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Take Valentine's Day up a notch with these 10 unique dining experiences

Pair your romantic meal with a show, a round of golf or dancing at these memorable Valentine's Day dinners and events.
Image: Head to the Medieval Times castle in Scottsdale for a memorable meal and a show this Valentine's Day.
Head to the Medieval Times castle in Scottsdale for a memorable meal and a show this Valentine's Day. Benjamin Leatherman

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Valentine’s Day is the holiday of love, and while spending time with your partner is truly what makes the holiday special, there’s no better day of the year to go that extra mile and level up your date night.

There are hundreds of restaurants across the Valley offering dinner specials for two. Some offer the perfect setting for romance.

But if you want to impress your date with a whole experience this holiday, combine a delicious, intimate meal with an activity. Whether you want to enjoy your dinner with an exciting show, relive your Prom dreams or add a little competitive spark, here are 10 unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day to show your special someone how unique they are to you.

Valentine’s Day wine and dine 

Through February
Medieval Times
9051 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
Dinner and a show is a timeless duo. But rather than simply watching the newest film at the movie theater or binging 2000s romantic comedies on Netflix at home, head to Medieval Times in Scottsdale. Here, the Valentine’s Day wine package features an old-time-inspired meal of roasted chicken, garlic bread, mashed potatoes and corn alongside a bottle of wine. For live entertainment, the event features interactive experiences, a live sword-fighting show and a commemorative photo. The package is available throughout February. Tickets are available on the website and are $69.95 for adults.

click to enlarge People on an open-air train car.
The Verde Canyon Railroad has indoor and open-air train cars so that wine tasters can take in the scenery.
Verde Canyon Railroad

Chocolate Lovers’ Festival

Feb. 13 - 15
Verde Canyon Railroad
300 N. Broadway, Clarksdale
This Valentine’s weekend, take a little road trip to enjoy Verde Canyon Railroad’s Chocolate Lovers’ Festival. A four-hour train ride, this experience combines the scenic views of the red rock canyon with indulgent chocolate treats, such as the house-made truffles, cakes and mousse, and romantic sips such as strawberry sangria and a s’mores cocktail. Times for departure vary by day, and ticket price per passenger is $175.

Valentine’s Day dinner and variety show

Feb. 14, 6 to 11 p.m.
Onyx Art Gallery
1346 W. Roosevelt St., Suite A
Enjoy this five-hour Valentine’s Day dinner and variety show hosted by Onyx Art Gallery for a romantic evening filled with complex dishes, cocktails, music and entertainment. The night will start off with a cocktail hour paired with neo-soul, jazz and R&B sounds, leading into a dinner featuring smoky brisket, shrimp pasta with beef sausage, Thai peanut BBQ glazed chicken and more. Guests can also watch a variety of live performances, including songs from R&B artist Monique Songbyrd and DJ sets from Chuck Dog, who is also emceeing the event. Tickets are available online and currently cost $220.

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Get your game on this Valentine's Day at the Tempe location of Dave & Buster's.
Dave & Buster's

Valentine’s dinner and games

Feb. 14
Dave & Buster’s
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., #1100, Tempe
Love is a two-player game, so why not spend this romantic holiday enjoying a dinner special at Dave & Busters? This Valentine's Day deal at the Tempe Dave & Buster’s features power cards with 100 chips, unlimited video game play, a meal and a photo. The meal includes appetizer, entree and dessert options, such as pretzel dogs, pepperoni flatbread and s’mores cheesecake. Tickets, which cost $112.19 and are available online, cover the cost for you and your partner. 

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Pair food and drinks with art for an elevated evening at the Phoenix Art Museum.
Lynn Trimble

Valentine’s date night at the art museum

Feb 14, 6 to 8 p.m.
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave.
Enjoy a trio of art, jazz and eats on Valentine’s Day at the Phoenix Art Museum. A partnership with The Nash’s Women’s Initiative, this two-hour event will feature sounds from the Mary Petrich Trio, art scavenger hunts, a V-Day-themed lounge and both a hand-drawn and photo-booth experience to commemorate your night. Starting at 6 p.m., the event will also include first-come-first-serve wine tastings from Matchbook, Daou and Wagner wines as well as eats from Waffle Crush, a gourmet waffle restaurant, and El Fogon de Joy, a Mexican food catering company. Tickets are $28 for adults.

A romantic night on the course

Feb. 14, 5 to 11 p.m.
Popstroke Scottsdale
9245 E. Hummingbird Lane, Scottsdale
Play a few rounds on the golf course with your valentine at Popstroke Scottsdale. The Friday night event features two golf passes, as well as an appetizer, two entrees and a champagne toast, making it a perfect balance of lighthearted competition and bonding for the occasion. The package is $100 for two people, or $80 for those under 21.

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Be immersed in Greek mythology at the Twisted Love Ball.
Kristen Hennke

Twisted Love Ball

Feb. 14, 8 to 11:55 p.m.
Clayton House by Wedgewood Weddings
3719 N. 75th St., #100 Scottsdale
Many of us grew up reading classic fairy tales and myths, and this event, hosted by the House of Flame and Revelry, a group dedicated to bringing book worlds to life, promises a night dedicated to the intricacies of the Underworld as told in Greek mythology. The Twisted Love Ball, which will take place at Clayton House in Scottsdale, features an Underworld-inspired meal at Persephone’s table as well as an immersive photo-booth experience, casino games and a dance floor. While tickets are a bit pricier, at $250 per person, the event bringing this mythical fantasy to life promises to create a night to remember.

Prom Night: '90s Edition

Feb. 15, 6-10 p.m.
Salt Tacos y Tequila
6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale
This Valentine’s Day weekend, you and your date can transport back to prom night, except better, because this dance features margarita and taco deals. With the theme Starry Night, the event features themed decor, a dance floor, buffet dinner options, two drink tickets and a photo booth. Couple tickets are available online for $100, while single tickets are $50. Show up on Saturday at 6 p.m. dressed to impress.

Chocolate and meditation couples workshop

Feb. 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
13610 N. Scottsdale Road #11, Scottsdale
Use this Valentine's Day weekend as an opportunity for you and your partner to unwind and connect. Hosted by Brittany Shulla, a wedding officiator and couple’s coach, this Saturday afternoon workshop is filled with activities meant to facilitate intimacy and bonding. Participate in guided breathing, heart-centered meditation sessions and an exchange of roses meant to symbolize love, trust and commitment. The event also features a blindfolded chocolate tasting. Tickets start at $35 per person.

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Learn how to make romantic cocktails at The Lola.
Lauren Cusimano

Valentine’s cocktail class

Feb. 21, 6 p.m.
The Lola
6770 N. Sunrise Blvd. #109, Glendale
If you're one for avoiding the overcrowded date night experiences on Valentine's Day and want to celebrate a little later, head to The Lola in Glendale. The restaurant is hosting a cocktail-making experience where you can learn how to create two specialty Valentine’s Day cocktails. The class costs $40 and attendees will receive 10% off their dinner.