leaves
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 2 ounces goat cheese
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Mix together the garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

3. Place the halved Roma tomatoes on a sheet pan and brush the tops of the tomatoes with the oil mixture.

4. Roast for about 40 minutes or until softened and the edges begin to darken.

5. Toast the bread slices in the oven until just lightly browned.

6. Spread each piece with goat cheese.

7. Top with a tomato half and a basil leaf.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Baked Brie

Ingredients:

* One wheel of Brie cheese
* Honey
* Pumpkin seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place the wheel of Brie on a small baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is oozing out from the bottom.

3. Place the baked Brie on a serving platter.

4. Top the brie with about 1/2 cup of honey and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.

5. Serve with pieces of crusty bread or crackers.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Parmesan Popcorn

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 3 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Pour the oil into a deep, heavy-bottom pan and heat briefly.

2. Add the kernels, cover the pot and shake it over the heat until the kernels pop.

3. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and add the butter. Toss to coat

4. Add the grated cheese and garlic powder. Toss again to coat.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Spiked Chocolate Fondue

This may not be a traditional Valentine’s Day party, but you can still have a Valentine’s Day-themed dessert! This one has a little liqueur to kick up the flavor and fun.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 4 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur
* Morsels for dipping (sliced banana, strawberries, raspberries, cubed poundcake, pretzel sticks, graham crackers, brownie bites… whatever your single heart desires)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, heat the cream.

2. Add the chocolate and liqueur, stir until melted.

3. Once melted, serve with skewers and any your delicious accompaniments of choice.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Every Valentine’s Day, people scramble for flowers, candy and restaurant reservations. It’s so stressful, so annoying… so anti-Valentine’s Day! In lieu of buying a bunch of love-themed stuff and shoving it in your sweetie’s face, woo them with a romantic, home-cooked dinner. It’s intimate and special. More than a phone call to a local restaurant, it shows that you care.

Cooking dinner at home can be stressful and time consuming. We’ve put together an impressive, but simple, menu for your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. These three delicious courses are each brimming with aphrodisiacs; they’re guaranteed to put any couple in the mood. You’ve been warned!

Also Check Out Recipes For A Valentine’s Day Singles Party.

Photo Credit: Christine Hinrichs

Spinach And Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese And Figs

Arugula and Figs are the aphrodisiacs in this dish! It’s easy to toss this salad together while the rest of your dinner is cooking away.

Ingredients:

* Large handful of spinach leaves
* Large handful of arugula leaves
* 1/3 cup chopped figs
* 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
* Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
* Drizzle of balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the spinach and arugula in a large bowl.

2. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add the chopped figs and crumbled goat cheese and toss to coat ingredients with dressing.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Saffron Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

Saffron is expensive, but a little bit goes a long way. This “vegetable gold” adds the romance to your main course!

Ingredients:

* 1/4 teaspoon (a small pinch) saffron threads
* 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, use more if needed
* 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
* 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 golden beets, peeled and diced
* 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
* 1 large shallot, cut into half-moon shapes
* Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Line a baking sheet with foil.

3. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with about a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.

4. Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet in an even layer.

5. Bake until softened and browned, about 35-40 minutes.

6. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable broth with the saffron threads on medium low heat. Let the threads steep in the warm liquid for about 15 minutes.

7. In a larger saucepan, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and add the couscous on medium heat. Toast until just browned.

8. Add the saffron liquid and cook couscous according to the directions on the package. Add more liquid if needed until the couscous is cooked.

9. Fluff with a fork. The saffron will give the couscous a lovely, yellow color.

10. Serve the couscous alongside the roasted vegetables and round off the meal with a piece of crusty bread.

11. Top with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate is always a surefire winner. Extra points if you feed each other the dipped morsels.

Ingredients:

* 7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* Morsels for dipping (sliced banana, strawberries, raspberries, cubed poundcake, pretzel sticks, graham crackers, brownie bites… whatever your in-love heart desires)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, melt together the chocolate and cream.

