Of the $19.6 billion spent on Valentine’s Day gifts in 2018 – yes, billion with a B – 55 percent of those gifting loved ones still bought the tried-and-true box of candy, says the National Retail Federation.
Yes, it’s the day for heart-shaped boxes of candy, but why not think outside the (candy) box?
Local artists and organizations are offering a variety of ways to share time with your valentine this weekend. Here’s a roundup of ideas.
SINGING VALENTINES
» When: Throughout Thursday, Feb. 14
» Where: Place of your choice
» Cost: $50, $65 or $100
» For more information: 423-265-SING
Sing your heart out – even if you don’t have a singer’s voice. A barbershop quartet from the Choo Choo Chorus will express your love for you, visiting your loved one’s home or office.
At each singing appointment, the guys will serenade your special someone, deliver a red rose, card and box of chocolates.
It’s not too late to book one Thursday, says Dan Kopf. They will book singing valentines as they have time available, so call early.
MOOD MUSIC
» When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14
» Where: Songbirds Guitar Museum, 35 Station St.
» Admission: $20 general admission, $35 VIP
» For more information: 423-531-2473
Robin Grant & The Standard will debut new songs Grant has written for their upcoming album, “Things We Didn’t Say,” in a performance Thursday at Songbirds.
“Many of the songs are upbeat, but we also have a few killer power ballads and beloved cover tunes that are perfect for valentines to enjoy,” says the jazz singer, whose soulful, smoky vocals are perfect for this day of romance.
This is the jazz singer’s second Valentine’s Day show at Songbirds, and she says that she’ll have special guests joining her and some audience surprises.
“My thought is music makes everyone feel loved. That’s our goal for the evening – everyone leave feeling the magic of being loved, and I think we accomplish that through the music.”
ROMANCE AT RUBY
» When: Tour times begin between 9 and 9:45 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 14-17
» Where: Ruby Falls, 1720 S. Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain
» Admission: $69.95 per couple
» For more information: www.rubyfalls.com
Deep inside Lookout Mountain’s cavern, enjoy the beauty of a stroll along the cavern trail with only the soft glow of handheld lanterns to light the way while your guide shares legendary local love stories.
The ticket includes a professional keepsake photo, rose and gift.
Reservations are limited to 12 couples per tour, so ticket purchase in advance is required. For information: 423-821-2544.
VALENTINE’S DAY AT LOVER’S LEAP
» When: Thursday-Monday, Feb. 14-18
» Where: Rock City , 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain
» Admission: $44 package Feb. 14-15, $54 package Feb. 16-18
» For more information: www.seerockcity.com
This package includes admission for two to Rock City, two glasses of sparkling wine or cider at Cafe 7, a souvenir photo and one slice of Valentine’s Day fudge.
Packages are only sold online.
TIE THE KNOT
» When: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15
» Where: Crabtree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St.
» Admission: $55 per couple if not members of Crabtree Farms; $45 per couple if members
» For more information: 423-493-9155
No, you won’t be making a lifetime commitment, just spending two hours together learning to tie ropes.
While sitting around a cozy wood stove, class members will learn how to tie a variety of useful knots led by Robert Temple and Jessie Gantt-Temple. There will be local artisanal cheese, chocolates from The Hot Chocolatier and participants are welcome to bring their favorite wine or beer.
HUNKA, HUNKA BURNING LOVE
» When: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15
» Where: Tennessee Valley Theatre, 184 W. Jackson Ave., Spring City, Tennessee
» Admission: $25 dinner and show, $15 show only
» For more information: 423-365-7529
You’ll think it’s Elvis Presley back from the grave when Matt Cordell takes the stage at the Sweetheart Dinner at Tennessee Valley Theatre.
Cordell is known for his tribute to The King, as well as his newer alter-ego/tribute Jason Aldean. He’ll feature music from both in his show at the TVT. He was the headliner at the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and has played casinos around the country. The Elvis tribute artist has an Elvis repertoire of more than 500 songs and has won three world first-place Elvis Tribute Awards through Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Dinner starts at 6 p.m. with Cordell taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required.
DINING WITH HART
» When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15
» Where: Hart Gallery, 110 E. Main St.
» Admission: $75
» For more information: 423-521-4707
Enjoy a five-course dinner with signature cocktails and wine in Hart Gallery at this benefit supporting artists who are homeless, dealing with mental and physical disabilities or domestic violence.
Reservations are required as soon as possible: www.eventbrite.com/e/dining-with-hart-valentines-day-take-two-tickets-54425441962#tickets
GET ALL STARRY-EYED
» When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17
» Where: Jones Observatory, 10 S. Tuxedo Ave. off Brainerd Road
» Admission: Free
» For more information: 423-425-4518
What’s more romantic that stargazing hand-in-hand with your honey? The observatory has a lecture and planetarium show at 6 p.m. followed by viewing the night sky through its telescope until 8 p.m.
VALENTINE’S DANCE
» When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16
» Where: Mountain Arts Community Center, 809 Kentucky Ave., Signal Mountain
» Admission: $50 per person
» For more information: 423-505-6520
If the song from “White Christmas” is true, the best things happen when you’re dancing. Test that theory and dance to the music of the Dave Schwab Trio on Saturday night at the MACC.
Only a limited number of tickets are available; call as soon as possible to reserve yours.
LET YOUR INNER CUPID FREE
» When: 3:30-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20
» Where: Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St.
» Admission: Free
» For more information: 423-643-6888
Here’s a different date for your valentine: an archery class for beginners.
It’s a hands-on class to learn more about the sport of archery, its safety rules and fundamentals. It’s open to walk-ins, and all equipment is provided.
Cupid, draw back your bow.