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Celebrate love in all its forms this Valentine’s season by gifting sweet treats inspired by the romantic holiday, or partaking in unique experiences geared towards date night for couples and pals alike. Whether sharing a moment with a loved one or gathering with friends, these local gems are offering exclusive opportunities to make Friday, February 14 (and beyond) unforgettable! From intimate vinyl markets to custom brew experiences and decadent desserts, discover the perfect way to enjoy Valentine’s Day at 48 Record Bar, Bluebird Distilling, Cake Life Bake Shop, Char & Stave, DreamWorld Bakes, Famous 4th Street Delicatessen, Korbel California Champagne®, My Local Brew Works, Pink Elephant, Poi Dog Sauces, Puttshack, Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, and Stratus Rooftop Lounge.

Check out full details below! 

VALENTINE’S DAY-THEMED SIPS, SWEET TREATS, & MORE FOR GIFTING:

Bluebird Distilling, Phoenixville’s award-winning grain-to-glass craft distillery, boasts a robust catalogue of acclaimed spirits perfect for Valentine’s Day. Spirit nerds and newbies alike will love a bottle of the distillery’s signature Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey (750ml, 92 proof, $49.99), a unique spirit made with four kinds of grain (as opposed to the typical three), including corn, rye, red winter wheat, and barley. 

Those planning a romantic dinner for two or a party with friends can bring a bottle of Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail (750ml, 80 proof, $45), a pre-made libation made with the distillery’s Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey, a touch of cane sugar, house bitters, and steeped in orange peels.  

At-home mixologists who prefer to stir up a cocktail on their own this Valentine’s Day are sure to appreciate the distillery’s flagship gin (a spirit believed to be an aphrodisiac), dubbed Juniperus Gin (750ml, 90 proof, $45), which is first distilled from rye, then redistilled and vapor-infused with botanicals and spices from around the world. Bonus points for shaking up the gin in a celebratory (and admittedly cheesy) cocktail like Bee’s Knees. 

Gift-givers can buy these spirits (and more!) online, at Bluebird Distilling’s bottle shop, or at either Char & Stave location.  

Bluebird Distilling’s bottle shop hours of operation: Everyday 1am – 11pm.  

Char & Stave’s hours of operations: Monday through Thursday 7am – 11pm, Friday through Saturday 8am – 12am, and Sunday 8am – 11pm.  

100 Bridge St, Phoenixville PA | www.bluebirddistilling.com | Instagram

Cake Life Bake Shop, the award-winning bakery known for its artisanal, small-batch creations, is turning up the heat this Valentine’s Day. Introducing the return of their wildly popular “Sweet” and “Spicy” Conversation Heart Sugar Cookies, now featuring an XXX-tra special addition: a curated conversation heart cookie box from adult entertainment icon Asa Akira

Whether gift-givers are in the mood for a little “sweet talk” or ready to “talk dirty,” these blush-worthy, choose-your-own-adventure cookies are love at first bite. 

Conversation Heart Cookie Box Options (3-pack): 

  • Sweet ($19): Classic Valentine vibes with messages like “I Love You,” “XOXO,” and “Cutie Pie.” 
  • Spicy ($19): A blush-worthy lineup featuring “Pound Town,” “Eat Me,” and “Giddy Up.” Think of it as a crash course in Dirty Talk 101. 
  • Asa Akira Limited Edition ($21): Asa’s picks include “Cowgirl,” “Cream Pie,” and “An*l”—a tasty trio selected by the award-winning adult film actress, writer and adult film director 

The cheeky cookies pair perfectly with the rest of Cake Life’s Valentine’s Day menu, including Vintage Mini Heart Cakes, decorated with custom messages with Lambeth-style piping, Petal-Pistachio Heart Cookies, made with crisp, buttery shortbread, iced and decorated with dried flower petals, crushed pistachios, raspberry dust, and rose sugar, Gritty Cupid Cupcake Box ($30/4-pack), perfect for the die-hard Philadelphian, and more!  

These desserts and more are available online for pickup and Uber Eats regional delivery from February 12 through February 16. Orders close at 2pm four days prior to the desired pick-up or delivery date. 

