The Perfect Valentine’s Day Weekend in SoIN: For Foodies, Adventurists, and History Nerds Alike!
For Foodie Lovers
Southern Indiana’s food scene is a great fit for a lovers’ date night! If you and your Valentine are in the mood for charcuterie and chocolate or a four-course meal with artisan cocktails, you will find the perfect match alongside your perfect match.
Board & You: for gorgeous charcuterie boards and drinks, or for the full Bistro experience, you’ve got a romantic setting for a meal with spectacular drinks and food. This is a popular spot -- make reservations soon!
Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards - Keeping the tradition alive, this winery brings back its annual Chocolate Lover’s Weekend paired with local Huber wines and artisan chocolates from Schimpff’s Confectionery. This is for the couple who really is just in it for the treats. If that's not enough, head over on Valentine’s Day for a special after-hours dinner. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere, wine accompaniments, and chocolate for dessert. Looking to make it even more special? Reserve one of their Igloos and enjoy a private dinner. Add on the Romance Package to enjoy a bottle of wine, custom chocolates from Schimpff's Confectionary, and a rose. Seating is limited, so book your spots early!
MESA Collaborative Kitchen - Why should Valentine’s be limited to one day? With a full month of activities, MESA can help you celebrate for more than just a day. Not only do you get to enjoy a 3 or 4-course meal but you get to learn the skills and techniques of the guest chef as they cook your meal right in front of you. Guests can ask questions, learn and talk to the chefs as they share their love for food with you. MESA's events book up fast, so make your reservations early!
Brooklyn & The Butcher - Make your reservation soon for the quintessential celebration meal for big steaks, shareable plates, and an incredible array of cocktails. This gorgeous historical space includes romantic spaces from the bar to the speakeasy, and is sure to fill quickly -- make your reservation fast!
Just steps from the Big Four Bridge in historic downtown Jeffersonville, The Red Yeti Restaurant & Brewpub features craft brews and culinary creations like truffle fries, brisket sandwiches, pulled-pork tacos and vanilla bourbon cheesecake. After your meal, take a romantic stroll across the Big Four Bridge and bask in the beautiful views of the Ohio River and the Louisville skyline.
For a unique Valentine's outing with some of SoIN’s tastiest treats, book your appointment at High Street Apothecary, New Albany’s newest speakeasy. Get your cocktail prescription and split a charcuterie from Board and You or a selection of handmade chocolates from New Albany Sugar Shoppe. Schedule your appointment in advance to ensure availability.
This is just the tip of the foodie iceberg, but If you’d rather have a date night in, you can always order carry-out!
For Outdoor Lovers
Though February often serves us with some chilly temperatures, there is nothing more romantic than a wintry walk, cuddling arm-in-arm with your beloved. If your Valentine’s Day activity is on-the-go, Southern Indiana has walking, hiking, and biking paths with gorgeous views.
Ohio River Greenway
Stretching from downtown Jeffersonville to downtown New Albany, the Ohio River Greenway is a 7.5-mile pathway that hugs the Ohio River’s edge. You will see gorgeous views of the river, the dam, and the forest, all of which offer picnic spots. With this trail, you really can’t go wrong, but Ashland Park is a great spot overlooking the Louisville skyline for a picnic with your Valentine.
Charlestown State Park / Rose Island
With many trails under 3 miles, Charlestown State Park has some of the best scenic views in Southern Indiana. For added romance, take your date to Rose Island. This abandoned amusement park may seem more fit for Halloween, but with the winter trees bare, no view is obstructed, which makes for romantic and nostalgic scenery.
Big Four Bridge
The proximity of Big Four Bridge to so many wonderful restaurants and sites is ideal for the couple who wants to spend a day on the town. As you take in the river scenery across the mile-long bridge from Louisville or Jeffersonville, you are near parks and restaurants in both downtowns.
When you land in downtown Jeffersonville, you may decide to take in more views at Fisherman’s Wharf or meander downtown for food or beverages. To catch a beautiful sunset, start your walk around 5:30 p.m. in winter (check what time the sun will set during other seasons).
The Sporting Club at the Farm
Give Valentine's Day your best shot with 2-for-1 sporting clays at the Farm. You and your sweetie will travel along the course and shoot different target presentations at each station.
For History Lovers
The Floyd County Library Cultural Arts Center
Who doesn’t love a free activity? The Floyd County Library Cultural Arts Center will add affordability and culture to your next date. Learn about New Albany’s history and take in the Cultural Arts Center’s rotating exhibit, as well as its permanent exhibitions about the Underground Railroad and local abolitionist Lucy Higgs Nichols. Visit their website for info on additional exhibits, events and programs.
Kindle the Flame at the Vintage Fire Museum
A special Valentine’s Day event, “Kindle the Flame,” will be under way at the Vintage Fire Museum from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 14. Couples can enjoy a champagne toast, pose for a photo on a vintage fire truck and will receive a package of Schimpff’s famous Cinnamon Red Hots. Guests can also explore the Jeffersonville attraction, which will be softly lit to offer a romantic atmosphere. The cost is $10 per person and $5 per person for Vintage Fire Museum members.
The Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
Personally, I think The Culbertson Mansion is perhaps the most romantic site in southern Indiana. Built in 1867, this Victorian mansion features impeccable style from the philanthropic Culbertson family. With 20,000 square feet of beautiful history and unmistakable Victorian style, the tour is delightful! Book your tour here.
Howard Steamboat Museum
For the couple who lives to reenact scenes from the Titanic, the Howard Steamboat Museum is one you shouldn’t miss. The museum is a unique historical tribute to the maritime industry. Built in 1894 by the Howard family, this Romanesque Revival mansion commemorates steamboat designs created in the early 19th century. The staircase alone will take you back to Rose’s grand entrance, fit for the Titanic movie lover!
Book Your Romantic Stay in SoIN
Make Valentine's Day extra special by booking a room for you and your sweetie. Enjoy views of the Ohio River and the Louisville Skyline at the Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel or cozy up in The Curated Chateau, which is walking distance from Downtown New Albany shops and restaurants. For more places to stay, click here.
Want to find more SoIN restaurant specials and events celebrating Valentine’s Day? Visit the Restaurants in SoIN Page or search our Events Calendar page.
