10 Unique Valentine's Day Date Ideas in the Chicago Suburbs

Time to start thinking about how to surprise your sweetheart for Valentine's Day! If you are looking for a unique adventure, here are my picks for the best Valentine's Day date ideas in the Chicago suburbs:

Patterson Glassworks - Make a glass heart with your sweetheart during one of Patterson Glasswork's Open Houses January 27-28 or February 3-4. Reservations are recommended. After visiting the Mundelein glass studio, head to to Tighthead Brewing Company for a couple of brews!

Chocolate Weekend - Morton Arboretum's Chocolate Weekend will delight your Valentine with all sorts of chocolate concoctions. Chocolate Weekend is February 3-4. Or extend your celebration by returning February 9 or 10 for Valentine's Dinner. Chocolate Weekend is included in daily admission. Valentine's Dinner requires reservations.

Sweetheart Night Hike at River Trail Nature Center or Spark in the Dark at Crabtree Nature Center - Treat your Valentine to an evening in nature during either the Sweetheart Night Hike at River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook on February 3 or the Spark in the Dark at Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington on February 10. Both evenings feature candlelit trails and a campfire. Registration required.

Coquelicot Gallery and Cafe - Book a bracelet making session at the Palatine art gallery and cafe blend. Or bring your sweetheart for a flourless chocolate cake and pot of loose leaf tea!

All Chocolate Kitchen - In Geneva, head over to All Chocolate Kitchen to treat your sweetheart to her or his choice of chocolate temptations. Or, book an afternoon tea! While visiting All Chocolate Kitchen, enjoy viewing Chef Roby's large scale chocolate and sugar sculptures!

The Bakester - This charming Arlington Heights cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy afternoon tea with your sweetheart. Different types of tea services are available. Reserve your spot soon!

The Orchid Show - The Orchid Show is set to dazzle once again at Chicago Botanic Garden February 10 - March 24, 2024. So, you will have your choice of dates to treat your Valentine to the show. This year's show is called "The Orchid Show of Wonders" and will feature orchid displays inspired by the carnival and circus including portions where guests will walk under a ferris wheel and tightrope with unicycles. Special evenings are available including on Valentine's Day. See website for more information.

Cocoa Crawl in Long Grove - On February 10th, get wrapped up in the adorable historic town of Long Grove during the village's annual Cocoa Crawl! Enjoy free sips of hot cocoa while visiting local shops and eateries. Highlights are visits to Ma and Pa's Candy, Buffalo Creek Brewing, and Epilogue Art!

Patisserie Coralie - French pastries await Patisserie Coralie in Evanston. Dazzle your Valentine with beautiful and delicious French pastries or a high tea or lunch with French flavors.

With Love from the Second City -  If  your sweetheart enjoys a good laugh, treat him or her to With Love from the Second City at The MAC at COD in Glen Ellyn on February 10.