1306 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia PA | Website | Instagram 

Did you know coffee is a rumored aphrodisiac? Char & Stave, the Pennsylvania roastery and full-service café-by-day, cocktail bar-by-night helmed by Jared Adkins of Bluebird Distilling, offers local additions perfect for any coffee-lover’s lineup. Influenced by Adkin’s distilling experience, Char & Stave makes “coffee by whiskey people,” with its Barrel-Aged Roasts that utilize a process strikingly similar to the aging process of Bluebird Distilling’s wide catalogue of brown spirits. Char & Stave’s flagship Four Grain Bourbon Aged Blend coffee beans are aged in brown spirit barrels used to make the distillery’s noted whiskeys and bourbons.   

In addition to the roastery’s barrel-aged blends, Char & Stave also offers coffee-based spirits, including Char & Stave Classic Coffee Liqueur (750ml, 60 proof, $34.99) and Char & Stave Café Amaro Liqueur (750ml, 60 proof, $39.99). Made using Char & Stave signature coffee roasted beans and Bluebird Distilling scratch-made vodka base, both liqueurs are the perfect gift for fans of the Espresso Martini, White Russian, or Coffee Negroni. 

Char & Stave products are available for purchase online, as well as in-store. 

Hours of operation (at both locations): Monday through Thursday 7am – 11pm, Friday through Saturday 8am – 12am, and Sunday 8am – 11pm.  

21 Rittenhouse Pl, Ardmore PA | 8441 Germantown Ave, Chestnut Hill PA | www.charandstave.com | Instagram   

DreamWorld Bakes, the newly-opened, Black woman-led bakery known for signature, whimsical cake creations and more founded by chef Ashley Huston, is celebrating Valentine’s Day with V-Day Naked Cakes, perfect for any type of celebration from Galentine’s Day to an intimate date night. Consisting of three layers of rich red velvet cake, cheesecake mousse, raspberry cardamom jam, and coated in a “naked” layer of white chocolate Italian buttercream, DreamWorld Bakes’ Naked Floral Cakes are topped with an assortment of romantic florals, berries (and, of course, glitter!) — making the cakes a can’t-miss gift for a loved one or Galentine’s Day party staple. 

Cakes are available for pre-order via Google Forms in 4-inch ($65), 6-inch ($105), and 8-inch ($135). Orders must be made by February 9th and can be picked up on Thursday, February 13th or Friday, February 14th from 12 – 3pm at the bakery (2400 Coral Street).

DreamWorld Bakes current hours of operation:  Thursday and Friday 8am – 3pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 4 pm

2400 Coral St | www.dreamworldbakes.com | Instagram @dreamworldbakes

Famous 4th Street Delicatessen, the historic Philadelphia eatery celebrated for its traditional Jewish deli fare and classic American comfort food, is celebrating Valentine’s Day with sweet, heart-shaped  treats available for dine-in and to-go. The beloved deli will feature Linzer Cookies, filled with apricot and raspberry, alongside mini Strawberry Shortcake and Cheesecake with strawberry compoteThese festive desserts add a charming touch to the restaurant’s classic offerings, perfect for those looking to celebrate the holiday with a sweet twist on tradition. 

These limited-time Valentine’s Day-themed treats will be on display at the dessert counter the week of Valentine’s Day for on-site purchase, as well as for pre-order via Toast Tab.

Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday, 9am – 8pm 

700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA | 215.922.3274 | Website | Instagram

Gift-givers looking for a perfectly pink glass of bubbly to toast to Valentine’s Day can gift their favorite oenophile a bottle of Korbel California Champagne®, America’s most popular, high-scoring line of méthode champenoise champagne.  

From an intimate date night to a Galentine’s Day soirée, Korbel has perfectly pink expressions for any occasion, including:  

  • Korbel Brut Rosé (750 ml, 12% ABV, $13.99) – Delicate and crisp, featuring bright flavors of strawberry, cherry and melon. Its medium-dry, slightly sweet style makes it one of the most versatile, food-friendly varietals. Enjoy with a wide variety of cuisines from Italian, to Mediterranean, to Indian, and everything in between 
  • Korbel Sweet Rosé (750 ml, 11% ABV, $13.99) — Made from a complex selection of both red and white grape varietals and is designed to have very bright fruit flavors and aromas of raspberry and vanilla. The harvesting of red varietals early in the ripening process helps achieve the desired style for this cuvée. Enjoy with dark chocolate, berry-filled desserts, and fresh strawberries. 
  • Korbel Blanc de Noirs (750ml, 12% ABV, $13.99) – Fresh and full of vivid berry flavors, the blush-hued Korbel Blanc de Noirs tastes like summer. This varietal uses Pinot Noir cuvées with remarkable raspberry and strawberry flavors and a delicate finish. Enjoy with truffles (a rumored aphrodisiac), chocolate-covered strawberries, or goat cheese. 