2. Once melted, serve with skewers and any your delicious accompaniments of choice.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Has Valentine’s Day got you down? Is meeting that special someone proving more difficult than you ever thought it could be? Maybe it’s time to change your approach to dating.

Dating websites have come a long way since Match.com launched in the mid-1990s. And the stigma of meeting someone online is all but gone. These days, dating sites offer many opportunities to make a good first impression without the pitfalls of the dreaded “pick up.” You can be sure that the person on the other end wants to meet someone too. With all the personalization features these sites offer and the traffic they receive, the right person is probably out there somewhere right now.

Here are the top 5 dating websites that can change your dating life with just a few clicks:

Photo Credit: Match.com

Match.com

www.match.com

Arguably the best known of the matchmaking websites, Match.com boasts a membership of over 20 million. The site uses your profile to personalize the matches that it delivers to you. It also offers a high level of search customization; the Mutual Match function, for example, allows you to find people who are looking for someone like you. While viewing member profiles is free, a subscription is needed to contact someone (member conversations happen via email, chat and instant messaging). Membership plans range from one to six months.

Photo Credit: Plenty of Fish

PlentyofFish

www.pof.com

POF (as it’s typically called) relies on profiles created through a “chemistry test.” This test tracks five personality dimensions, each of which contributes to building a romantic relationship. Members can view profiles and send messages to people who interest them. The heavily used and well organized forums are there for the viewing without even signing up. Video and audio chat capabilities are also available. The site is free to use, though a paid version may improve one’s chance at a love connection.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Most of us will never date a celebrity. And, in certain cases, that’s just fine.

Nightmare celebrities square off in a Valentine’s Day edition of Pick-A-Side. And you choose the, er, winner.

Select a category below and get started…

Most of us will never date a celebrity. But we can dream, right?

Hot celebrities square off in a Valentine’s Day edition of Pick-A-Side. And you choose the winner.

Select a category below and get started…

Girls’ nights out – they’re an excuse to get dressed up and hit the most fabulous places in the city with some of your best friends. Dinner, drinks, dancing – every girls’ night out has one of these three, but the best ones combine them for the ultimate experience.

Shinjuku Station

711 W. Magnolia Ave.

Fort Worth, TX 76104

(817) 923-2695

directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/286825-Shinjuku-Station

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Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Start off your night with dinner at Shinjuku Station, one of Fort Worth’s most buzz worthy newcomers. This tapas-style Japanese restaurant has prices and portions small enough that everyone in your group can sample something. Be sure to try their tempura a la carte or their mussels. Pair that with a handcrafted cocktail from the bar, and your night is off to a great start!

The Usual

1408 W. Magnolia Ave.

Fort Worth, TX

(817) 810-0114

directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/274201-Usual

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Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Next up, keep the cocktails coming at The Usual. Just a bit further down Magnolia, this bar serves up prohibition era cocktails like sidecars and sazeracs. If you’re not sure what you want, make a request from your friendly bartender – they’ll mix something up that’s just your style. Just pick your liquor and pick your flavors for a custom concoction.

Houston Street Bar and Patio

902 Houston Street

Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 877-4727

directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/219034-Houston-Street-Bar-Patio

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Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

After you’ve had your fill of creative concoctions, make your way to Houston St. Bar and Patio. Grab a seat on the patio and watch as the night rolls by on the streets outside. There’s sometimes a DJ keeping the tunes rolling or, if it’s a quieter night, pick a few songs on the juke box where you can make your own playlist.

The Library

611 Houston St.

Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 885-8201

directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/219041-Library

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Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

From there, it’s time for a change of scene over in Sundance Square for some cheap drinks and, should we say, improved scenery at The Library Bar. If your girls’ night out crowd is looking for some boy-watching, this is a good place to start (and the $3 Long Island Iced Teas certainly don’t hurt, either!)

