We don’t know about you, but we are always on the lookout for excuses to take a long weekend away from traffic, work, and the stresses of our daily grind. How perfect was it when we realized Valentine’s Day falls on a FRIDAY this year! Since your boss is getting an extra day out of labor from you in 2020 (it’s a leap year, too), we’d say they should let you have February 14 off so you can spend time with people you love, doing things you love.
Here in Salado, when we do find an excuse to have long weekends full of fun, we prefer to share them with you. We are willing to bet that you haven’t quite figured out what to do for that special someone in your life. Maybe they are expecting big things this year because you missed the mark last year? Or maybe you just love them THAT much? Either way, we are here to help.
We have put together three date ideas to help inspire you to have a Valentine’s Day to remember for years to come.
Date Idea 1: Wine, Gold, and a Night at the Stagecoach Inn
After leaving work early (or as quickly as possible) check in to your picturesque, newly-renovated room at the Stagecoach Inn. They have a special just for the occasion which will leave some chocolate covered strawberries waiting in your room. Better yet, they’ll let you take the credit for setting it up! Save the strawberries for after dinner, though. They will still be just as sweet and will help you fall right asleep. You won’t have to go far for dinner as their restaurant will serve up a special menu just for you and your boo. Before you run to the strawberries waiting in the room, walk across to Barrow Brewing Company or Chupacabra Craft Beer for a taste of our local music scene.
Wake up late the next morning morning and head to Alexander’s Craft Cocktails and Kitchen for their brunch, a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Your room package at the Stagecoach Inn includes a tasting at Salado Winery, so after brunch you should take advantage of this. While on North Main, don’t miss the live music at Axis Winery and be sure to visit our shops. The perfect end to any romantic getaway is, you guessed it, a piece of gold jewelry to commemorate the occasion. Fortunately, you planned ahead and (because its included in your stay at the Stagecoach Inn) you have a coupon for local goldsmith, Bentons. Your gal or guy will swoon as they pick out (or design) their next piece of bling. You can thank us later.
Date Idea 2: The Old and the New, A Match for the Ages
That’s something that we’re proud to excel at here in Salado, mixing the old and the new. What better than to mix one of the most historic properties in our Village with some of the freshest of our creative minds. Spend the weekend relaxing at the picturesque, historic Inn on the Creek and fall in love with their old-world charm. Join their newest chef, Jacob Hilbert, at the helm of The Hunter Gatherer for an aphrodisiac-focused dining experience that will connect you not only with your date across the table, but also the land that gave you the ingredients on your plate. After being wow-ed by the creativity of Chef Jacob and the hospitality of the Inn on the Creek family, take the short walk to Barrow Brewing Company for live music and fun for all.
Wake up from the comfort of sleeping in at your creek-side room and make your way to brunch at the historic Barton House. This favorite of many will offer the perfect continuation of your pursuit of the old and new. After brunch, shop around at our Main Street boutiques and galleries, but be sure to make your reservation ahead of time for your afternoon with one of our favorite Salado experiences. You will join the artists at Salado Glassworks as you Blow Your Own heart-inspired glass keepsake. What better than to return home with a memory that you can show others? Glassblowing is one of the world’s oldest forms of art, as we discussed recently with lead glassblower Gail Allard, and Salado Glassworks’ modern take on this marvel is one you shouldn’t miss. Especially not since we gave you this perfect idea.
Date Idea 3: Main Street Shopping, Dinner, and Dancing
You might want to take the whole of Friday off from work for this one.. Wake up late in your quaint room at the Inn at Salado Bed & Breakfast walk just next door for coffee at Lively Coffeehouse & Bistro. Grab your coffee and keep strolling down Main Street as you shop your day away. Local art galleries and cute boutiques will give you plenty of gifts for that special someone. You’ll have plenty of time to stroll, shop, and make note of all the things you’ll miss before your plans for the evening.
What better way to end the day than an old-fashioned dinner and dance? This year, you can spend your entire evening in one place! Join the Inn at Salado for a delicious 3-course meal, music, and dancing! After dancing the night away, be sure to stay the extra night to make the long weekend even more special.
We know how hectic life can become, and how necessary it is to take some time for yourself and your loved ones. Plan a weekend away with one of our incredible historic hotels or charming B&Bs, and see why generations of families have been inspired by Salado!
