Make Plans for a Memorable Valentine’s Weekend

The region has plenty to offer those looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with those they love, and falling on a Friday this year opens up even more opportunities that can run over into the whole weekend. While some prefer a low-key evening at their favorite small town cafe or an elaborate fine dining experience, others seek out something different, including weekend getaways.

Many of our small towns and cultural districts offer good dining choices, shopping opportunities, and other amenities whether coming for the day or staying overnight. Check out our list of ideas below and call area restaurants to see if they are offering Valentine’s Day specials. Shop local at art galleries, boutiques, bakeries, jewelry and candy stores that are gearing up with plenty of gift and goody ideas.

WINERIES
Some of the wineries offering Valentine’s specials include a few along the Piney Woods Wine Trail. Valle Della Pace Vineyards & Winery between Van and Lindale is having a Galentine’s Party at 6 p.m. Saturday, February 8 with wines (for purchase) and sweet treats. Admittance is free, but reserving a spot is recommended on Eventbrite.

Valle Della Pace is also having a Valentines Event for ages 21 and from 5-9 p.m. Friday, February 14 featuring wine and tastings, cheesecake, chocolates, and cheese and crackers for $40 per person. Get tickets on Eventbrite.

MOUNT VERNON
See “Piano Superlatives” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 16 at Mount Vernon Music Hall, featuring Evan Mitchell on piano. The concert brings together the mutual respect between Johannes Brahms and Edvard Grieg and their work. Mount Vernon Music Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing outstanding performances of live music to communities primarily in Northeast Texas. They present concerts of traditional chamber music, jazz and other styles as well as educational and family concerts, and programs for nursing homes, encouraging interaction of the performing and visual arts. Learn more about them in this County Line article. For more information on this concert and tickets call (903) 563-3780 or visit www.MountVernonMusic.org.

Mount Vernon is also home to good restaurants (open on Sunday) in their charming downtown including The Chophouse, Steve O’s Pizza & Pub, and Tag’s Hometown Bar & Grill. 

PALESTINE
Enjoy a getaway fit for a Queen in Palestine. Stay at the beautiful Redlands Hotel and enjoy fine dining onsite in the Queen St Grille. Their Valentine’s Day menu includes Crab Stuffed Shrimp with a Creole Sauce, choice of NY Strip with Roasted Potatoes and Sautéed Vegetables or Jumbo Shrimp with Three Cheese Tortellini, and Black Forest Cake for $79 per person. Call (903) 723-2404 for reservations and visit www.queenstgrille.com to learn more. 

Spend some time exploring Palestine’s beautiful architecture, Old Town Palestine, and much more. Call (800) 235-5712 for help in planning your trip and learn more on www.visitpalestine.com.

GREENVILLE
Enjoy the music of the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra live at the Texan Theater from 7-9 p.m. Friday, February 14. 

Find a one-night only dinner theatre at 7:30 p.m. February 14. Love Letters is presented by Greenville Theater Works (GTW) at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 8320 Jack Finney Blvd. The story focuses on Andrew Makepeace Ladd III (Micah McBay) and Melissa Gardner (Heather McBay), both born to wealth and position, who are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of “good schools.” While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However Andy’s last letter, written to her mother after Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years—physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.

This is Micah’s 10th show with GTW and he’s thrilled to be working on stage with his artist wife, Heather, for the very first time. Micah serves the City of Greenville as Community Engagement Director and also serves GTW as Artistic Director. Between work, theatre, and family, he doesn’t have much time left but when he gets free time he enjoys reading, watching the Tennessee Vols, and playing music.

Tickets are $30 (dinner included) and available at www.GTWLive.com

Landon Winery is presenting a Valentine’s Day REDParty on Saturday, February 15. They invite guests to wear red and enjoy a meal created by Chef Michael Mantilla. Each course is served with a paired Landon wine selected by Bob Landon and winemaker Jason Dodson. The menu includes scratch-made creamy blue crab dip with olive oil toasted crostinis, mixed green salad with fresh fruit and feta, herb crusted stuffed garlic prime rib, seasoned roasted rosemary potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, and cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries and vanilla bean creme fresh. Tickets are $99 and seating is limited.

