Midland offers a myriad of things to do on Valentine’s Day

Have plans for Valentine’s Day tomorrow? Forgot it was Valentine’s Day altogether? Or perhaps thinking as some Midland teenagers do, “What’s there to do in Midland?” Well, the answer to that is a lot!

Sweets and Flowers

Before moving into the “What’s Happening,” Valentine’s Day is often about candy and flowers. Heather ‘n Holly downtown has several special candy choices listed on their website, and St. Laurent Brothers Candy & Nuthouse in the mall is like a cousin to Willy Wonka.

Want something more than candy? Aviator Cookie downtown, Enjoy! Bakery on the Circle and The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe on S. Saginaw likely have what you’re looking for, and gluten-free options are available at Off the Wheaten Path on M-20. 

There are more than six florists in Midland offering traditional carnations and roses, and the grocery stores also have impressive floral departments.

Dining Out

Many people like to have dinner out on Valentine’s Day, and several Midland eateries will not disappoint. Café Zinc at The H Hotel is offering a special four-course dining experience with a prix fixe menu. Guests also have the option to eat outside in one of their dining pods. Reservations are recommended, but if Feb. 14 doesn’t work, they’re offering this special on Saturday, Feb. 15 as well. 

Gratzi is also featuring Valentine’s Day Week through Feb. 16. Visit their website for reservations and their special menu for the holiday. 

Have kids you want to include in the festivities? Grab a pizza or two and settle in at home to watch a movie. While Midland boasts several chain pizza establishments that are excellent, consider kicking it up a notch. Pizza Baker downtown offers award-winning, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas. Pizza Sam's, also located downtown, is a beloved local favorite. Additionally, Pizza Dude on N. Saginaw boasts brick oven pizza made with fresh dough and homemade sauce.

Entertainment 

There’s a lot streaming on TV these days, but if you want to treat the family or that special someone, Midland NCG Cinemas on Cinema Dr. has a Sweetheart Combo during February that includes 1 large popcorn, 1 popcorn seasoning, 2 small drinks and 2 candies for $25.95. Check out their website to see what’s playing.

If live theater is your thing, Creative 360 on Jefferson has a Youth Broadway Flight, which is a taste of three Broadway shows performed by students from the Great Lakes Bay Region. “Journey into the musical fairytale stories of Cinderella, Wonderland and Shrek while enjoying a paired, non-alcoholic drink flight.” Tickets are $25 at the door, and the show begins at 7 p.m. It also plays on the 15th.

Through Feb. 23 you can experience Space Explorers: The Infinite at the Midland Center for the Arts (MCFTA) on Eastman Ave. “Step into the extraordinary world of space explorers inspired by NASA missions. Through the largest technology and multimedia project ever captured in space, you instantly become a space explorer, discovering wonders of our universe aboard the International Space Station. Enjoy an awe-inspiring perspective of Earth with a rare, astronaut-like view.” Go to their website to order tickets for this 45-minute immersive experience.

Midland doesn’t often have live music outside of the MCFTA this time of year, but homegrown singer/songwriter Brett Mitchell plays Feb. 14 at the Oxygen Lounge downtown from 8 to 11 p.m.

Activities

Looking for something more active? Code Breakers offers escape rooms, puzzle rooms and axe throwing for an adrenaline rush. Northern Lanes brings a nightclub vibe, while Valley Lanes features bowling and more. You can also lace up for roller skating at Captain Dave’s Roll Arena or head to City Forest on East Monroe Road for a night of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on its lit trail.