There is no reason to spend Valentine’s Day or any of the wintery days of February alone. Call your friends and meet them indoors somewhere fun and entertaining.
Dips, Sips and More
Is there anything more decadent than a plump, juicy strawberry dipped in dark chocolate? But maybe you and your best friend would prefer dipping grapes, bananas or pineapples into melted chocolate. On Valentine’s Day, The Winery at Chateau Hough presents Dip & Sip, an activity that pairs three holiday favorites — wine, chocolate and fruit. Two time slots (12:30 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m.) are available with reservations.
Can’t make Valentine’s Day? “Let’s Make Wine,” on March 14, is perfect for a group of friends who use kits to explore the entire winemaking process and go home (after four sessions that extend into May) each with their own gallon of wine. Also, “Suds and Sips” is the winery’s soap making session on April 11.
The Winery at Chateau Hough was founded in 2019 and supports the nonprofit Neighborhood Solutions Inc. The winery’s manager, Brenda Frazier, urges friends to “come, have fun and meet people.” Also, wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a little rose wine on if you do “Let’s Make Wine.” Participants can get pretty enthusiastic, warns Frazier.1650 E. 66th St., 216-438-0964, chateauhough.com; use exploretock.com for reservations
Roll it Out
“People don’t just want something to do, they want something to remember,” says RollHouse Entertainment’s Chef Marketing Officer Phil Carpenter. That means tons of laughs and a menu stacked with casual favorites, including smash burgers, sliders, pizza and craft cocktails. With locations in Solon, Mentor and North Olmsted, RollHouse offers “high-energy experiences including Cosmic Bowling, escape rooms and a great arcade,” says Carpenter.
“RollHouse is a place to celebrate the people you love spending time with. It’s where fun lives,” he says.
Valentine’s Day reservations are available online.7300 Palisades Parkway, Mentor, mentor@therollhouse.com; 24488 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, northolmsted@therollhouse.com; 33185 Bainbridge Road, Solon, solon@therollhouse.com
Build Your Own Candle
Maybe you and your bestie would enjoy a visit to The Cleveland Candle Company in Ohio City, where you can breathe in any of the amazing 150 to 200+ scents that can be chosen to create a custom candle.
David Gin, a partner at The Cleveland Candle Company, recommends Rose Petals, Sacred Sandalwood and Cabernet Sauvignon. But about 30 choices of candle jars are also available. Still, Gin says he’d “probably go” with the Vintage Glass options or the Colored Ceramic jars for a February 14 creation.
“It’s the adventure of smelling through our vast scent collection and having the shared experience that makes every candle-making session so satisfying,” says Gin. “Every time you light the candle you made, it brings back the memory of who you were with.”2032 West 25th St., 216-471-8477, clecandleco.com
Visit an Urban Winery
CLE Urban Winery is known for its many and varied top-notch activities, educational events and entertainment. This month is certainly no exception at the working winery and tasting room.
A Valentine’s Wine Flight and Food Pairing experience will be offered that holiday weekend along with live jazz performances on the 13th (7 to 9 p.m.) and 15th (6 to 8 p.m.). (Advance tickets for the wine tasting and food pairing available on Eventbrite; a limited number of tickets available for walk-ins.)
The Cleveland Heights winery provides a relaxed environment for besties and buddies to learn more about Ohio-made wine and enjoy time together. (How can anyone pass on a specialty wine called Hopped in the Heights?) But if you choose to abstain that is ok, too.
“In addition to a full bar, we have non-alcoholic beer, wine, cider and spirits for delightful mocktails,” says owner Destiny Burns. “We also offer premium Italian sparkling sodas and other soft drinks.” 2180 Lee Road, 216-417-8313, cleurbanwinery.com