See Hunt County’s The Voice on Saturday, February 15 at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium. 

Enjoy a Downtown Art Walk and a Historical Walking Tour. Visit the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum, and find dining and lodging options and more on www.TravelGreenvilleTX.com.

TERRELL
Discover Terrell, Texas, this Valentine’s weekend with numerous historic downtown shops and beautiful architecture, the Heritage Museum in a beautiful Carnegie building, and the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum. Find restaurants, more shopping, and places to stay on www.discoverterrell.com.

LONGVIEW
There’s always lots to do in The View. Plan a trip that includes the Longview Museum of Fine Arts and the whole Arts!Longview Cultural District, numerous dining and entertainment options, and good places to stay. Find details on www.visitlongviewtexas.com.

SULPHUR SPRINGS
Visit the Dining District in Sulphur Springs and enjoy the lovely ambience all around the downtown Celebration Plaza with the backdrop of the award-winning Romanesque Revival 1895 Hopkins County Courthouse. With red sandstone and pink granite, its design includes several unusual features, such as a double-helix staircase, a clockless tower, and entrances on its northwest and southwest corners, instead of on its sides. The Sulphur Springs downtown plaza, or “Town Square Park,” is a fun place to be with something going on most of the time day and night. 

The Venue at Two Nineteen, 219 Main Street, is hosting Galentine’s Charcuterie Night at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 12. Guests build their own boards with complimentary wine and cocktails. Tickets are $75 to $225. Call (903) 519-2199 and visit www.venue219.com for more information.

Go to www.visitsulphurspringstx.org for shopping, dining, attractions, and lodging choices in Sulphur Springs.

CEDAR CREEK LAKE
On and around Cedar Creek Lake, find Let’s Go Girls Valentine’s 2025 event from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 13. The event features “girly-girl” cocktails and foods at The Dock Restaurant, shopping and swag bags, photo booth, flowers, cotton candy champagne and a stroll through an art gallery. It takes place at Zen Fin Landing, 4728 State Highway 198, Caney City. Visit www.ZenFinLanding.com or call (903) 275-0198 to learn more. 

The Star Harbor Watercolor Society is sponsoring its 16th annual “For the Love of Art” show from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 9 at the Star Harbor City Hall building, 99 Sunset Blvd. The lakeside community of Star Harbor is located just north of Malakoff. The free event includes delicious refreshments, an opportunity to meet the artists, and live music. Examples of the members’ artwork can be viewed at the society website www.starharborws.org.

Check out more to see and do around the lake and places to stay on www.GunBarrelCity.gov.

MARSHALL
My Funny Valentine with Pat Hazell & Amy Barnes is showing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 15 at Memorial City Hall Performance Center in Marshall. Comedian Pat Hazel was one of the original writers for NBC’s Seinfeld and a veteran of The tonight Show. Amy Barnes was featured on Comedy Central and National Lampoon. They join forces for an evening of hilarious and heartwarming stand-up comedy. Get tickets on www.memorialcityhall.com.

Also in Marshall, see The Sultans perform at the Michelson Museum of Art at 6 p.m., Friday, February 14 at the “For the Love of Art” annual fundraiser. Along with live music, the event includes dinner, cocktails, and a silent auction. Tickets are $150 per person. www.michelsonmuseum.org or call (903) 935-9480

MOUNT PLEASANT
Folktale Venue, 91 County Road 3010 South in Mount Pleasant is having a weekend-long Valentine’s Pop Up that includes dinner on Friday and Saturday and brunch Saturday and Sunday mornings. The event offers photo opps, signature cocktails, and multi-course meals. The dinner menu includes roasted beet and goat cheese salad, shrimp bisque, beef Wellington or grilled chicken linguini, chocolate espresso cake or cheesecake, local wines and cocktails. Brunch includes choices of chicken-n-waffles or biscuits and cheddar sausage gravy, cowboy eggs Benedict, French eggs, and mimosa flight or cocktail. Tickets are $75 each and available on Eventbrite.

MCKINNEY
What’s not to LOVE in downtown McKinney? Twenty-plus shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more make for a nice afternoon or overnight stay.

