Written by: Tiffany Timmer, Day of Coordinator
Our favorite holiday is right around the corner! We love to celebrate love, whether it’s on a wedding day, anniversary, Valentine’s Day or just an average Wednesday. Holland supplies amazing options to celebrate the people in your life that you love the most. From restaurants to bars to activities, we’ve collected our favorite must do’s in Holland to help you plan something special for that someone special.
Obstacle 1
For a truly unique speakeasy experience, visit Obstacle 1 on 8th Street. This intimate, little bar on the end of Holland’s main street is a one of a kind stop for amazing cocktails and small plates. The bar specializes in hand crafted drinks from your everyday favorites to the extravagant. Obstacle shares a kitchen with next door neighbor, Poquito, and has a menu of tapas available while sipping on drinks like The Hemingway. Manchego Truffle Fries and Tostones Fritos are a crowd favorite. And you just can’t beat the ambiance. Dark and moody with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a fabulous under-lit bar top, Obstacle is the perfect setting for a sexy night out for drinks.
https://www.obstacleholland.com
Sperry’s Movie House
Right next door to Obstacle 1, you will find Sperry’s Movie House. Everyone loves dinner and a movie. Sperry’s takes a night out at the movie one step further and gives you dinner with your movie. Guests at Sperry’s can purchase their tickets, then order from an extensive dinner menu and get comfortable in their seats. Orders are delivered to your movie seats and you can dine in theater while watching the movie. With a full menu of amazing options like angus-beef burgers, artisan pizzas and loaded tater tots, there is something for everyone. Sperry’s also has a full bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. And don’t worry, the concessions still has your classic movie staples of popcorn and candy. Sperry’s has two floors of screening rooms and an optional “playhouse” theater just right for your little Valentines that might like to wiggle during the show.
https://www.sperrysmoviehouse.com/sites/Sperrys-Moviehouse-Holland/002
Photo credit: Hollandsentinel.com
Holland Area Arts Council Pottery Night
For a more hands-on date night, why not try your hand at the pottery wheel? On February 14 The Holland Area Arts Council invites you and your loved one to join their ceramics course. The course will teach you how to throw pottery on a ceramics wheel (no experience required) Light refreshments will be served. Not into arts and crafts? The Arts Council has a variety of events in February, including a dramatic reading of Sherlock Holmes on February 7 and 8. Make a night of it and grab dinner at the local pub, Skiles, next door, then step inside the council for a little mystery story telling. For a more laid back, intimate date, stop in on your own to enjoy the extensive collection of artwork. The Holland Area Arts Council is home to three professional galleries: the Barbara H. Padnos Gallery, the Jane Armstrong Gallery, and the Lievense Gallery. Admission is free of charge.
https://www.hollandarts.org/events-1
205 Coffee Bar
Love and Coffee go together like wine and cheese. At 205 Coffee Bar you can have both on Valentine’s day! Our favorite local coffee bar is a must do for the morning of February 14. The coffee shop offers a range of delicious lattes, iced coffees, pour overs and more. Fill up with the breakfast menu of avocado toast or try one of their homemade waffles served daily until 1:00pm. On Valentine’s night, 205 is hosting a Fromage and Fizz Workshop alongside one of our favorite local vendors, Great Lakes Charcuterie. Join in as the hosts present different cheeses and cocktails to sample and discuss pairing options. If you love the spread, consider having Great Lakes Charcuterie take care of your cocktail hour food needs at your wedding!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fromage-fizz-valentines-day-workshop-tickets-1221553051059
Holland Hiking Trails
Start the year off with some exercise! You don’t need to spend money to have a romantic Valentine’s Day. Holland’s gorgeous views are the perfect backdrop for a sweet afternoon of hiking our local trails. Van Raalte Farms has miles of different trails through a wooded scene that leads to the perfect sledding hill for the very adventurous. Sanctuary Woods is a lovely spot to take in the views of Lake Michigan and makes an easy loop (this trail involves extensive stairs) and provides a quiet, peaceful location to sit and enjoy nature. For the winter sports enthusiast, try Riley Trails. The park has paths for both walking and cross-country skiing, novice and more advanced. And you can’t beat the views at Holland State Park, whether you attempt the trails of Mount Pisgah or opt for a stroll along the pier to see Big Red, Lake Michigan never disappoints.
https://miottawa.org/park-locations/riley-trails
Candle Making Classes at Windmill Island
You can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day without a little candlelight! The gem of Holland, Windmill Island, located within walking distance and right on the waterfront, is here to help you with all your candle making needs. Join in on the fun of making and designing your own candle in the adorable and quaint setting of Windmill Island. Light refreshments will be provided. The park is designed to commemorate and celebrate the Dutch Heritage of Holland with miniature Dutch shops, gardens and paths that mirror the straits of the Netherlands. The authentic Windmill is the perfect photo op for your Valentine’s Day portraits post candle making.
https://www.cityofholland.com/471/Windmill-Island-Gardens
Photo courtesy of holland.org
Whether you prefer a night out wining and dining or something more interactive and relaxed, Holland has a variety of options to help you celebrate the special people in your life. Love deserves a night out every day of the year, we hope your Valentine’s Day is as unique as you are!