Make Your OBX Valentine’s Day Plans

If you’re looking for an excuse to visit the Outer Banks this winter, Valentine’s Day is a good one. Whether you’re celebrating with your sweetheart, friends, family or all by yourself, you’ll find a number of ways to make the season of romance fun.

Here are a few suggestions for your OBX Valentine’s weekend. Be sure to make your accommodations and restaurant reservations early as Valentine’s weekend is becoming an increasingly popular time to visit the Outer Banks. Look for more events and celebrations here.

Photo: Paint and sip "Gnome of My Heart" with Happy Art Studio at Buffalo City Distillery in Point Harbor on February 14.

Special Valentine's Weekend Events

Start Valentine’s Day on the right foot at Love on the Run, a 5K Vineyard Run/Walk at Sanctuary Vineyard’s in Jarvisburg. After a 5K trail run or walk through vineyard to the sound and back to the winery, you’ll enjoy post-race wine (or a nonalcoholic beverage), cheese and chocolate. The run kicks off at 9 a.m. Register here. Note that February 15 is Sanctuary Vineyards’ famous The Cajun Occasion party with Cajun cuisine and Mardi Gras music. It’s a very popular event so get tickets early here.

Photo: Sanctuary Vineyards winery is decked out for the Love on the Run 5K Run/Walk on February 14.

You can also get moving at the Thrive Move-A-Thon with ThriveOBX. Enjoy a full day of movement activities at First Flight High School from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Virginia S. Tillett Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the Fessenden Center from 3 to 7 p.m. All activities are free. Visit the ThriveOBX website to learn more about the community health initiative and  its events.

Stock up on goodies with a visit to Dowdy Park in Nags Head for the Winter Market from 9 a.m. to noon on February 14. Winter Markets are for food vendors only, with opportunities to buy sweets, bread and baked goods, juice, jams and jellies, meat and eggs and more. Winter Markets are held on the second Saturday of the month through April.

Sample wines paired with dips and chocolates at the Valentine’s Wine Pairing at The Christmas Shop & General Store in Manteo on February 13 from 3 to 4 p.m. or February 14 from 12 to 1 p.m. Cost is $14 per person. You’ll definitely something tasty to bring to your Valentine’s Day celebrations. Sign up for either day here.

Buffalo City Distillery in Point Harbor is hosting a Paint & Sip called Gnome of My Heart. Starting at 4 p.m. on Februrary 14, you’ll be guided every step of the way. Cost is $35, with drinks costing extra. Register here.

Photo: Theatre of Dare presents Into the Woods, an imaginative amalgamation of classic fairy tales.

Act quickly to get tickets to Theatre of Dare’s winter show Into the Woods, which opens on Valentine’s weekend. Based on the book by James Lapine with music by Stephen Sondheim, the play brings various storybook characters together to weave an enchanting tale. The show runs February 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and February 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. Go here for tickets, which are sure to sell out.

For the ultimate night of glamour and romance, get tickets for the Passion & Prohibition Valentine’s Speakeasy at The Pioneer Theater in Manteo. Held on two nights – February 13 and 14 – the event encourages 1920s dress and features entertainment, music, dancing, table games, prizes, appetizers, dinner, dessert and champagne – all to benefit A Pathway Forward supporting veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life. Tickets cost $156 to $206. Get tickets here.

Valentine's Weekend at The Sanderling in Duck is perfect for a vacation or staycation. You'll get a 30 percent discount on rooms, two 50-minute massages a four-course dinner, a s'mores kit for the fire pits and other extras.

If you don’t want the Valentine's mush but want to celebrate late, head to Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint for a DJ Dance Party on February 14. From 9 p.m. to midnight, the Saturday Love Affair will feature the music of DJ Styles. No reservations required, and admission is $5.

Valentine’s Brunches and Dinners

Lifesaving Station Restaurant at The Sanderling in Duck – Valentine’s Day Tasting – Chef Sherman Harris’ four-course tasting menu that celebrates the flavors of the coast. This is offered on February 13 or 14 starting at 5 p.m. It’s the perfect complement to a Valentine’s stay at The Sanderling. Reservations can be made here.