Korbel California Champagne is available in retailers nationwide (SRP $13.99). To order online from a local retailer, shoppers can purchase via Instacart here

Find in-person retailers here | www.korbel.com | Instagram 

For aspiring at-home chefs or those who just want to spice things up, Poi Dog Sauces, the AAPI- and woman-owned line of sauces boasting flavors inspired by Chef and Founder Kiki Aranita’s childhood spent in Hawai’i and Hong Kong, is the perfect gift! As seen in The New York Times, Good Morning America, Food Network, BuzzFeed, and more, Poi Dog Sauces showcase island-inspired flavors that can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, cocktail garnish, and beyond! 

  • Chili Peppah Water ($16/9oz | Vegan, gluten free) — Chili Peppah Water lends everything a spicy, vinegary tang, a gingery kick laced with Hawaiian Sea Salt. Super pure water is infused with a variety of chilis and vinegars to create a savory, not-too-spicy vibrant condiment that kicks a refreshing boost into countless applications. The condiment is made with seasonal peppers so batches will change depending on when they are brewed — The current batch uses peppers sourced from Boonville Barn Collective in California. 
  • Huli Sauce ($17/12 oz. | Vegan, gluten free) — Sweet pineapple, deeply savory miso, and Burlap & Barrel’s fragrant Chinese five-spice — this sauce is versatile. Use it to baste your chickens, but also give your mushrooms, your vegetables, your burgers, a deep, sweet savoriness. 
  • Guava Katsu Sauce ($16/12 oz | Vegan, gluten free) — Tropical, umami-rich, fruity and gingery. A Japanese-style bbq and dipping sauce made with guava, miso, ginger, tomato and dried mushroom. Meaty, rich and deeply flavorful — but it happens to be vegan! 

Poi Dog Sauces are available for purchase at the Fairmount Whole Foods, and in specialty retailers such as South Philly Co-op, Herman’s Coffee, Riverward’s Produce, and Salt & Vinegar. The sauces are also available for nationwide shipping on Amazon and the Poi Dog website

Find in-person retailers here | www.poidogsauces.com | Instagram 

NOT-YOUR-TYPICAL VALENTINE’S DAY DATE IDEAS:

48 Record Bar, the stylish listening room and cocktail bar perched above Philadelphia’s legendary Sassafras in historic Old City, invites lovers, friends, and music enthusiasts to celebrate Valentine’s season with two exclusive events:

  • 48RB Vinyl Market: Valentine’s + Galentine’s Edition (February 8 from 12pm – 4:30pm): a pop-up vinyl market featuring crates of curated LPs, including romantic classics, joyful tracks, and global gems. Shop the selection while sipping on craft cocktails from the full-service bar. 
  • Lovestruck Lounge with @danyuhlson (February 14 from 5pm – 2am): experience the serenading sounds of Valentine’s warmth with soulful tunes and heartwarming drinks. Resident Record Butler Dany Uhlson curates the evening’s soundtrack for hearts of all kinds.

Guests can sip on featured cocktail, To Err is Human ($15) comprising Barrel Ages Bluecoat, Angostura, pineapple, lemon, and egg white. 

Hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday, 5pm – 2am

48 S. Second Street, Philadelphia PA | Website | Instagram | Spotify | Facebook

My Local Brew Works (MLBW), the world’s first custom craft brewery focused on special events and contract brewing, offers a unique opportunity for beer-loving couples with their Custom Craft Brewing package. The pair will joinTim Montague and Wayne Humphrey, two award-winning local home brewers and founders of My Local Brew Works, as well as George Hummel, brewing mentor and grain master, in the brewery (situated in the industrial-chic Globe Dye Works building), for a day filled with beer tastings, food, and more. 

With guidance by the My Local Brew Works team, couples are involved throughout the entire process – from choosing the grain to designing the name and label – and have the liberty of choosing the hops, malt, yeast, and every other aspect of their custom brew. Folks will also be treated to food from a nearby restaurant on behalf of the My Local Brew Works team, and will be offered a guided tour of the brewery facility.