Embargo

210 E. 8th Street

Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 870-9750

directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/221037-Embargo

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Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Lest we forget about the last of the girls’ night out trifecta, it’s time for dancing! Embargo is the place to go for amazing mojitos and margaritas that’ll give you the courage to hit the dance floor with everyone that’s made it this far on our girls’ night extravaganza. If you get there early enough, there are free salsa classes at 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday.

The best girls’ nights out take you around the town to experience new places and try new things. We’ve given you a list that takes you from dinner to drinks to dancing and right back home again. If we’ve missed your favorite girls’ night out hotspot, let us know in the comments!

Alyssa is a nightlife blogger and local music aficionado currently residing in East Dallas. She writes for a local happy hour website and her personal blog, and can frequently be found tweeting about her favorite bars and bands. 

Every now and then, it’s good to have a night out with some of the guys. Catch a game, see a new band, grab a few drinks – whatever it is, your stops are usually casual and laid back. With that in mind, we’ve come up with some of the must-visit places for a Guys Night Out in Fort Worth:

Flips Patio Grill
6613 Fossil Bluff Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 632-0400
Hours: Daily 11am-2am
http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/242212-Flips-Patio-Grill

Photo Credit: Flipsgrill.com

If your guys night out revolves around baseball, football – okay, it doesn’t matter what sport it is, Flips is a great place to start. The interior boasts some excellent food, good service and plenty of TVs, while the outside patio is a great place to just hang out and catch up with a few friends. Plus, the beer is plenty cheap – especially during happy hour!

The Chat Room
1263 West Magnolia Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 922-8319
Hours: Weekdays 4pm-2am; Sat 12pm-2am; Sun 12pm-12am

http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/221942-Chat-Room

Photo Credit: Velton Hayworth

It’s a dive bar. It has arcade games. It has a pool table. And it has awesome people. If you’re looking for something else out of a guys night out, please let me know in the comments – but I’m thinking this about covers it.

White Elephant Saloon
106 E Exchange Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76164
(817) 624-8273
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 12pm-12am; Fri-Sat 12pm-2am

http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/244512-White-Elephant-Saloon

The White Elephant Saloon has been a Fort Worth staple for more than 100 years.

Located in the Stockyards, this place is great, I promise. Why? The White Elephant Saloon was the inspiration for C.D.’sBarandGrill in Walker, Texas Ranger – and it used to be owned by gunfighter Luke Short, who called among his friends Wyatt Earp and “Doc” Holiday.

Now THAT’S a good reason to make it over to the Stockyards.

Four Day Weekend
312 Houston Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102-7404
(817) 226-4329
Hours: Fri-Sat 7:30pm-10pm

http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/219046-Four-Day-Weekend-Comedy-Troup

(credit: http://www.fourdayweekend.com)

Most of the places so far have been drinking-focused activities, but this place had to get a spot on our list. Some of the best improv in the DFW area can be seen at this theater in Sundance Square at 7:30 and 10 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are a bit steep at $20 apiece, but trust me – it’s worth the cost. It’s so good, we recommend buyingticketsonline a few days before you go.

Flying Saucer
111 East 4th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 336-7470
Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-1am; Thu-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 12pm-12am
http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/252317-Flying-Saucer-Draught-Imporium

Photo Credit: Douglas Lucas

It’s no secret that I love Flying Saucer, and this is the best location in the area. If you’re in luck, the second floor sitting area and bar will be open – it’s quieter, and there are some great places to lounge and watch TV. And let’s not forget, the beer selection can’t be beat.

Did we miss any of your regular spots for your guys night out? Let us know in the comments!

Alyssa is a nightlife blogger and local music aficionado currently residing in East Dallas. She writes for a local happy hour website and her personal blog, and can frequently be found tweeting about her favorite bars and bands. 

Photo Credit: Velton Hayworth

A cozy, romantic dinner with a nice bottle of red wine followed by martinis and live jazz at a swank, candle-lit basement bar. Sound like an expensive date? It doesn’t have to be.

