Nicole Reitter

With Valentine’s less than 4 days away (it’s on Sunday, for those who don’t have Heart-Day on their radar) we surveyed several locals and compiled our 11 fave spots to take your special someone…

‘Pop Up Dinners’ (Truckee).  Enjoy Stella’s creative and never-to-be-repeated ‘Pop Up Dinner Series’. Happening weekly, guests savor a truly memorable, multi-course, themed meal. Some of the dinners slated for February and March include: “Basque Night”, “Go Fish”, “Northern Lights”, “Latin Grill” and “Italian Easter”. Reservations needed, cost is $97 pp.

Stretch Your Creative Bone (Truckee). Enjoy an art workshop together at downtown Truckee’s new Atelier. Upcoming classes include Life Drawing Series, Intro to Knitting, Loom Weaving, Shibori Dyeing, Print Making, Paper Flowers, Painted Scarves, Portraits in Oil, Love for Watercolour, Macrame Weaving and more; classes start at $12.

Luxe Lightshow (Truckee). Stay at Northstar’s quintessential alpine ski village and take the gondola up to the Ritz-Carlton’s Manzanita Restaurant. Treat yourself to artisan, fresh, seasonal dishes, accompanied by signature cocktails such as our favorites—the ‘High Sierra’ and ‘Pom Royale’, a bubble-lovers dream! After, snuggle up at the outdoor fire pit, beneath a blanket of twinkling stars

Cuddle Up To Some Culture (Reno). Sometimes folks forget about our exciting urban neighbor just 30 minutes to the east, Reno. Housed on the outskirts of downtown is The Nevada Museum of Art; brimming with exquisite works and great events like “Hands On! Second Saturdays”—with activities, storytelling, tours and free admission all day. Or, the “Sunday Music Brunch” at on-site eatery, Chez Louise. Delight in live music, artful dishes and perhaps a little something from the Bloody Mary bar.

Kiss the Cook (Reno). Brush up on some kitchen techniques or learn new skills at Reno’s Nothing To It Culinary Center. Classes include “Winter Soups, Chilis & Chowders”, “Cheese Making”, “Gumbo, Jambalaya & Beignets”, “Couples – Love Bites”, “Souffles”, “Taste of Tuscany”, “Bread-Making” and many more!

Suds With Your Sweetie (Incline Village).Swing by Alibi Ale Works on Wednesdays for ‘pop up sushi night’ or perhaps bring your own eats and belly up to the bar for a pint or two of this craft brew, made from pure Lake Tahoe water.

Skating hand-in-hand. Twirl and glide around Northstar California’s ice skating rink. And if the mood strikes you, then take in a new-release movie at Village Cinemas; paint pottery or make a scented candle at Village Pottery. People watch ‘round a firepit at the cabanas while enjoying a hot cocoa or, perhaps, a Dirty Snowman.

CBC Music and Comedy (Crystal Bay). With an impressive lineup of great bands and headliner comedians,Crystal Bay Club redefines a night on the town. Begin the evening at their ‘BC Steak and Lobster House’ and finish by tempting lady luck at a blackjack or craps table.