The most loved—and hated—holiday is once again upon us. Whether you’re single or taken, it doesn’t matter, there are plenty of ways to make the most of February 14 with arts, crafts, parties, concerts, and events throughout the city.

Adult Amour

2/10: Tassels & Champagne
Gilded Lily Burlesque presents their annual Valentine’s striptease, this year to the theme of “Love by Any Other Name.” Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 p.m. $22-550.

2/10: Sex at the Zoo
Discover the ins and outs of romance in the animal kingdom with this informative evening with live music and cocktails. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Pl. 6-9 p.m. $80-150.

2/10-28: Fall in Love with Fells Scavenger Hunt
Pick up a ballot from one of these local retailers around Fells Point to participate in this fun scavenger hunt inspired by V-Day. Be on the lookout for items including an Eiffel Tower inside Polina’s Prive, a picture of Oprah at Brightside Boutique, and a hidden deer at new thrift store Glitter Rat. Participants who find all of the local love items listed can turn in their completed ballots and enter to win more than $200 in gift cards from the participating stores.  

2/14: Be Our Valentine: An Evening with Tayari Jones
This renowned novelist reads from her upcoming book, An American Marriage. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 6:30 p.m. Free.

Girl Power

2/13: Second Annual Galentine’s Day Party at Sangria Patio Bar

Join bloggers—and all-around girl bosses—Alysha January and Shae-Li Liang at this bash highlighting cocktails, light bites, live DJ entertainment, prizes, and a photo booth. Ladies who bring feminine products to donate to downtown’s Helping Up Mission will receive their first drink free. Sangria Patio Bar, 930 N. Charles St., 5:30-8 p.m., Free. 

2/13: Ladies-Only Galentine’s Day Cooking Class with Chef Egg
Bring your best bud to this culinary course led by Charm City’s own Chef Egg, who will teach ladies how to whip up dishes including scalded oysters with champagne cream, arugula salad with pear and almonds, jumbo shrimp with butter, and red wine-chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache frosting. Blue Moon Too, 1024 Light St., 6:30 p.m., $50, 443-759-4907

2/13: Galentine’s Day Beef Butchery Demo at Parts & Labor
Grab your girls and roll up your sleeves for this carnivorous class led by head butcher George Marsh of Parts & Labor in Remington. Snack on cured meats and local cheeses during the tutorial—and enjoy a post-demo dinner of 8-oz. filet, 14-oz. ribeye, or 14-oz. strip steak cooked on the hearth oven. 2600 N. Howard St., 6 p.m., $120, 443-873-8887

2/13: Galentine’s Party with Sentimental Fools and Society for Excellent Women
Rub elbows with dozens of fierce females at this fundraiser for the Women’s Housing Coalition, which will feature signature cocktails and a pop-up market offering food, fashion, and cosmetics from 15 female-owned local businesses. Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St., $15.

2/23: Charm City Sisters Present: Love Yo’ Self
Head to Charm City Meadworks to support local organizations Charm City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Hearts & Ears Inc.—which both work to promote wellness for the LGBTQIA community. The fundraiser will feature games, a photo booth from Side A Photography, music spun by DJ Patrick McMinn, a 50-50 raffle, and, of course, plenty of mead to go around. 400 E. Biddle St., $10 suggested donation, 443-961-1072.

Moonstruck Music

2/10: The Talking Heads & Assorted Love Songs
Rock out to romance-themed Talking Heads tribute band Psycho Killers and special guest Kung Fu. Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl. 9 p.m. $16.50-19.80.

2/14: Baltimore Soul Food Concert
Spend Valentine’s grooving to soulful tunes played by The Whispers and Dennis Edwards’ Temptations Review. Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $75-150.

2/16: Un-Valentine’s Day Dance Party at Metro Gallery
Get down to hits spun by DJs King Gilbert and Matt Walter at this fundraiser for Club Charles bartender Jeremy Crawford, who was diagnosed with advanced liver disease in September. 1700 N. Charles St., $10, 410-244-0899.