My friend and I started out at Taverna, tucked away in the shadows of the Fort Worth skyline, for some authentic Italian fare. For an appetizer we chose the bruschetta, a healthy portion of diced tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil served in a bowl with sourdough toast on top–and practically a meal in itself. The basil and garlic were just right, and the toast was the perfect complement to the fresh tomatoes.

Photo Credit: Velton Hayworth

At Taverna I usually get the pizza, which is fantastic, but on this visit I went with the homemade lasagna rustica, made with spinach pasta, Bolognese sauce, bechamel, wild mushrooms, prosciutto cotto and Parmesan cheese. The Bolognese sauce was rich and creamy. All the ingredients worked in perfect harmony and the thinly sliced prosciutto cotto, which was layered through the lasagna, took this dish to a gourmet level. My friend had the spaghetti carbonara and loved it. After dinner and a couple glasses of vino there was no room for dessert, just martinis.

Photo Credit: Velton Hayworth

So we were off! We walked a couple of blocks, took a right down a neon-lit back alley, and hopped the elevator to the basement home of the Scat Jazz Lounge, where on Sunday nights it’s hard to tell which flows more freely, the jazz or the $5 martinis. Fourteen years ago the Sunday Night Jam started at the Black Dog Tavern. The Jam has changed venues several times after the Black Dog closed, but finally found the perfect fit at the Scat Jazz Lounge. The Jam, which is open to the public, is hosted by local musicians. (They’re pretty laid back, but if you decide to jump on stage you’d better have some skills because these guys are real pros.)

Photo Credit: Velton Hayworth

Scat has a great vibe and an eclectic crowd. It’s swanky, romantic, and well…it’s the kind of place I could imagine Humphrey Bogart hanging out at back in the day. Sunday is the perfect date night. It’s a little more casual with no cover and drink specials that include the aforementioned $5 Martinis (including specialty), $3.50 well drinks, and $2.50 domestic beers.
After a wonderful night of jazz, martinis, and a couple of shots of Jagermeister it was taxi time for my friend and I. Dinner, wine, jazz, martinis and all came in at $95 plus tax and tips. I think Bogey would’ve been proud.

The Scat Jazz Lounge
111 W 4th St # 111
Fort Worth, TX 76102 (817) 870-9100
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 7pm-2am / Friday: 5pm-2am / Saturdays: 6pm-2am / Sundays: 7pm-2am
http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/219039-Scat-Jazz-Lounge

Taverna
450 Throckmorton St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 885-7502
Hours: Open Mon-Tue 11am-9pm; Wed-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 10am-9pm
http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/219012-Taverna-Fort-Worth-LLC

Velton Hayworth is a local artist who blogs for his personal entertainment website iloveftw.com. To keep up with Fort Worth nightlife or to be introduced to some of The Fort’s best hole-in-the-wall and mom and pop restaurants follow Velton at twitter.com/ilovefortworth

If you’re into music…

Deep Ellum is the place to go. A drink then a show (not a drink AT a show… you do have to talk at some point) at one of Deep Ellum’s best music venues will show your excellent taste. Depending on your music preferences, we recommend grabbing a drink and some tunes at:

La Grange
(booze-filled shaved ice and modern rock/country)
2704 Elm St
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 988-5466
Hours: Open Tue-Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-2am; Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-12am

Trees
(hard rock and a great vibe)
2709 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75226-1425
(214) 741-1122
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7pm-2am

Tucker’s Blues 
(it’s kind of obvious, but yes, Tucker’s is an awesome blues joint)
2617 Commerce St
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 744-2583
Hours: Friday – Saturday 8:00 pm – 2:00 am

If you’re all about variety…

No, not in relationships. In drink, of course! Head to Cork in Uptown, where $20 on a debit card gets you enough wine to make the conversation flow easy, and a secluded table in the back gives you a place to recharge with a cheese plate. You can get to know your date over tastes of wines organized by region, varietal – even those that break the budget over $100 a bottle.

