Perhaps you are looking for something traditional or maybe something out of the ordinary for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. Whatever you are considering can probably be found in Sugar House. We have put together a few ideas to help make planning easier.

Best places for a kiss

Laurie Bray, of Photography by Laurie, is a local photographer who has made it her business to know all the picturesque places in Sugar House. “There are so many beautiful places in Sugar House that I think are romantic, but romance is very personal and starts inside of every individual.”

 Bray offered up these suggestions as great romantic spots:

•The north side of Hidden Hollow. “The north side is just more ‘wild,’ not traveled as much and has a great canopy of trees. It feels more peaceful.”

•Sugar House Park. “Right down by Parley’s Creek. For me, being in nature by a river is just so romantic. I really feel that Hidden Hollow and Sugar House Park are an oasis in the middle of our city.”

•Any place up high. “Once you get above the street level, the views become spectacular. The Redman building has a gallery on the fifth floor; it is called the Redman Gallery and it has spectacular art with a beautiful view.” The gallery is open the third Friday of every month from 6-9 p.m.

•Sunsets. “A great place to watch a sunset is on the east end of Hidden Hollow, just up the stairs.”

Dinner for two

Looking for a good dinner place to treat your Valentine? Sugar House has many to choose from, each with their own unique flair. 

“We love the Sugar House vibe. There are so many good restaurants to choose from,” said Jane Kim, a local resident. “As for favorite places in Sugar House, we love Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House. It’s great for date nights and other celebrations. For casual meals, we like Tsunami, Yellowfinn, Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria, Pho Thin, The RUIN and so many other places.”

Many of the Sugar House eating establishments will have some Valentine’s specials and menus, not only on the 14th, but also on the days surrounding the holiday.  

The RUIN has plans to go all out for Valentine’s Day. After the success of its New Year’s Eve celebration, “The RUIN will be hosting a couple’s event on Valentine’s Day which will include a special charcuterie presentation, chocolate pairing and wine, all accompanied by live entertainment,” said Amy Leininger, owner of The RUIN.  This is a reservations-only event; call The RUIN at (801) 869-3730 to reserve your spot.

Couples Cooking Class

For those who believe that cooking and kissing are the keys to a loving relationship, The Salt Lake Culinary Institute can help with the former. The Institute is offering special cooking classes aimed at couples during the week leading up to and after Valentine’s Day. 

“I think that people use food as a way to come together. But there is something very special about when you cook and eat together,” said Amy Christensen, event coordinator and a chef instructor at The Salt Lake Culinary Institute. “Our date nights are geared toward all couples, whether they are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary or they have just started dating. It’s a fun time, and everyone leaves with new friends. It is magical to watch.”   

Christensen also mentioned that on Valentine’s Day they’ll have a special ‘Galentines’ night. “This class is for single people who want to hang out with some other singles on Valentine’s Day. It is open to all singles, not just women,” she said. 

For more information on classes The Salt Lake Culinary Institute has on tap for February, visit at www.saltlakeculinarycenter.com.