2/19: Love Songs of the First Ladies
The Dan Meyer Choir performs an eccentric mix of pop-styled versions of the first ladies’ favorite love songs. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 3 p.m. $5-8.

Love With The Little Ones

2/10: Little’s Day: Be My Valentine
Kick off V-Day with kids activities, dancing, interactive theater, and yoga for happy hearts. Port Discovery, 35 Market Pl. 12-5 p.m. Free-$15.95.

2/14: Valentine’s Day Story Time & Craft
Celebrate the special holiday with stories and crafts in Highlandtown. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 3601 Eastern Ave. 3:30 p.m. Free.

2/14: DIY Candy Jewelry
Bring the kids to craft candy necklaces and bracelets for their favorite people. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 4420 Loch Raven Blvd. 3:30 p.m. Free.

2/14: Family Valentine’s Day Dinner at Alexander’s Tavern
Finding a sitter on Valentine’s Day can be tough, but Alexander’s Tavern in Fells Point has you covered. The spot will be offering babysitting services upstairs—complete with crafts and card making—so that parents can enjoy a quiet meal in the dining room. Specials for the evening will include $6 paninis, as well as two cocktails, an order of tots, and a whole pizza for $25. 710 S. Broadway, 410-522-0000

Flirty Food

2/11-18: Romantic Flavors at Full Circle Artisan Palace
Stop by this new doughnut destination in Hampden to treat yourself with a special “Box of Chocolates,” featuring chocolate cake, chocolate mousse-filled, and chocolate-caramel doughnuts. Other Valentine’s flavors to look out for include caramelized white chocolate, bananas foster, and cherries jubilee. 3528 Chestnut Ave., 410-235-1808

2/14: The Perfect Pair: Sagamore Spirit Whiskey and Chocolate Pairing 
Nothing says love like chocolate and whiskey. This holiday, embark on a tour of the Sagamore Spirit distillery campus in Port Covington to learn about the history of Rye in Maryland, and how each whiskey is made. Then, finish the evening off with a tasting of three spirits paired with locally sourced Glarus chocolates that complement the taste of each. 301 E. Cromwell St., 3-6:30 p.m., $20, 410-624-7488

2/14: Love Shucks at Lee’s Pint and Shell
This Canton seafood spot is celebrating couples and singles alike. Enjoy shucking oysters with a special someone on the first floor, or head upstairs for a singles-only party featuring free oysters, half-priced bottles of wine, and $3 Flying Dog Raging Bitch drafts. Plus, bring all of your ex’s left-behind clothes to donate to charity. 2844 Hudson St., 410-327-2883.

2/14: Couples Cocktail Class at Old Line Spirits
Shake things up with this hands-on cocktail experience at Old Line Spirits in Highlandtown. The distillery is partnering with mixologist Steve Lamb to school couples on cocktail technique and theory. Stick around for a behind-the-scenes look at the whiskey-distilling and barrel-aging processes and get a taste of Old Line’s newest spirit. 200 S. Janney St., $60 per couple, 410-961-3199.

2/14: Couples Valentine’s Day Cooking Class with Chef Egg
Throw on an apron and prepare a four-course meal with your sweetheart at this cooking class led by Chef Egg. Dishes on the evening’s special menu include Caesar salad with homemade dressing and garlic and herb pan-seared steaks with bearnaise sauce. Blue Moon Too, 1024 Light St., 6:30 p.m., $50, 443-759-4907

Anti-Valentine’s Day Soirees

2/14: Cupid Rhymes with Stupid at The Owl Bar
Lonely hearts are invited to throw back anti-love potion cocktails at this Owl Bar bash, which will feature a “Love Bites” menu, stoplight glow sticks (green for single, yellow for “it’s complicated”), and a fun photo booth. Be sure to bring a photo of your ex for a free shot. 1 E. Chase St., 5 p.m.-12 a.m., 410-347-0888.

