It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and you know what that means? It’s time to make some last-minute romantic plans.
Love is in the air this year in Northern Kentucky, and we’ve got some great date-night, Galentine’s and family-friendly recommendations for you. From restaurants with chill vibes and low lighting to charcuterie board and craft classes to places to get drunk (whether you’re single or taken) to unique speed dating and more, we’ve got you this Feb. 14.
Read on for tons of different types of ways to spend your Valentine’s Day in Northern Kentucky.
Check out a date-night spot recommended by the LINK team
We recently asked the LINK team for their recommendations on various kinds of dining and for this Valentine’s Day, we’re bringing you the team’s top date night spots for some romantic inspiration.
When it comes to date-night spots, a common thread for the LINK team seemed to be good drinks and good (i.e., low) lighting, because … do we really need to see our dates or have them see us?
Recommended as the best place for a date night by both Nicole Trimpe, our VP of development, and Brad Crosby, VP of sales, was Ripple Wine Bar on Pike Street in Covington. This cozy spot features an ever-changing collection of wines, small bites like cheese and charcuterie boards, and what they call “petite entrees” ranging from perogies to beef Wellington popovers to various flatbreads. Of the space, Brad said, “We love the joyful atmosphere and the big-city vibe it gives off in such a small space. The wine is pretty good, too.”
Staying in Covington, CEO Lacy Starling’s go-to for a date night is Junipers, a gin bar with a robust martini list and a rotating menu of small plates featuring bar favorites like warmed olives and a Deviled Egg Trio. “It’s such a great place to go and get small plates and craft cocktails,” Lacy said. “There are no TVs, and the lighting is SUPER flattering.”
Mentioned by several staff members, Camporosso in Fort Mitchell is a favorite of the LINK team, and it’s one of our business reporter Kenton Hornbeck’s favorite date-night spots. This wildly popular wood-fired pizza place was featured in Food & Wine magazine’s “The Best Pizza in Every State” as one of the top pizzerias in Kentucky. In Kenton’s opinion, “People might not want to hear this, but Camporosso might have the best pizza in Greater Cincinnati.”
Knotty Pine on the Bayou in Cold Spring is the go-to for Shelly Braun, LINK’s office and production manager. For over 50 years, this spot has stuck to classic Cajun-influenced dishes like Cajun shrimp boil, oysters on the half-shell, gumbo and more.
Create a lovely craft
Make a Valentine’s Day craft at Board & Brush in Crestview Hills. At this DIY workshop, you’ll be able to create your own wooden design, this can be enjoyed as a couple or with the whole family. All the materials are provided. Attendees select a piece of wood from their gallery and are given step-by-step instructions on painting and/or staining to create a piece of art. Beer and wine are available for purchase in the studio.
Board & Brush offers various workshops; the Valentine’s Day Pick Your Project Workshop offers seats for $117 or $73 for an individual.
Pre-registration is required for each person, learn more at boardandbrush.com.
Create your own charcuterie board
Spend a romantic evening or a Galentine’s Day in a charcuterie board-making class at VomFass in Crestview Hills.
During the class, participants learn techniques for creating a charcuterie board, which the class will then enjoy along with a salad, bread and dip, plus two glasses of wine. Recipes for items made during the class and discounts on any purchases made during the event are included with the class.
In the advanced charcuterie class, participants will be able to take home the board and the food they pick out. If you have six or more people participating, you can book a private class for just $5 more than a public class.
Public classes are $25 for regular and $30 for advanced. To register, call the store at 859-331-1896.
Sip your way through the B-Line
What’s more romantic than a bourbon bar? Well, some people may have other ideas, but not in Kentucky.
You can enjoy some local libations with The B-Line, aka The Bourbon Line. This self-guided NKY bourbon tour includes nine distilleries, nine bourbon bars (all of which have over 100 bourbons on offer) and 10 bourbon-centric restaurants. There are stops from Covington and Newport all the way down to Augusta and Maysville.
How do you actually do the B-Line?
Well, you can just visit any of the 26 stops on the tour, but you can also participate by picking up a “B-Line pass” at any of the participating locations or downloading an online version. Once you check in at two distilleries, two bars and two restaurants, you’ll get a free gift.
Find a list of all participants and find events at thebline.com.
NKY Valentine’s Day Events
Unhinged Speed Dating at Commonwealth Sanctuary
This Valentine’s Day, Louisville stand-up comedians Hillary Boston and June Dempsey are coming to Commonwealth Sanctuary in Dayton for a one-of-a-kind speed dating event.
Unhinged Speed Dating blends classic speed dating rounds and comedy. Participants will be invited to join in activities like piñatas, crafts and balloon animals. The event is LGBTQ-friendly and welcomes those seeking both friendship and romantic connections.
Feb. 14 from 7-9 p.m. at 522 5th Ave., Dayton. For tickets and more details, visit simpletix.com.
A Romantic Night to Remember at Revival Vintage Spirits & Bottle Shop
Revival Vintage Spirits & Bottle Shop in Covington is creating a romantic vibe this Valentine’s Day. The shop will feature special guest singer Haylee Dobkins, exclusive drink specials and food available for order from Ripple Wine Bar.
Fe. 14 starting at 7 p.m. at 614 Madison Ave., Covington. Find more information at facebook.com/revivalvintagespirits.
Family Valentine’s Day at The Post
Looking for something to do with the whole family this Valentine’s Day? Head over to The Post Taps & Bottle Shop in Fort Thomas for a Family Valentine’s Day. The night will consist of free Singo and cookie decorating.
Feb. 14 from 6-8 p.m. at 1136 S Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas. Find more information at facebook.com/ThePostFT.