Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day, February 14th, is quickly approaching. If you’re looking to treat a special someone to a fantastic experience, look no further. Richland County is full of fun eateries, wineries, and activities to explore with your sweetheart.
Enjoy the perfect Valentine’s Day date night with classic big band jazz music, dancing, delicious treats and great drinks.
Mansfield’s premiere jazz orchestra returns to the Renaissance stage this February as the Artistic Jazz Orchestra presents “Romance at the Ren: A Swingin’ Valentine’s Day.” Paul Martin leads this fabulous ensemble in a collection of dance-worthy favorites to present the very best in big band jazz! An evening not to be missed, bring new energy to your Valentine’s Day date with drinks, dessert, and dancing onstage at the Ren, February 14 at 8:00 PM.
If you are half of an art-loving couple, Mansfield Art Center is the perfect date spot for you. The architecture is a tribute to the simplicity of design and materials and a harmonious relationship with landscape and surroundings…and that’s just the building! Currently, the must-see collection of Dr. Roy Gottlieb is on display, including 126 works of art by 62 artists is the main exhibition. Which ones were inspired by love?
If you want to start your date with an old-school feel, this is the spot. Whimsical and giddy, the Richland Carrousel Park will surely bring lighthearted joy to your date night. Fifty-two beautiful animals and two chariots were carved in the style of G.A. Dentzel, one of the most revered carvers of the early 1900s.
If you’re looking for some loving competition, Snow Trails will surely bring the heat. Adventure dates are the new trend. Ski, snowboard, and snow tube on hills ranging from beginner to advanced skill. Then, cozy up at one of the two restaurants or the bar inside the lodge. Snow Trails regularly features live bands at the lodge.
Lock it down with your honey – this elegant winery is in a former bank! The Vault offers more than 30 wines by the glass, with over 150 wines sold by the bottle. All food is made-to-order and created fresh, from scratch, including pretzels, pizzas, and crackers for our cheese boards. The menu features snacks, salads, soups, cheese boards, small plates, artisan pizzas, and desserts. Eight craft beers are offered on tap and more than 30 bottled beers.
Hudson & Essex Fine Dining and Winery
Located in the Carousel District of Downtown Mansfield, Hudson & Essex Fine Dining and Winery features some of the finest dining in the area. The sleek, elegant complex, housed in a former automobile showroom, also includes Cypress Hill Winery. The rustic tasting room is dedicated to the art of California wine.
Wokano Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse
If you’re looking for dinner and a show, Wokano’s hibachi at traditional Teppan table seating is sure to thrill. The fresh, creative, and delicious sushi features twists on traditional dishes. The highly skilled and entertaining Teppanyaki chefs will give you and your loved one an experience to remember.
Romance with a vintage feel? Yes, please. Skyway East offers upscale dining in a romantic atmosphere. Fine table linens, low lighting, fresh flowers, and a 100-bottle wine list enhances the dining experience. Each evening, 85 entrees are offered as well as seasonal and daily specials. The exquisite salad bar is a big hit, complete with a plethora of items to choose from and homemade croutons.
Malabar Farm Foundation is hosting a Valentine’s Day celebration at the Malabar Farm historic Big House. Malabar Farm is a charming state park, the former home and farm of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield. For $50 a person, visitors will get a guided house tour, a five-course meal, and live entertainment from “Just Jazz Live.” The Mansfield Art Center is co-sponsoring Sunday’s event.
Wishmaker House Winery & Wine Bar
The Wishmaker House will be hosting a four-course dinner for $49.99 a person in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Reservations are required and the dinner is 4-9 pm. Entrée options include New York strip steak, marinated roasted half chicken, or lobster ravioli. Of course, there will be both house wines and wines from around the world. In 2015, the Wishmaker House and its eight guestrooms was voted “Best Bed &Breakfast in Ohio” by the readers of Ohio Magazine.
Find an extra sweet treat for your sweetheart at this local bakery! Family owned and operated, Buckeye Bakery has been serving Mansfield since before 1900 and still uses the same recipes. From breads to cakes, your sweet tooth will be satisfied.
Bonus: Valentine’s Movie Night at The Mansfield Playhouse
Spend Valentine’s Day evening at The Mansfield Playhouse for just $5. At 7:30 pm they’ll pop some popcorn and put the classic film, Charade, up on the big screen. Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn star in this stylish comedy-thriller directed by Stanley Donen, very much in a Hitchcock vein.
Planning a weekend getaway? Richland County’s AirBnB’s, B&B’s, and hotels are perfect for a sweet sleepover with your partner.
Mix and match these ideas for the perfect night out with your sweetheart! Regardless of where you spend your time, the Richland County community wishes you a Happy Valentine’s Day. Read about all of these great locations and more at www.DestinationMansfield.com/.
Blog by Destination Mansfield – Richland County Intern Maisee Fried