We are twelve days from Valentine’s Day – have you made your plans? If you’re anything like me, you haven’t, but you’ve been dropping not so subtle hints to your S.O., like crazy.
*Hey Cory, I want to go to Cork & Cow and eat all the food for Valentine’s Day?*
If you’re still brainstorming ideas (or maybe you don’t even know what kind of evening you’d like to have), I’ve got you covered – from the romantic night out to a Galentine’s Day tradition, you’ll find it all right here in Franklin, Tennessee.
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Romantic Night
You: “Valentine’s Day only comes once a year, so I might as well eat the entire box of chocolates, drink the whole bottle of wine, and treat myself (and my significant other, I guess) to that fancy dinner.”
The Activity: Premiere Experience at Arrington Vineyards
Nothing says romance like an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Williamson County’s premier vineyard – Arrington Vineyards. This private tasting takes place at Arrington’s newly renovated Wine Loft.
Master Vintner, Kip Summers, has selected five of Arrington’s award-winning wines then paired them with gourmet cheeses and seasonal selections.
After the tour, grab a bottle of wine and take in the picturesque views of scenic Williamson County, Tennessee as the sun goes down.
Dinner: Cork & Cow
Now here’s your chance to indulge. Cork & Cow is one of the many world-class restaurants here in Franklin, Tennessee.
They have received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and won a Diners’ Choice Award in 2017 from Open Table. Their menu features delicious starts, creative entrees, and an impeccable cocktail selection.
The NightCap: JJ’s Wine Bar
Nothing is more romantic than winding down in a relaxed atmosphere like JJ’s Wine Bar. JJ’s Wine Bar is located in a building that is listed on the National Historic Registry.
It was formerly a private residence, but now it’s been converted to an upscale wine bar with a trendy edge.
With 28 types of wine on tap, you and your date can choose how much you want – a taste, a half-serving, or a full-serving. Not a wine-o? No worries! JJ’s also features premium beers and liquors.
Anti-Valentine’s Day
You: “Valentine’s Day is the worst! It was totally invented by the greeting card companies to make an extra buck. But I still want to hang out with my significant other because we’re best friends and that’s just what we do.”
The Activity: Chocolate Tour at Schakolad
Just because you hate Valentine’s Day, doesn’t mean you can’t partake in a chocolate-covered strawberry now and then.
You can schedule your two-hour private chocolate party with Schakolad Chocolate Factory. While they don’t offer the tour on Valentine’s Day, you can schedule a little post-Valentine’s Day surprised for your loved ones!
The tour requires 8 people, so grab your friends and get to devouring delicious chocolate! They provide the fresh creamy chocolate, an expert Schakolatier, a flowing chocolate fountain, and fresh fruits for dipping! *Editor’s Note: Schakolad is a great activity for any time of year and is perfect for those of you who love Valentine’s Day, too!*
Dinner: Grab a Drink and a Spud at McCreary’s Irish Pub
Want to avoid the prix fixe menus? Head over to McCreary’s Irish Pub, where you’ll be treated like family any day of the week!
Grab a pint (yes, a true pint) and spud and enjoy a night of delicious pub fare and live Celtic music in this family-friendly setting.
The NightCap: End the night with Music at Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor
Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor is the ideal spot for live music in Franklin, Tennessee. Sit back, enjoy the music, and let the high-pressure holiday that is Valentine’s Day roll off your back as you dance the night away.
Galentine’s Day
You: “I just need a day with my girlfriends! Maybe a few drinks, a little shopping, a few more drinks, a chocolate pinata…that will have me feeling refreshed!”
The Activity: Shopping
Is it really a girls’ weekend without a little shopping? This Galentine’s Day (February 13 – mark your calendars!) treat you and your friends to a day of shopping.
From shopping boutiques in Downtown Franklin to scoring vintage finds in Nolensville, there’s a shopping destination in Williamson County just waiting to be discovered!
Dinner: Ludlow & Prime
If you haven’t been to Ludlow & Prime in Brentwood, Tennessee yet, you need to go. Like right now. Stop reading this and go.
Welcome back! Wasn’t that delicious? Ludlow & Prime is my ideal setting for a day or night out with my closest girlfriends!
Their delicious menu, friendly waitstaff, and chic environment is my kind of Galentine’s Day setting!
The NightCap: Uncle Julio’s
Two Words: Chocolate Pinata. No Galentine’s Day is complete without it.
Singles
You: “Just because I’m single doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my evening! Maybe I’ll make new friends while I’m out, or serendipitously meet ‘the one.’ I’m up for anything!”
The Activity: Meet the Makers Event Series
The Meet the Makers Event Series at the Visitor Center is the perfect way to start your S.A.D (Singles Awareness Day).
Depending on which weekend you choose to celebrate, you’ll find either Leiper’s Fork Distillery (February 10) or H Clark Distillery (February 17) in the visitor center talking about their distilling processes and pouring complimentary samples of their products.
Dinner: Oscar’s Taco Shop
Everyone needs some love in their life – including you. This Valentine’s Day, you’ll fall in love when you eat a delicious meal from Oscar’s Taco Shop.
There are several locations around Franklin, Tennessee, so pick your favorite and chow down!
The Night Cap: Gray’s on Main
While Gray’s on Main is a great spot for a Valentine’s Day date, it also doubles as an incredible music venue.
World-class acts have graced their stage, and if you’re looking for a spot to end your night, Gray’s is the place! Pull up a seat at their bar, grab a drink, and soak it all in!
Family Day
You: “There’s so much love in my life that I want to make sure my whole family is involved! And also this is totally last minute, and I can’t get a sitter, so I guess we’re stuck with the kids.”
The Activity: The Movie Gang presents The Beauty & The Beast
The Movie Gang calls the Franklin Theatre home and what better place to spend Valentine’s Day than at the “Home of First Kisses?” This year, The Movie Gang will show The Beauty & The Beast, and it’s sure to be a night to remember!
Attendees will receive free heart-shaped cookies from Frothy Monkey and have the chance to participate in a Disney Themed Karaoke Contest (Can You Feel The Love Tonight, anyone?) Oh, and did I mention that it’s actually on Valentine’s Day?
This way, you get the best of both worlds – spend actual Valentine’s Day with your whole family and still get the weekend for a romantic evening with your significant other.
Dinner: Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom is a local favorite for family outings! With a kid-friendly menu, tons of vegetarian options, and a great beer list, there is literally something for everyone at Mellow Mushroom!
The Night Cap: Whit’s Frozen Custard
If you aren’t ending every night with an ice cream cone, I hate to tell you, but you’re doing it wrong.
End your family-themed Valentine’s Day date with a stop at Whit’s Frozen Custard in Berry Farms! Is ice cream not striking your fancy? Don’t fret! They also have some terrific coffee options!
How do you plan to spend Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments below!