Lone Star Winery is presenting a Royal Wine Pairing Dinner by Chef Darren McGrady on Friday, February 14. It includes wines, hors d’oeuvres,, a four-course dinner, live music, and unique rotated seating. Tickets are $250. Visit www.lonestarwinecellars.com or call (940) 390-9508

Enjoy Valentine’s Chocolate & Wine Walk in downtown McKinney presented by Lone Star Winery from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, February 15. Drink wine, eat chocolates, and shop downtown McKinney with your GALentines or your sweetheart at this sweet event featuring a fun day of wine, chocolate, and shopping. Sip premium Lone Star Winery wines, savor decadent Lindt chocolate truffles, and soak in the sweet atmosphere of love in the air. Upgrade to VIP admission for extra pours and the convenience of all-day flexible check-in. Get tickets ($30-$50) and learn more on www.VisitMcKinney.com or call (972) 547-9463. 

McKinney Flour Mill is featuring A Prohibition Valentines from 7-10 p.m. Friday, February 14 for $10 each. It features live music by Madi Davis. Learn more about this venue on www.mckinneyflourmill.com.

This is the last weekend to see Dinosaurs Live at the Heard Natural Science Museum. 

Guests walk back in time along nature trails and encounter a 46-foot T-Rex and new life-size animatronic dinosaurs in this exhibit. See the dinosaurs move and hear them roar. Visit www.heardmuseum.org to learn more.

Many other activities to choose from in McKinney including a custom perfume workshop; live music; painting, watercolor, pottery, and sewing classes; and the DIY botanical bar. Check out more fun in the McKinney Visitors Guide.

ROCKWALL
There’s a Galentine’s Day Cake Workshop on Saturday, February 15, at Honey Locust Farms in Rockwall. Visit www.honeylocustfarmsbylandart.com for details.

The Hilton Rockwall is offering a Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing Dinner on Friday, February 14. The four-course dinner features a meticulously crafted menu, expertly paired with exquisite wines to enhance each course, all in a beautifully decorated setting with lake views and live music. Make dinner reservations on Eventbrite.

The Hilton is in Rockwall’s Harbor district featuring several other restaurants and boutiques and a movie theater. It’s a great one-stop getaway. Go to their website for reservations.

While in Rockwall, be sure to visit their quaint downtown. Visit their website for a thorough list of shops and restaurants. 

TYLER
2nd Childhood with Tyler’s All Star Orchestra is at 8 p.m. Friday, February 14 at Liberty Hall. VIP Valentine’s Packages are available for early entry and special perks. www.TheBand2ndChildhood.com. Go to www.visittyler.com for many more ideas for shopping, dining, and lodging in the always-entertaining Rose Capital of America.

GILMER
Rowdy Creek Ranch in Gilmer is serving a Valentine’s Dinner with live music by Ryan Daugherty on Friday, February 14 and Covie on February 15. Dinner includes Bruschetta, Lobster Ravioli, Small Charcuterie, Tuscan Chicken, Salmon, or Prime Rib; Dessert Trio or Glass of RCR Forte Dessert Wine. $70 per person. They are also serving a Valentine Sunday Brunch on February 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Go to www.rowdycreekranch.com for details and reservations.

PARIS
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Romance in the Gilded Age Friday, February 14 at the Sam Bell Maxey House in Paris. It’s a perfect opportunity for history enthusiasts, couples, and friends to learn more about the romantic practices of the past. This program includes a tour of the Maxey House and features love letters from the family, the language of flower arrangements, and historic valentines. Registration is required. Go to the sites website for tickets and learn about other events.

WINNSBORO
Winnsboro Center for the Arts (WCA) features James McMurtry on The Bowery Stage for two shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 14, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 15. They also have a fun art exhibition, “Yakety Yak,” featuring works celebrating furry, scaly, and feathered friends through March 22. WCA is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Numerous shops are open on Friday and Saturday as well as restaurants, with a couple of those open on Sunday as well. Go to Winnsboro Online Guide for detailed information on shopping, dining, and places to stay. 

EDOM
Visit Edom with working artists and galleries lining the small downtown including O3 Collective, The Blade Bar, Potters Brown Collective, and Edom Art House. Dining at the Edom Log Cabin is always a treat and they are open on Sundays as are most of the shops. Just a few miles down the road is Green Goat Winery & Vineyard (open Friday and Saturday only) and Blue Moon Gardens. 