2/15: 2nd Annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Party at Southern Provisions
Drown your sorrows the day after the holiday by sipping $6 Smirnoff and Captain Morgan cocktails and jamming to music by DJ Kenny Der and The Ruby Zippers. Like every Thursday, ladies will receive 50 percent off throughout the night. Also, come with an item to donate to the Believe in Tomorrow House—which provides overnight accommodations for families with children in hospital care—to enter to win a $100 gift card. 3000 O’Donnell St., 9 p.m.-2 a.m., 410-675-4029.

2/17: Swipe Left: Valentine’s Day For The Rest of Us
Fed up with Tinder? Head to the upstairs Cabaret at Germano’s Piattini in Little Italy to commiserate with best friends Leah Ingerand and Fatima Peterson. The duo will perform a hilarious romp about the trials and tribulations of online dating with piano accompaniment from R. Timothy McReynolds. 300 S. High St., 6 p.m., $15, 410-752-4515

“Just Friends” Fun

2/11: Open Studio Valentine’s Day Edition at Local Color Flowers
Local Color Flowers continues its fan-favorite Open Studio hours with a special holiday iteration spotlighting imported roses. Customize your own arrangement or wrapped bouquet with provided flowers, vases, and tools. Local Color Flowers, 3100 Brentwood Ave., $35-75,  410-262-1494

2/14: Love and Basketball and Poetic Justice Double Feature at The Parkway
Spend your Hallmark holiday with some of the most iconic couples in rom-com history. Get cozy inside The Parkway to watch Sanaa Lathan compete for Omar Epps’ heart in Love and Basketball, and Tupac try to win over Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway Theatre, 7-11:15 p.m., $16

2/14: Valentine’s Day Triple Can Release at Black Flag Brewing
Black Flag Brewing is spreading the love by rolling out three new beers. Head to the Columbia taproom to chow down on food truck fare from Diner on the Go while sipping love-inspired releases including the Churro En Fuego Mexican hot chocolate stout, Friends With Benefits mango lactose IPA, and Double Dry Hopped Mambo Sauce with citra and Falconers Flight hops. 9315 Snowden River Parkway, Ste. C, 443-864-5139

Flowers and jewelry are all well and good, but the old adage rings true—the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.

David and Laura Alima, husband and wife owners of The Charmery on the Avenue in Hampden, can attest to the saying. Each year on Valentine’s Day, the duo serves dozens of amorous patrons who are looking to get their fix of the shop’s witty ice cream flavors like “Pure Love” (chocolate, strawberry, and champagne sorbet) and “Broken Hearts,” made with mashed up conversation heart candies.

“David has this amazingly creative mind,” Laura says. “He will come up with ideas and just run with them.”

New this year will be a special concoction called “Swipe Right,” which David says will taste like “optimism and Fireball whiskey, and leave you with a finish of regret.”

Despite them naming a flavor after an online dating app, the couple met long before the days of Tinder—when they were both counselors at a sleepaway camp in Bel Air during the summer of 1998. After attending college in upstate New York (David went to Ithaca, Laura went to Cornell), they traveled around the world and later landed on the West Coast—but ultimately couldn’t resist the pull of their hometown in Baltimore.

Inspired by all of the city-defining ice cream shops that they visited throughout their travels, they debuted The Charmery in 2013. Though opening a store together had its challenges, it didn’t take long for the couple to get the hang of it.

“Running a business with your spouse is kind of a terrifying prospect,” David says. “But I found out really quickly that Laura is just so good at this. Every day, people get to see her kick ass for our business. It’s definitely drawn us closer.”

Laura says that her management background combined with David’s creativity strikes an ideal balance.    

“Even if we’re going through tougher moments, we’ve been a team for so long that the only option is to move forward and figure things out,” she says. “If we’re not agreeing on something, we can take a step back and look to see who is the expert in that moment in time, and defer to that person. Or we just play rock, paper, scissors.”

In addition to the scrumptious scoops at The Charmery, there are plenty of other local places to win over your date for the upcoming Hallmark holiday. Whether you’re headed out with a group of friends or a special someone, here are our picks for the best eateries to indulge in a memorable meal.

