Valentine's Day events in Northeast Ohio

Believe it or not, especially those who might believe it coincided with the emergence of Hallmark, its greeting cards and kitschy gifts, St. Valentine’s Day has been linked with romance for more than 600 years. Chaucer’s poem “The Parliament of Fowls” may have been the exact moment — though that was centuries before Henry VIII declared the day a holiday for lovers.

Whichever, it has become a major industry in the modern world. Be it candy, chocolate-covered strawberries, engagement rings or just a simple card and a night out to eat, Americans will spend nearly $30 billion on or around Feb. 14 this year, according to Yahoo Finance. The average participant will drop $200, which means a lot of folks will eat at Applebee’s next Saturday since these days two Franklins doesn’t get you far at top-end restaurants.

Anyone can go out to eat, though. And Wooster is home to a variety of eating spots that could be described as Valentiny, including the City Square Steakhouse and Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern, to name two.

The best Valentine’s Day gestures are the most creative ones, the ones nobody saw coming. The area is chock full of them too. For those looking to step at least a little out of their comfort zone, here are some things available to do this Valentine’s Day.

Want a bit of an appetizer for the big day? Head over to Flex Yoga (www.flexyogawooster.com, 330-601-0980) together for a couple’s massage. A great deal at about $100, you and your Valentine can enjoy an hour of getting the kinks worked out.

Massage therapy not your thing? Then consider "Couples Therapy." No, not the one with Dr. Shrinker, where you pay $500 an hour to air your grievances. We’re talking the hilarious audience-interactive theatrical show. And you can see it, appropriately enough, this Valentine’s Day at 7:30 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (www.uakron.edu/ej, 330-253-2488) on the campus of The University of Akron. Tickets are less than $50.

Want to make a night of it in the Rubber City? Think about stopping before the show at the Diamond Grille (330-253-0041, www.diamondgrille.com), just a couple miles away, for one of the best steaks in Northeast Ohio. Afterward, head over to Lock 3, which is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, and lace up your ice skates — $5 if you have your own skates and $10 if you have to rent them.

Lock 3 also is home to Winterblast, which is in its 21st season. Enjoy an ice bike ride or ice bumper cars if you’re not much of a skater. Call 330-375-2877 or visit www.akronohio.gov/departments/lock_3/index.php to verify hours.

Willing to go a little farther, head north to the Cleveland Museum of Art (216-421-7350, www.clevelandart.org), which offers docent-led tours focusing on romantic themes and the discovery of ways affection, desire, devotion and longing have inspired art over time. Experience artwork along with musical performances. Valentine’s Day tours, like many things at the CMA, are free, though a ticket is required.

Most lists of the best romantic spots in Northeast Ohio include Canton’s Gervasi Vineyard (330-497-1000, www.gervasivineyard.com). The Tuscan-inspired winery and resort offers a variety of couples-centric ideas and activities, from overnight stays to intimate dining, wine-tasting, live music and handcrafted cocktails. The vineyard features a full-service spa along with scenic walking paths for those looking for a little alone time.

Closer to home, consider visiting the Secrest Arboretum in Wooster. Start Valentine’s Day off with a guided bird walk from 9-11 a.m. Free of charge, Greater Mohican Audubon Society members will guide birders of all skill levels. Parking and admission are free. Call 330-263-3761 or visit secrest.osu.edu/home.

Want to make a weekend of it? Head to Holmes County for the Amish Country Wine Trail (www.visitamishcountry.com/discover-wines-amish-country), a three-day excursion that begins with the Baltic Mill Winery in downtown Baltic (south of Sugarcreek on state Route 93), and make your way around to the Sunny Slope Winery, Doughty Glen Winery, Holmes County Open Air Art Museum and several more stops.

When it’s time to slow things down at the end of your Valentine’s Day activities, the area features a pair of first-rate hotels made for romance or just a peaceful night’s sleep after taking in the many activities going on throughout Northeast Ohio. The St. Paul Hotel in downtown Wooster and The Inn at Honey Run in Millersburg provide great escapes and a tremendous departure from standard overnight fare.

The St. Paul Hotel (330-601-1900, www.stpaulhotelwooster.com), Wooster’s Boutique accommodation, bills itself as an intimate setting that whispers romance. Billed elsewhere as urban chic, the St. Paul is the perfect launching spot for a weekend full of Valentine’s events. It’s also within walking distance to many of Wooster’s most popular eateries.

Relax and rekindle at the Inn at Honey Run (330-674-0011, www.innathoneyrun.com), which features the best of all worlds for those looking for a quiet getaway that’s not too far from anything but seems like it’s far from everything. The resort includes fine dining at Tarragon and walking trails, authentic Amish buggy rides, and, of course, comfortable and private accommodations, providing an intimate retreat and a quiet and tranquil experience. Best of all, the hotel is adults-only.

These are just a few ideas of what a couple can do on Valentine’s Day. Want to do more than one? Or all of them? Many of them can be experienced no matter what day it is. So can Applebee’s, though, so make this date night one to remember.