South Bend may not be the first destination that pops into your mind when you try to plan a romantic Valentine’s getaway, but it is a romantic, charming city, nevertheless. It may be sleepy and quiet in winter time, with many of its most exciting attractions closed, but it still offers a plethora of opportunities for her visitors.
An evening stroll in downtown’s historic area, alongside famous local residences of the Studebakers, Olivers, Birdsells and many others, brings back the past, and creates the perfect mood for romance. Even ice skating at the Howard Park Ice Rink can be fun before a candlelit dinner downtown.
Among the favorite local restaurants, LaSalle Grill is perhaps the best choice for Valentine’s dinner. With modern American cuisine, superbly executed by the skilled chef, accompanied by an excellent compendium of wine and beer, this restaurant will impress the most refined tastes. The night may then go on at Club LaSalle, where you can enjoy a cocktail while relaxing in a plush leather sofa and listening to live music.
Trio’s Restaurant & Jazz Club offers upscale casual dining merged with live jazz entertainment. Focus is on American cuisine with selected fare associated with two well-known jazz cities, New Orleans and Kansas City.
For the perfect coffee break, Chicory Café is second to none – a superb French Quarter style coffee house located in the Jefferson Centre, welcoming guests with a relaxed atmosphere with jazz, blues, and zydeco; as well as New Orleans-style specialties such as beignets, muffulettas and po’ boy sandwiches.
As far as entertainment is concerned, Broadway Theatre League opens the season February 24-25, 2012 with My Fair Lady. The Morris Performing Arts Center has a special performance on Valentine’s: BLAST!, winner of the 2001 Tony Award for “Best Special Theatrical Event” and the 2001 Emmy Award for “Best Choreography.”
Then, South Bend Civic Theatre opens its 2012 Studio Theatre Season with the classic comic fable written by Jean Giraudoux “The Madwoman of Chaillot,” onstage February 10-19.
Art lovers will enjoy a variety of galleries, many of which open their doors free of charge. And speaking of free, Magnuson Grand Hotel South Bend offers a free two-night Valentine’s Day hotel stay to one lucky couple that enters its special Valentine’s Day sweepstakes on Facebook. Guests will also enjoy free Internet access, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, free local calls and free shuttle service to the airport. Complimentary chocolate, and champagne are also included.