Cork
3636 Mckinney Ave. Ste 170
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 780-0373
Hours: Mon 2 pm – 9 pm / Tue-Wed 2 pm – 10 pm / Thu 2 pm – 11 pm / Fri-Sat 10 am – 12 am / Sun 12 pm – 8 pm

If you just want to hang out…

Grab some beers with your potential partner (dare we say?) at Stan’s Blue Note on Greenville. Brews in mason jars, picnic tables on the patio – how can you go wrong? Plus, Stan’s extensive beer menu gives you the chance to scope out your date’s taste in the finer things. If you’re Bud Light and he’s Miller all the way, or if you wouldn’t touch a light beer with a ten foot pole, you’re better off knowing now rather than later!

Stan’s Blue Note
2908 Greenville Ave
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 827-1977
Hours: Open Mon 3pm-2am; Tue-Sun 11am-2am

If you really want to test the waters…

Now this one is way out there. But if you really want to show a different side to your date, take him or her by Ships, on far lowest Greenville. This bring-your-own-liquor, defines-a-true-dive-bar joint is fun, quirky, and boasts one of the best jukeboxes in town. Share your 60s selections with your date over a Schiltz or a rum and coke, but make sure you don’t slip in any swear words. Cursing is strictly against bar rules.

Ships
1613 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 823-0418
Open Daily 10am-2am

What’s your go-to first date pick?

Alyssa is a nightlife blogger and local music aficionado currently residing in East Dallas. She writes for a local happy hour website and her personal blog, and can frequently be found tweeting about her favorite bars and bands. 

The flower shop is a virtually recession-proof venture. Despite a poor economy, people will always be marrying, graduating, celebrating birthdays and passing on. For these occasions, colors and textures formed in floral arrangements will always be considered a necessity. Here is a guide to some fantastic North Texas flower markets.

(credit: http://www.artsdistrictflowers.com)

Arts District Flower Market

2001 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75201
(800) 879-9002
www.artsdistrictflowers.com

Located in the downtown business district adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Arts District Flower Market offers a wide variety of colorful flower arrangements for any occasion, including seasonal, romance, get well, birthday, baby and funeral. It also offers free delivery to a number of locations in and around Dallas, including hospitals, funeral homes, colleges and universities.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(credit: http://www.parkcitiesflowermarket.net)

Park Cities Flower Market

10238 East Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX 75238
(866) 528-8886
www.parkcitiesflowermarket.net

Conveniently located just north of White Rock Lake in East Dallas, Park Cities Flower Market boasts floral arrangements of all kinds for weddings, romance, sympathy, funerals, get well, seasonal, birthdays or just to make that special someone smile. They also offer gourmet baskets, plants, balloon arrangements and fruit baskets. Additional fees apply for delivery.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

(credit: http://www.thecornermarketflowers.com)

The Corner Market

3426 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 826-8283
www.thecornermarketflowers.com

Greenville Avenue in central Dallas is a well-known nightlife and entertainment hotspot. Located at the intersection of McCommas and Greenville, The Corner Market offers an array of colorful flower arrangements for romance, new baby, thank you, special occasions, weddings, holidays and seasonal. An additional fee applies for delivery.

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(credit: http://www.mockingbirdflorist.com)

Mockingbird Florist

5606 East Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 821-1433
www.mockingbirdflorist.com

Located just east of SMU,  Mockingbird Florist features numerous floral arrangements for all occasions, including get well, sympathy, seasonal, birthdays and weddings. You can also shop by products, which include roses, plants and fruit, and gourmet. Gifts such as crystal, giftware and gift cards are also available. The delivery area extends into Plano, Carrollton, Garland and Richardson.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(credit: http://planoflorist.rtrk.com)