There’s a concert Saturday, February 15 at The Old Firehouse, a listening room in downtown Edom featuring Nichole Wagner. Her music is a soulful blend of Americana and folk with a modern twist. Her haunting vocals and evocative lyrics draw comparisons to artists like Jenny Lewis, Stevie Nicks, and Neko Case. She released her first EP, Plotting the Constellations, in 2017, followed a year later by And the Sky Caught Fire, the full-length debut that established Wagner “as one of Austin’s most promising young singer-songwriters” — as noted by Austin-American Statesman critic (and No Depression magazine co-founder) Peter Blackstock. Even more auspicious was 2020’s Dance Songs of the Apocalypse, an eclectic covers EP that found her busting outside of the Americana/folk box with dazzling panache.

While the pandemic disrupted most touring efforts in 2020 and 2021, she focused her energy on writing and recording Plastic Flowers, a full-length record set for Summer 2023 comprised of candid and uncompromising originals. Again, produced by Justin Douglas with a diverse cast of Austin’s musicians, the first two singles, “Monsters” and “Raised by Wolves” find Wagner confronting the heavier topics of childhood trauma, boundaries, and navigating the realities of life. Listen to Plastic Flowers. 

Overnight lodging can be found in nearby Van, or at delightful vacation rentals including Mariposa Cabin, Wood Haven Cabins, and Dragonhead Retreat.

Learn more about Edom on www.visitedom.com.

WILLIS COUNTRY CABINS
For a one-stop country destination escape, try Willis Country Cabins, between Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni. They offers a serene getaway and special event resort for family and friends with cozy cabins nestled in nature. Find out more on www.WillisCountryCabins.com.

CATHY’S CRITTERS
Cathy’s Critters in Princeton is inviting guests to cuddle with critters from 7-9 p.m., Friday, February 14, at 7422 County Road 466. The event is for 18 years and up and includes a farm tour, cuddling with baby goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other four-legged friends; toasting marshmallows and making s’mores; and dipping strawberries in chocolate. Admission is $40 per person or $70 per couple. Guests are welcome to bring their own bottles of wine. Other refreshments are provided. Get tickets on Eventbrite.

LAKE TEXOMA
Tanglewood Resort offers Valentine’s fun and a complete getaway package at their retreat nestled amidst nature along Lake Texoma. A Valentine’s Dinner is on Friday, February 14 at its premiere restaurant, Lakeside Lounge. The Lakeside Valentines Dinner pre-fixe menu costs $50 for members, $75 for non-members. The menu includes a choice of either mini crab cakes on a bed of arugula with a side of Rémoulade sauce or bacon-wrapped shrimp with corn salsa and shishito peppers plus a grazing board for two followed by a choice of the following soups or salads: Caprese salad made with heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and drizzled with a basil olive oil, a beetroot and arugula salad with roquefort cheese and strawberries, a grilled caesar salad, Tomato basil soup with heart shaped mini grilled cheese, Manhattan clam chowder, or classic French onion soup. 

Entree options include Oscar-style filet mignon topped with crab and asparagus smothered with hollandaise sauce, Caprese chicken, Tuscan scallops with brown butter sauce, lemon garlic mahi mahi, or Marry Me Chicken. Guests may choose two of the following sides: garlic scalloped potatoes, Shiitake mushroom risotto, lemon butter baby broccolini, prosciutto wrapped asparagus, lobster mac & cheese. Desserts include chocolate lover cake, lemon raspberry cheesecake, and classic Crème brûlée. Chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate martinis are also available for an additional charge.

Tanglewood Resort is also hosting a Couples Cooking Class at Lakeside Lounge on from 6-7 p.m. on February 22. During the interactive event, couples learn the art of curating and styling a charcuterie board while sipping their choice of wine or whiskey. Tickets to the romantic evening cost $60 for members, $100 for non-members. To secure a spot, ontact the resort at [email protected] or by calling 903-462-7829.

Learn more about Tanglewood Resort on www.tanglewoodresort.com.