NC Coast Grill & Bar in Duck – Valentine’s Day Dinner – NC Coast is curated Chef’s Boards for a romantic table setting. Bubbles and florals are available as well. Reservations start at 4 p.m. on February 14. Reserve by text at (252) 455-1791.

Red Sky Casual Dining & Cocktails in Duck – Valentine’s Day Dinner – a four-course prix fixe menu and bubbles thoughtfully curated for romance. Reservations can be made between 5 and 9 p.m. here.

Black Pelican Restaurant in Kitty Hawk – Valentine’s Dinner for Two – a four-course meal on February 13 or 14 starting at 4 p.m. Reserve your spot at (252) 261-3171

Photo: TRiO Restaurant & Market is selling sweets for your sweet and hosting a Valentine's Day dinner.

TRiO Restaurant & Market in Kitty Hawk – Valentine’s Day Dinner – four-course prix fixe meal on February 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. Reserve your spot here.

Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar in Kitty Hawk – Valentine’s Dinner – A special multi-course dinner creates the perfect mood. Reservations can be made at (252) 261-2546.

Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills – Valentine’s Dinner – A special Valentine’s menu and live music by Bryan Campbell. Call (252) 449-2739 to reserve.

The Froggy Dog Restaurant & Pub in Avon – Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two – Enjoy a romantic meal with music by Micah Iverson. Reservations are recommended and can be made between 4 and 9 p.m. at (252) 995-5550.

The White Doe Inn – Valentine’s Wine Pairing Dinner – Enjoy a multi-course dinner with wine pairings in an intimate setting from 6 to 8 p.m. Stay the night too! Call (252) 473-9851 to reserve.

Salt & Cypress Kitchen and Cocktails in Manteo - Galentine’s Day Brunches - February 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They’ll have a prix fixe menu plus bubbles and photo ops. Their Valentine's Dinner on February 14 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. features a four-course prix fixe dinner and bubbles. Make reservations here.

Photo: Galentine's Brunches with the girls are quite popular on the Outer Banks this season.

Valentine’s Pre-Gaming and Galentine’s Fun

Galentine’s Brunch at NC Coast Grill & Bar – February 8, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Enjoy brunch with your girls while noshing on brunch boards and bubbly. Cost is $48 per person. Reserve by text: 252-455-1791

Romance Book Fair - Hosted by Downtown Books at Front Porch Cafe in Manteo. February 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Galentine’s Sip and Snack Night at Oceanas Bistro in Avon. There will be cocktails, shareable plates and lots fun. Wear red, pink or black. The fun happens from 4 to 8 p.m. on February 12.

Galentine’s Gala Bravo Watch Party at Huanchaco Lounge in Kill Devil Hills. Wear your best housewife outfit to win prizes and enjoy half-priced bottles and fun. This happens from 5 to 9 p.m. on February 12.

Dinner in the Dark at NC Coast Grill and Bar dares you to dine in darkness with your blindfold on. Chef Wes Stepp calls it the ultimate Valentine’s adventure with five courses and pairing cocktails plus live music to set the mood. Cost is $90 for this event on February 12 at 6 p.m. Reserve by text at (252) 455-1791.

Galentine’s Day Pasta and Cocktails with Kiiind Cocktails and Ortega’z Southwestern Grill & Wine Bar in Manteo. You’ll experience a four-course mixology experience along with a custom pasta, salad and cannoli bar. This one will be held on February 13 starting at 6 p.m. Reserve at (252) 473-5911 or message (252) 305-3410.

Galentine’s Party at Buffalo City Distillery in Point Harbor. On February 13 starting at 6 p.m. enjoy karaoke, a pop-up consignment shop and a specialty cocktail menu.

More events will be popping up as we get closer to Valentine's Day. Stay tuned to our Events pages for all the latest updates.