Our dinner date at Alla Famiglia in Allentown (which is a great place to spend Valentine’s Day!)
Our delicious and memorable meal that evening!
Although Ted & I work together, live together, and raise our family together, it can be difficult to find time to break away and talk about something other than our kids, clients, or the craziest things we saw in a house the other day. Although some may say Valentine’s Day is an overrated commercial holiday, for us, it’s an opportunity to be intentional about spending quality time together. By far, our favorite way to spend date night is exploring Pittsburgh’s food and culture. We love trying new places for dinner and admiring the unique food and atmosphere.
As Pittsburgh realtors, we’d put our knowledge of each neighborhood up against anyone else’s! Here are some of our favorite Valentine’s Day ideas around the ‘Burgh:
Ice Skating
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Schenley Hill, North Hills
Nothing is quite as romantic as holding hands while gliding over the ice! Head Downtown, to Schenley Park, or to North Park for some quality time. Whether you’re an expert or a novice, all three locations are great places for some fun exercise.
Dinner With a View on Mount Washington
Neighborhood: Mount Washington
Grandview Avenue is named for its gorgeous view of the city, but it also gives you some wonderful views of good food! Grandview is lined with great restaurants—all of which overlook Pittsburgh. The tough question: Do you want Altius, The Grandview Saloon & Coal Hill SteakHouse, Vue 412 or LeMont Restaurant?
Point Park
Neighborhood: Downtown
It might be cold in the middle of February, but if you plan on getting Downtown for the 14th, slip over to Point Park. You can catch the night lights bouncing off all three rivers—it’s a beautiful, quiet way to end Valentine’s Day. Dress warmly!
Wholey’s
Neighborhood: The Strip District
Want a classy meal without the high prices? Stop at Wholey’s for the nicest food in Pittsburgh for that romantic candle-lit dinner at home.
Cooking Class at Gaynor’s
Neighborhood: South Side
Learn to cook like the pros while getting to taste the fruits of your labor! Gaynor’s School of Cooking has Couples Nights where you can cook and make new friends with your special someone.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Neighborhood: Downtown
Cuddle up to your favorite person while soaking in the sounds of pianist Emanuel Ax playing classic romance ballads on Valentine’s Day. If you can’t make it to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, that’s OK! On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Symphony will perform the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet.
Dinner and a Show
Neighborhood: Downtown
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District is buzzing with new shows, and plenty are open on Valentine’s Day. Grab dinner at one of the District’s fine eateries, then stroll the sidewalks until you find a show that’s perfect for you and your date!
Make a Candle at The Candle Lab
Neighborhood: Lawrenceville
Nothing sets the Valentine’s Day mood quite like candles, but you don’t have to rely on boring store-bought candles. Take your date to The Candle Lab in Lawrenceville to mix and match your favorite scents for the evening.
Sip on the Wine Walk
Neighborhood: Squirrel Hill
Two days after Valentine’s Day, Uncover Squirrel Hill is hosting its first Valentine’s Day Weekend Wine Walk. Explore Squirrel Hill’s business district with some of your favorite wines on February 16.
Lots and Lots of Flowers
Neighborhood: Oakland
Forget the bouquet! Express your love with an entire botanical garden. Visit Phipps Conservatory over your lunch hour on Valentine’s Day, or visit on Friday night, when the gardens are open until 10 PM.
Where do you love to spend Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments below! If you’d like to learn even more about Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods (and their wonderful houses and real estate opportunities), contact us!
Cheers,
Julie & Ted