New and Noteworthy

Ampersea: Take in the harbor-side views at this recently rebranded spot in the former home of Waterfront Kitchen in Fells Point, which is opening just in time for Valentine’s Day. Chef Nelson Morton will be featuring a few amorous specials on the seasonal menu, which include dishes like oxtail stew with jalapeño cornbread and lump crab cake with a lemon aioli drizzle. 1417 Thames St., 443-681-5310

Bygone: Make it an evening to remember by heading up to the rooftop of the Four Seasons Baltimore. This new speakeasy-style spot with panoramic views of the city will be offering a special five-course menu for the occasion, highlighting regal dishes such as prime rib au jus, Dover sole, and a 16-oz. Delmonico steak. End on a sweet note with a chocolate torte or Cherries Jubilee sundae. 400 International Drive, $175, 443-343-8200

Foraged: Indulge in a three-course menu at this new spot from chef—and master forager—Chris Amendola. Be on the lookout for locally sourced specials including pastrami pork belly with a coriander glaze, grains risotto with seasonal vegetables, and braised lamb neck with glazed carrots. 3520 Chestnut Ave, $55, 410-235-0035

Rye Street Tavern: This new tavern next to the Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Port Covington is celebrating its first Valentine’s Day with a three-course menu featuring its signature fried green tomatoes, wood-grilled Maryland rockfish, and dry-aged duck breast, as well as desserts like Carolina rice pudding and warm beignets with paw paw cream. 225 E. Cromwell St., $95, 443-662-8000

Fancy Fare

Charleston: Nothing says love like a meal at chef Cindy Wolf’s Lowcountry restaurant in Harbor East. Make the most of your date night with porcini mushroom bisque, a toasted walnut salad with arugula and escarole, pan-roasted black bass, grilled elk tenderloin, and pan-roasted magret of duck with carrot puree and brandied cherries. End the evening with picture-perfect pastries like a Meyer lemon tart with toasted meringue. 1000 Lancaster St., $169, 410-332-7373

Citron: Delight your sweetheart with this Pikesville spot’s special four-course Valentine’s menu, featuring truffled cauliflower bisque, skillet prawns with Meyer lemon, beet salad with goat cheese, Hudson Valley duck, and lamb shank with black currant demi-glace. 2605 Quarry Lake Drive, Pikesville, $75, 410-363-0900

The Corner Pantry: If you’re hoping to host a romantic dinner at home, this Mt. Washington staple—which celebrates its fourth anniversary this Valentine’s Day—has got you covered. A special holiday catering menu boasts dishes like chocolate and espresso-rubbed short ribs, butter-poached lobster ravioli, cauliflower steak, and a pistachio and rosewater love cake with a citrus glaze.  6080 Falls Road, 667-308-2331

Gunther & Co: This beloved Brewers Hill spot is celebrating accordingly with a four-course Valentine’s Day menu highlighting chef Jerry Trice’s worldly dishes including soy-glazed quail, seared War Shore scallops, burrata with shaved fennel, crispy porchetta, and ice cream-filled profiteroles. 3650 Toone St., $85, 443-869-6874

Donna’s: Chef Donna Crivello’s Cross Keys café is getting in the spirit with a four-course menu offering pickled local oysters, black bean and mushroom empanadas, cream of celery and crab soup, slow-cooked duck in a chocolate mole, Jerusalem lamb shawarma, and mushroom ravioli in a brown butter sauce. 5100 Falls Road, $55, 410-532-7611

Minnow: Oceanic offerings take center stage at this South Baltimore spot. On Valentine’s Day, enjoy a four-course meal with oysters Florentine, calamari with anchovy oil, Parisian gnocchi with English peas, and grilled rockfish with charred broccoli and black garlic turnip puree. 2 E. Wells St., $79, 443-759-6537

Hotel Hotspots

B&O American Brasserie: Snag a table at this modern dining destination inside the Hotel Monaco downtown to enjoy three courses from executive chef Scott Hines. Options will include roasted oysters with Thai basil and coconut milk, soft-boiled caviar eggs, spiced duck breast with a sweet potato puree, winter harvest paella, and a chocolate and chili soufflé with toasted almonds and a berry compote. 2 N. Charles St., $75, 443-692-6172

