EE: Spread Love and Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Evanston

Written By Kristian Gist

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show love not just to your significant other but also to your community by supporting local small businesses. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a fun outing with friends, or a self-love day, there are plenty of ways to make this Valentine’s Day special while keeping it local to Evanston. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your plans and places we love:

1. Dine at a Local Restaurant

Skip the chain restaurants and opt for a cozy dinner at a local eatery. Call ahead to make reservations or order a gourmet meal to-go and set up a romantic table at home.

A Few We Love: 

  • C&W Market | Church & Dodge  - Share an ice cream sundae with your sweetie!

  • Alcove | Downtown - Reserve your table now for their prix-fixe menu. 

  • Comida | Central Street - A little spice is always nice. 

  • Dave’s Italian Kitchen | Noyes - Use code ‘Love’ to get a 5% discount when you order online. 

  • Campagnola | MDM - Bring your honey and plan to share the decadent menu together! 

2. Indulge in Local Desserts

Treat your sweet tooth by visiting a local bakery or chocolate shop - we love getting a little something extra for easy gifts for kids, coworkers, or friends. Pick up a box of handcrafted truffles, heart-shaped cookies, or a decadent slice of red velvet cake.

A Few We Love:

  • Sweet Temptations Bake Shop | Howard Street - Go big and treat yourself to one of their cakes. 

  • Bennison’s Bakery | Downtown - Split donuts with your family or try some delicious macarons solo.

  • Hewn | Central Street – Pick up a few items the night before for a special breakfast in bed. 

  • Belgian Chocolatier Piron | MDM - Upgrade from the drugstore chocolate to this specialty shop. 

3. Attend a Wine or Beer Tasting

Celebrate love over locally crafted beverages. 

A Few We Love: 

  • Double Clutch Brewery | Ashland Arts - Create a fun ‘beer tasting’as an at-home date night. 

  • Ward Eight | Howard Street – The vibes are immaculate with plenty of cozy seating and great conversation over classic cocktails. 

  • Wine Goddess | Downtown Evanston – Go for the nice bottle of wine to share over your dinner. 

4. Shop for Unique Gifts

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Visit local boutiques, artisan markets, or craft stores for one-of-a-kind treasures. We love checking out work from local artists to brighten your space.

  • Discover Evanston Made |  West Village  - Browse the portfolio of artists to sort by form, with everything from mosaics and ceramics to quilting and watercolor, and explore local students and other community partners. 

  • Artem Pop-Up Gallery | Downtown - Discover this boutique featuring local artists and bring home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

  • NiceLena & Friends | MDM - For everyone on your list, pick up cards, and  make your kids a sweet gift with stickers, candles, and charms!

5. Order a Customized Floral Arrangement

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like flowers! Instead of ordering from a national chain, visit a local florist to create a customized bouquet. Many florists offer seasonal and sustainable options that are as beautiful as they are thoughtful.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the generic options and embrace the charm of Evanston and love the place you call home. 

Kristian Gist https://www.kristiangistcreative.com
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