An elegant meal at a cozy restaurant is tradition on Valentine’s Day. Spend an evening in Edwardsville at 1818 Chophouse for a savory steak dinner, Doc’s Smokehouse for sweet Midwest barbecue, Gulf Shores or 1818 Offshore for a date that loves seafood. Cleveland Heath or Blue Violet of Edwardsville offer decadent small plates, and Italian seekers can get their fill of pasta or pizza at Bella Milano, Sugo’s Spaghetteria, or Peel Wood Fired Pizza.

Those in quest of a romantic date in Collinsville can wine and dine at Porter’s Steakhouse, have a drink and a special at Old Herald Brewery & Distillery or Sloan’s Pub House, or savor Italian fare at Mungo’s Italian Eatery or Ravanelli’s Italian Steakhouse. Want to spice up your evening in Collinsville? Take your valentines to Who Dat’s Southern Food for seafood and Cajun dishes.

Travel down the mighty Mississippi to spend a romantic evening by the river in Grafton at the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus or atop the bluffs on The Terrace at Aerie’s Resort. Go for a Valentine’s Day hike and dine at Pere Marquette Lodge, have a casual lunch date at The Loading Dock, or cross into Calhoun County on the Brussels Ferry and have an old fashioned, family-style meal at Wittmond’s Restaurant.

In Alton, take your Valentine out for steaks, Italian, and Greek dishes at Tony’s or Santino’s Steakhouse, or indulge in secret recipe fried chicken at Castelli’s Restaurant at 255, affectionately called ‘Moonlight’. Those in downtown Alton who would like a craft beer and a dining experience with vegetarian options can have an evening of fun at Old Bakery Beer Co. and popular Bluff City Grill serves a generous menu of American and Italian favorites. Be sure to get a reservation at Gentelin's for a gorgeous three-course meal.

1929 Pizza & Wine in Wood River serves up hot pies from their pizza oven with delectable wine pairings and Bakers & Hale of Godfrey specializes in farm-to-table fare with weekly live entertainment. Take a trip to Grantfork and visit the Diamond Mineral Springs for family-style dining and mile-high meringue pie for dessert or spend your evening at cozy Copper Stills & Mash in Carrollton for tapas, fresh sandwiches, hot coffee, and cocktails!

Valentine’s Day is all about love, indulgence, and appreciation- and don’t forget about the sweets!

The holiday of love is all about the baked goods, chocolate, ice cream, and a warm coffee on the side! Treat yourself and your valentine this year by paying a visit to American Kolache, Sacred Grounds, Goshen Coffee Cafe, or Neighbor’s Bakeshop in Edwardsville, Kruta Bakery, Uptown Scoops, or Verona Coffee in Collinsville, Duke Bakery, LuciAnna’s Pastries, Dolci Di Anna, or Post Commons in Alton, or get some flaky, fresh-baked goodness at Foxes Boxes of Bethalto, Blackbird Bakery of Staunton, or Blueridge Farms in Hardin.

The Chocolate Affair in Highland has you covered for hand-dipped strawberries and house-made chocolate boxes and those with a salt tooth can get a heart-shaped pretzel at Pretzel Pretzel of Edwardsville.

Want to have a date-night cocktail? FLOCK Food Truck Park offers a full bar with signature cocktails and The Speakeasy of Granite City provides a mysterious backdrop for all those looking for the thrill of a prohibition era bar- complete with a hidden entrance!

Who says Valentine’s Day has to be relegated to a simple dinner date? Southwest Illinois has opportunities for all to have an unforgettable, quirky, and magical time with friends, family, and everyone you love.

For something fun outdoors, go Eagle Watching along the beautiful Great River Road throughout February, fly down the bluffs on the Aerie’s Alpine Coaster, or go on a Valentine’s Day Owl Prowl at The Nature Institute. Ice Jam at the Dam will be held at the National Great Rivers Museum and the Goshen Winter Market will both take place February 18 the weekend after Valentine’s Day.

Go shopping at a Galentine’s Sip & Shop at Lou Belle & Bing, Laux Brickhouse Sip & Shop, a Galantine’s Day Market at Old Bakery Beer, or spend a day with the girls at Galentine’s Day at 1818 Offshore with drinks and menu specials. Ladies can also pamper themselves at Dolci Di Anna in Alton with a Valentine’s Jewelry, Wine, & Dessert Party.

See the Alton Symphony Orchestra February 10 & 26, Sinatra’s Last Stand at Alton Little Theater February 10 – 12, or the Love Letter to Jacoby Gallery from February 1 – March 18 or spend the night with dinner, music, drinks, and dancing at Gudgel Ranch Saloon Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance, ValenWine’s Day Dinner & Music at Wild Pickins, the Rastello Room Valentine’s Day Dinner & Music- all taking place February 11- or the Granite City Mardi Gras Parade & Block Party February 18!

The Collinsville VFW is hosting a Valentine’s Day Trivia Night, and Edison’s Entertainment Complex is offering Lover’s Lane Nights from February 7 – 14 with pizza, bowling, arcade games, and drinks!

Do your kiddos want to get in on the Valentine’s fun? Bring them to the Hayner Public Library in Alton from February 1 – 14 to make Valentine Cards or celebrate with a Valentine’s Day Party at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum February 14!

Valentine’s Day gets spooky in Granite City this year with a ghostly good time at the old Six Mile Museum- enjoy a Murder Mystery Dinner at the Museum, a paranormal investigation, and a 1920’s era party all in one night!