The French Kitchen: Love is in the air at the historic Lord Baltimore hotel downtown, whose restaurant The French Kitchen will be offering a four-course menu for the holiday. The hearty options will include classic French onion soup, crab fondue, filet mignon, beef bourguignon with Parisian mushrooms, and a roasted half chicken with Jasmine rice. Conclude the meal with sweets from the hotel’s beloved LB Bakery (think truffles, Linzer cookies, and heart-shaped macarons). 20 W. Baltimore St., 410-539-8400

Magdalena: With its pretty plating and colorful artwork, this fine-dining den inside The Ivy Hotel in Mt. Vernon exudes elegance. Treat your date to a three-course dinner by executive chef Mark Levy, who is best known for his sophisticated dishes including butternut squash tortellini, smoked butter sautéed filet of stone bass, and Thai style sweet pork belly. 205 E. Biddle St., $75, 410-514-0303

Wit & Wisdom: Reserve a table near the warm fireplaces and glowing lanterns at this spot inside the Four Seasons Baltimore. Chef Zack Mills is whipping up a romantic four-course menu including dressed Chesapeake oysters on the half shell, split pea soup, butter-poached prime beef filet, Maine lobster with creamy polenta, and duck confit macaroni and cheese. 200 International Drive, $95, 410-576-5800

International Love

Alma Cocina Latina: Enjoy the interior greenery and colorful entrees at this Venezuelan-inspired spot, which is offering a three-course menu that starts off with an amuse bouche of potato and leek soup with vanilla apples. Other don’t-miss dishes will include red beet salad with mussels and strawberries, Alaskan salmon with roasted lettuce, and a vegetarian potato cylinder with sofrito sauce and onion ash. 2400 Boston St., $65, 667-212-4273

Azumi: Take your taste buds on a trip to Japan at this hotspot on the waterfront in Harbor East. The chef’s five-course menu highlights seared tuna and avocado, wagyu carpaccio, barbecue spare ribs, miso black cod, and a variety of special sushi rolls. 725 Aliceanna St., $95-235, 443-220-0477

Bar Vasquez: Executive chef Mario Cano-Catalan has dreamed up a three-course menu inspired by the flavors of Argentina. Snack on crispy oysters and tartare of Uruguayan filet mignon before enjoying entrees such as wood grilled lamb chops, pan seared duck, and octopus a la plancha. 1425 Aliceanna St., $85, 410-534-7296

Birroteca: This Hampden hangout is spreading the love for an entire week, offering a la carte Valentine’s Day specials from February 14-21. Dig in to Italian dishes including smoked beet carpaccio, ricotta gnudi (a cousin to gnocchi stuffed with ricotta instead of potato), and scallops for two with fennel, endive, and roasted sunchokes. 1520 Clipper Mill Road, 443-708-1934

The Elephant: Spend the holiday at this elegant Mt. Vernon mansion owned by Steven and Linda Rivelis—who were married at the restaurant in the ’80s. Executive chef Orlando Amaro is showcasing the spot’s worldly focus with a four-course menu featuring roasted beets and coconut milk soup, blood orange glazed duck breast, grilled polenta with black truffle broth, wild mushroom and quail paella for two, and a chocolate truffle box for dessert. 924 N. Charles St., $85-115, 443-447-7878

La Cuchara: Travel to the Basque region by way of Clipper Mill at this fan-favorite. The romantic menu will spotlight plates including tuna crudo, forest mushrooms with duck egg yolk, charred radicchio with scallions, lamb shoulder, Roseda Farms strip steak, and grilled bronzino with roasted fennel and tomatoes. 3600 Clipper Mill Road, $89, 443-708-3838

Petit Louis: Cozy up next to the flickering fireplace at this Roland Park haunt, which offer a four-course menu to honor the occasion. French dishes to look out for include fois gras terrine, smoked salmon on a pumpernickel crouton, duck leg confit, grilled ribeye, and a grilled vegetable plate with couscous and green herb sauce. Don’t forget to order the chocolate tart for dessert. 4800 Roland Ave., $79-119, 410-366-9393