Your Guide to Keeping Valentine’s Day local

Are you tired of the typical Valentine’s Day gifts and dates ideas? Here at Local First we consider ourselves pretty good gift givers. We have the scoop on all the local treasures that will make your Valentine’s Day one of a kind. Whether you want to spend your day outside in the fresh Michigan air, or sitting cozy in a local restaurant with unique and locally produced food, this list is for you! We’ve compiled all treats and special events to make this Valentine’s Day one you won’t forget.

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For the Beer Lover

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Grand Rapids Brewing Company

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Try sample beers like the Silver Foam American Lager or the Rosalynn’s Bliss Blonde Ale. Or sit down for Valentine’s Day dinner, which includes two specialty courses and an appetizer for only $30! Grand Rapids Brewing Company is sure to provide a cozy local atmosphere.

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The Mitten Brewing Company, Brewery Vivant, Perrin Brewing Company

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This Valentine’s Day, three great brewing companies are teaming up to bring you and your loved ones a spectacular event—a beer tour! Featuring samples of 12 different beers, a private brewery tour, and transportation, with a complimentary tour guide enlightened in all things beer, this event is sure to make your beer lover’s heart stop.

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For the Date Who Loves to Party

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Ice Skating at Rosa Parks

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Nothing says sweet like holding hands with your loved one in the middle of Grand Rapids at Rosa Parks. Maybe you only ice skate during the Christmas season, but what better time than Valentine’s Day to re-invent an already perfect tradition.

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The B.O.B.

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Offering a variety of live entertainment with themed drinks and dinner specials, The B.O.B is sure to be the perfect venue for the couple, group of friends, or girls night out. There will also be a complimentary photo booth, chocolate fondue, ice sculpture, and dance lessons.

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Chef’s Table

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Chef’s Table is hosting a cocktail party in which they will teach you how to make those cocktails perfect for your next soiree, all the while letting you drink and devour each drink and the accompanying “small plates.” Perfect for the girls night out or those couples who love to host together.

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For the Lover of Sweet Treats

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Aperitivo

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Are you interested in doing something different than the typical chocolate and wine?

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Drop into Aperitivo and pick up their special cheese tray for two! Serving items like meats, cheese, figs, honey, olives, and crackers.

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Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery

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Robinette’s will be hosting a “Love Wine and Chocolates” event on February 14th from 1pm-5pm. The event includes a chocolate snacking bar and wine tasting. $10 per couple.

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Art of the Table

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Is your loved one smitten with the kitchen? Art of the Table is your source for things kitchen, with speciality bouquets of kitchen tools, themed mugs and cups, and traditional beer, hot chocolate, as well as unique chocolates.

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Perfect Gift Ideas:

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Metal Art Studio

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Hand crafted, one-of-a kind jewelry to fit the loved one who enjoys unique and timeless pieces. 

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Sweetlands Candies

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Homemade candies by people who are passionate about the art of candy making. Serving Michigan for over 90 years, Sweetland is your source of unique chocolates.

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Eastern Floral

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Do you want to keep things a bit traditional this year but still deliver something original? Eastern Floral is there for you. Offering fun gifts like the Valentine’s Beer City basket and the True Love Valentine’s Day package, Eastern Floral can meet your needs while still presenting something different.

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