Pricing for a Custom Brew Day varies based on a number of factors including volume of beer brewed, fermentation time, and ingredients, but starts at $120 per person. Custom brews range from $90 – $140 per case, depending on labels, ingredients, styles, and other variables. Those interested in learning more about the custom brewing process and to reserve a brew day with My Local Brew Works may do so by emailing beer@mylocalbrewworks.com

4500 Worth St | www.mylocalbrewworks.com | Instagram

The Elephant Restaurant & Bar, Philadelphia’s first and only Espresso Martini Bar, is bringing back Pink Elephant, the city’s first-and-only Valentine’s Day pop-up bar, from Friday, January 29 through Sunday, February 16. Just in time for Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day celebrations, Pink Elephant transforms the space into a pink-and-red paradise, complete with nostalgic conversation hearts, disco ball chandeliers, rose-adorned heart arrangements, sequins, neon backdrops, and more. The limited-time experience offers a lineup of festive and romantic cocktails, including themed tipples and an array of espresso martinis in homage to The Elephant’s signature drinks.

The limited-time experience offers a lineup of festive and romantic cocktails, including Chocolate Covered Strawberry, a blend of Absolut Vodka, strawberries and cream, Crème de Cacao, and chocolate drizzle, and Cupid’s Arrow, featuring Roku Gin, cranberry, lime, and rose water. Guests can also sip on Swipe Right Sangria, a mix of rosé, raspberry purée, cranberry, and gummy hearts, or Champagne Problems, a sparkling combination of Prosecco, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, and cranberry. For those craving a twist on a classic, Be Mine Marg combines Hornito’s Tequila, raspberry, Cointreau, lime, and a sugar rim, while Espress-O Your Love offers a luxe take on an espresso martini with Tito’s Vodka, Kahlua, cold brew, and a touch of gold glitter.

Hours of operation at Pink Elephant are Monday through Thursday from 4pm – 12am, Friday and Saturday from 12pm – 2am, and Sunday from 12pm – 12am with happy hour offered daily from 4pm – 6pm.

500 Locust Street in Philadelphia, PA | (267) 761-5582| Instagram

Puttshack, the world’s first and only tech-infused mini golf experience, is offering a unique opportunity to step out of the box and celebrate love by offering a free round of mini golf for all guests who come to play on Friday, February 14. Guests will receive a Valentine’s Day card with a promo code for one free game, redeemable online or in-person any time between Saturday, February 15 to Saturday, March 15. Additionally, putters will have the chance to capture the moment with a limited-time Valentine’s Day themed photo booth!

Hours of operation: Sunday through Wednesday 11am-11pm, Thursday through Sunday 11am-1am

The Shops at Liberty Place: 1625 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | 215.907.PUTT | Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, the upscale luxury hotel blending French flair with American style in the heart of Center City, is celebrating the holiday of love at Liberté Lounge on Friday, February 14-16 with a romantic, special edition of the reoccurring Afternoon Tea. Valentines can expect a curated selection of traditional scones with accompaniments, bevy of sandwiches, and Valentine’s-themed desserts, in addition to Palais des Thés teas from Paris and live entertainment to complement the experience. In addition, imbibers can enjoy a lineup of featured tipples and Pommery Champagne ($100/bottle and up) for an additional cost. 

Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square’s Valentine’s Day edition of Afternoon Tea is priced at $49/person. Reservations can be placed via OpenTable. 

120 S. 17th St., Philadelphia | 215.569.8300 | Website | Instagram | Facebook

Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the chic rooftop venue on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, invites lovers and true crime enthusiasts alike to “Dead Men Don’t Speakeasy”, an interactive murder mystery dinner filled with intrigue and entertainment on Friday, February 14 from 7 – 10pm. For $80 per person, guests will enjoy a three-course dinner starting in a ballroom of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco with a champagne toast followed by fare good enough to die for. After dinner, guests will move upstairs to Stratus Rooftop Lounge to enjoy assorted desserts and learn the truth about the murder.

Tickets to “Dead Men Don’t Speakeasy” are available to purchase HERE

Hours of operation: Thursday 5pm – 12am, Friday 5pm – 2am, Saturday 8pm – 2am

433 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | 215.925.2889 | WebsiteInstagramFacebook