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A Perfect Night in Temple: The Best Places to Take Your Valentine

woman at a table in a wine cellar

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s easy to question how you can spend the day to make your significant other feel special. We tend to get caught up in the same routine, and making outings to restaurants or performances begins to feel less exciting. With this list of activities and experiences, you’re sure to find something new to do this Valentine’s Day! From dining experiences like brunch, Italian, and dessert, to creative and cultural activities, we’ve included a little something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our top list of date night ideas to take your Valentine’s Day from ordinary to extraordinary.

woman at a table in a wine cellar

Dining Experiences

What better way to show someone you love them, than buying them food? Many people would argue that food is their love language. We’ve selected some of the best spots in Temple to take your date for some fine dining.

If a Valentine’s Day brunch is your thing, try Megg’s Cafe, serving fresh-baked bread and food from local farmers. Pair your eggs and waffles with a fun breakfast cocktail like a mimosa trio with cranberry juice, apple juice, and fresh-squeezed O.J. The family-owned restaurant has a cozy environment – perfect for those wanting to take their significant other out on a nice, romantic brunch date.

For palette-elevating cuisine with signature wines, try Pignetti’s or La Riv Kitchen and Bar in downtown Temple. Pignetti’s offers indulgent Italian food in a classic atmosphere, while La Riv provides an elegant farm-to-fork experience. The menu at La Riv is seasonal, and all pasta is freshly homemade for an unforgettable experience. If you and your date value experiences, they even offer private cooking lessons!

If you’re worried that you may get overwhelmed in the Valentine’s Day crowd at Pignetti’s then listen to this insider’s tip! Head over to Pignetti’s on the Thursday before for their weekly “Thursday Date Nights”. Every Thursday, diners are able to enjoy fresh Italian food and  select great deals on wines. 

If your special someone needs a sweet tooth cure, check out GoGo’s Treatery for froyo, gelato, and cupcakes. Cupcake flavors like Death by Chocolate, Red Velvet, and Sugar Cookie are available every day, but they also have daily flavors. Pair one of their daily cupcake flavors with a frozen treat and enjoy the flavors together. 

Creative and Cultural Experiences

If you and your date appreciate the arts, try creating your own masterpiece together, or enjoy a show at Temple Civic Theater.

For a fun-filled, creative activity, join Painting With a Twist for date night— a gift and an experience all in one. You can even invite your group of friends to join you! This experience is perfect for those who want to spend time together while doing something out of the ordinary. Plus, you get to keep your paintings as a memory of the experience.

If you like to watch art more than you fancy creating it, a live performance may better suit you and your date. Enjoy a cultural outing to Temple Civic Theater and watch Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Temple Civic Theater is a community, non-profit corporation that provides entertainment with shows for every kind of viewing experience. Read more about the February performance here

woman holding shoe in a store

Shopping in Temple

Everyone loves shopping when someone else is buying. Take your date shopping at one of Temple’s many shops to buy them something you know they’ll love.

With about 40 shops under one roof, The Hub has everything you need –  from apparel, to jewelry, to fresh floral bouquets. If you’re skeptical about what gift to purchase for your significant other, let them pick it out themselves.

Other stores in downtown Temple, like Darling Decor and More, are home to vintage finds that your date will love. Darling Decor’s unique selection is constantly changing, so you can bet you’ll find something one of a kind for your significant other. They even have a selection of Valentine’s Day apparel!

couple sitting in front of a lake

Secluded Rendezvous

If a quiet getaway is more your style, we have options for that too. Enjoy some personal time with your significant other, without the chaos of the crowd.

For the outdoor enthusiast, take your date on a picnic this Valentine’s Day at one of Temple’s many parks. If you own a boat, take your date to Temple Lake Park and find a secluded spot on the lake. Even if you don’t own a boat, the park is the perfect place for a picnic as you watch the sunset over the lake. The park also offers grilling spaces, if you want to impress your date with your top-notch cooking skills.

Kick back and relax with a romantic trip to Invisions Day Spa. The spa offers massage therapy, and a wide selection of facial treatments. Invisions is the perfect place to go on a date with your special someone if you want to get away without leaving Temple.

Regardless of how you show your love, the ideal date night for you exists in Temple. Whether it’s dinner and a movie, brunch before a spa day, or a classic picnic in the park, we have options to fill your entire day.  Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with these top picks in Temple.