Ten romantic things to do in Albany this Valentine’s Day

Romantic ideas for a Valentine’s treat

Good news for people who’ve waited until the last minute to plan a Valentine’s Day date with their sweetie: there are plenty of places in Albany offering specials for a romantic evening.

Valentine meals

Novak’s Hungarian: You’ve got several chances to take your date out for an authentic Hungarian feast at Novak’s. This Albany favorite is offering their Sweetheart Special, a five-course dinner for two, on Thursday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 14, and Saturday, Feb. 15. 541-967-9488.

Marks Ridge Winery: There are still a few spots available at the winery’s Prime Rib & Pinot event on Feb. 14. Enjoy a vertical tasting of estate-grown pinot noir paired with appetizers, a prime rib dinner, and dessert. 541-367-3292

Heart-shaped pizzas and Taste of Italy Valentine Feast: Enjoy a tasty Valentine-themed meal at home or out. Pizza King has been making heart-shaped pizzas on Valentine’s Day for 28 years; order one and enjoy it with your family. If you want to dine out, Chef Ruby Lewis’ Valentine Feast at Pizza King is sold out for Friday, Feb. 14, but openings are available on Saturday, Feb. 15. for this four-course Italian feast. 541-926-9468

Loafer’s Station: This downtown Albany restaurant is offering a special limited Valentine menu on Feb. 14. The meal includes steak and lobster for two, wine, dessert to share, and a rose. Loafer’s also has other menu specials available for those who want a different dining option. 541-926-8183.

Frankie’s: This new North Albany favorite specializing in locally-grown, farm-to-table cuisine is planning a special “His & Hers” menu in honor of Valentine’s Day. 541-248-3671.

Sybaris Bistro: Downtown Albany’s well-known fine-dining spot is all sold out for Friday, Feb. 14, but spots are still available for Feb. 15. Delay your date a day and enjoy the innovative cuisine at this eclectic Northwest bistro.

Other date ideas

Live Celtic music: For a laid-back evening, enjoy craft beers at the Calapooia Brewing Co. while listening to live music from Northwest neo-Celtic band Lark. Music starts at 8 p.m., no cover.

Pix Theatre: Take your sweetie out to see a romantic movie. The Pix Theatre in downtown Albany is showing the Oscar-nominated film “Her.” Owner and resident movie geek Rod Bigner calls it “a very outside-the-box look at love, relationships, and what it means to share your life with someone.” The Pix serves dessert, chocolate, beer and wine for an extra special-occasion treat.

A walk in the park: No money? No problem. May we suggest taking your sweetie for a sunset stroll? Albany has miles of walking public walking paths and trails. Check out the Albany Parks Department’s site for maps and descriptions. We recommend the Dave Clark riverfront path–it runs right along the Willamette River for plenty of scenic vistas, and it’s nearby downtown shops for window-shopping or free attractions like the Albany Regional Museum (open 11 a.m.-4 p.m.); Historic Carousel and Museum (open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.); or Gallery Calapooia art gallery (open 11 a.m.-6 p.m.).

Do you have other Valentine’s Day date suggestions? Comment and let us know!