Plano Florist

2143 West Park Boulevard
Plano, TX 75075
(972) 535-8164
planoflorist.rtrk.com

Plano Florist offers a variety of flower arrangements for holidays, weddings, funerals, special occasions, congratulations and anniversaries. Shop by products, including tropicals, gourmet baskets and roses. An additional fee is charged for delivery. This flower market partners with Meals on Wheels, a charity that provides nutrition to the elderly.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

credit: http://www.theconnectionwholesaleflorist.com

The Connection Wholesale Florist at The Flower Market

2733 West 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 377-3660
www.theconnectionwholesaleflorist.com

For fresh-cut flowers, one of Fort Worth’s best is The Connection Wholesale Florist. The Connection combines wholesale and retail sales and operates at The Flower Market, a cash-and-carry bucket shop with flowers from all over the world. Drop in and see customers designing their own bouquets on site, as the company encourages shoppers to bring in their own vase and give designing a whirl. The Connection also offers “The Texas Dozen,” 15 beautiful 40 cm color roses in decorative paper at a wholesale price. Open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

There’s nothing wrong with a noisy sports bar or a hole-in-the-wall taco stand, but when you’re on a first date it’s all about location, location, location. Here are the top destinations that have an inviting atmosphere, a sophisticated menu, and bar options that invite you to linger for another drink or two.

http://www.toulousecafeandbar.com

Toulouse Cafe & Bar

3314 Knox Street
Dallas, TX 75205
214.520.8999
www.toulousecafeandbar.com

Perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner or dessert. It’s a French-style bistro with a lovely patio. (The tables are pressed close together, trés Parisian.) Get a plate of their house specialities to share: mussels and pomme frites. And don’t miss their list of champagne cocktails—it’s the most extensive in Dallas.

credit: http://www.parkhenderson.com

Park

1921 Henderson Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206
214.824.3343
www.parkhenderson.com

It’s the most charming patio in Dallas, complete with split-wood benches and sparkling lights. Their menu is equally winsome and features local, seasonal, sustainable, and organic ingredients. An excellent cocktail menu makes Park a triple-threat with drinks showcasing herbal components like basil and thyme. Just one note of caution, they’re closed Mondays.

credit: http://www.victortangos.com

Victor Tangos

3001 N. Henderson Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206
214.252.8595
www.victortangos.com

Gourmet small plates intended for sharing plus tasty cocktails equal the recipe for a perfect night out. Start with the warm herb goat cheese dip served with tomato jam and crostini. And if you love tacos—who doesn’t?—get an order of the mini crispy carnitas tacos.

credit: http://www.localdallas.com

Local

2936 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75226
214.752.7500
www.localdallas.com

Nestled in the Boyd Hotel, the oldest standing hotel in Dallas, Local is a hidden treasure with an intimate atmosphere, exposed brick walls, and some of the best New American cuisine in Dallas. (Their seared Hudson Valley foie gras on Texas toast with wild blackberry compote is a foodie revelation.)

credit: cruawinebar.com

Crú Wine Bar

3699 McKinney Avenue, Suite 107
Dallas, TX 75204
214.536.9463
www.cruawinebar.com

Their darkly lit interior sets a really nice mood. Sip by the bottle or sample different varieties on one of their wine flights. While they do serve full entrées, their cheese trays and small plates are an excellent choice for two.

credit: facebook.com

Rise No. 1

Inwood Village, Suite 220
Dallas, TX 75209
214.366.9900
www.risesouffle.com

Such a great concept for a restaurant! Rise No. 1 is a soufflé salon & wine bar that celebrates the crowning jewel of French cooking. Try a savory soufflé like truffle-infused mushroom or creamed spinach. For dessert, explore your sweet options, including Grand Marnier and chocolate.

credit: http://www.thegraperestaurant.com

The Grape

2808 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206
214.828.1981
www.thegraperestaurant.com

If your date consists of after-work drinks, The Grape has an excellent happy hour in the bar & patio with cocktails, beers, wine and tasting plates on special. While their burger has been named “Best in Texas,” it’s only available on Sunday & Monday. Any other day of the week, try the Coq au Vin Blanc.