The eclectic variety of culture, tastes and programming in the High Country make it a fantastic choice for Valentine’s Day outings. Whether you’re taking your sweetheart out for a romantic evening or you’re looking for a fun night on the town with friends, there’s a lot in store for you this Valentine’s weekend.
Theater, arts and crafts, speed dating, live music of all sorts and more — there’s plenty for you do to in the area Feb. 11-14.
If you’re trying to make plans, we’ve got you covered!
Check out our list of recommended Valentine’s Day weekend events and date night ideas.
Cinderella Wore Combat Boots Valentine’s Dessert Theater
Thurs-Sat, Feb. 11-13: 7:30 p.m. nightly in North Wilkesboro
The Wilkes Playmakers bring you this new show!
Enjoy coffee and dessert as you sit down for this enchanting and hilarious comedy. Seats are limited for this special event, so call today to get your tickets.
Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night at Benton Hall, 300 D Street in North Wilkesboro.
More information:
Call 336-838-PLAY or go online for tickets.
Todd Wright’s Valentine Evening
Friday, Feb. 12: 8-9:30 p.m. at Rosen Concert Hall
Treat yourself and your sweetheart to an evening of classic jazz tunes with the sounds of Todd Wright and Friends at this special free performance. The concert begins at 8 p.m. on the Rosen Concert Hall on Appalachian State’s campus.
Vocalist Wendy Jones will join the group, which features Wright on saxophone, Keith McCutchen on piano, Andy Page on guitar, Zack Page on bass and Rick Dilling on drums.
The program will include “All the Way” by Jimmy Can Heusen and Sammy Chan, “Teach Me Tonight” by Gene de Paul and Sammy Cahn, “I Love Her” by McCartney and Lenon, “Embraceable You” by George and Ira Gershwin, “My Funny Valentine” by Richard Rogers and “Love You Madly” by Duke Ellington.
More information:
Call 828-262-3020.
Valentine’s Family Weekend
Fri-Mon, Feb. 12-15: Appalachian Ski Mountain
Hit the slopes with the whole crew this Valentine’s Day and enjoy a weekend packed with fun activities for the whole family. Specials and events will include:
Friday, Feb. 12:
Dragon Go Big or Go Home, 7 p.m.
Midnight Blast Session, ski 5 p.m. until midnight
Saturday, Feb. 13:
Grill on the Hill, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. served slope side
Moonlight Ice Skating, 7-9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. to midnight
Midnight Blast Session, ski 5 p.m. until midnight
Sunday, Feb. 14/Valentine’s Day:
Grill on the Hill, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. served slope side
Prime Rib Dinner, 5-10 p.m.
S’mores Bonfire Party, 7-9 p.m.
Midnight Blast Session, ski 5 p.m. until midnight
Monday, Feb. 15/President’s Day:
2-for1 Ski Ticket Special
Free Junior Ice Skating, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Free Family Ski Portrait, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pig Pickin’ and Fixin’s, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. served slope side
More information:
Call 800-322-2373 or visit appskimtn.com
Valentine’s Book Making at BRAHM
Saturday, Feb. 13: 10 a.m. at Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
Register now to make a heart-shaped accordion book with a variety of decorated papers. Book artist Sigrid Hice, a native of West Germany who has lived in Hickory, North Carolina for 40 years now, will lead the two-and-a-half-hour workshop.
Preregistration is required by Feb. 10 and the workshop will cost $25 for BRAHM members and $30 for nonmembers.
More information:
Call Leila Weinstein at 828-295-9099 ext. 3006 to register or reach her by email at Leila@blowingrockmuseum.org.
Valentine’s Tea Party at Boone Healing Arts Center
Saturday, Feb. 13: noon to 5 p.m.
Get to know local “tealeaf reader” Kathleen Deyo and share love and messages from the angels. Experience the Synergy Hall and browse through Kathleen’s hand-painted artwork. Enjoy tea and cookies. Tealeaf readings: $20.
Through Feb. 1-13, take advantage of the Valentine’s Special with esthetician Debra Helen. Limited availability.
BHAC is located at 838 State Farm Road in Boone.
More information:
828-386-1172
“Don’t Hate, Speed Date” with the Appalachian Rollergirls
Sunday, Feb. 14: 6-10 p.m. at Café Portofino
Try something exciting and meet new people at this year’s speed dating event and help raise money for the Rollergirls, who support many local charities through their nonprofit derby team. Join the fun for just $10. The event is open to all orientations and ages 18 and up. Only those 21 and up will be permitted to stay at Café Portofino past 10 p.m.
RSVP with your name, age and orientation to Sarah at holt45@gmail.com.
More information:
Call 828-264-7772.
Appalachianrollergirls.com, ARG on Facebook
“L’amour tojours” with the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, Feb. 14: 2 p.m. at the Schaefer Center
Join the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra for songs of love for this year’s Valentine’s Day concert, themed “L’amour tojours,” or “love always.”
The free concert will begin at 2 p.m. and will be led by guest conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth assisted by Will Selle.
The performance will include works by Edward Elgar, Astor Piazolla, Jules Massenet and solos performed by winners of the Hayes School of Music’s 2015-16 Orchestra Concerto/Aria competition.
Andres Orench will join the orchestra for a performance of two movements from Warren Benson’s “Concertino for Alto Saxophone” conducted by Selle.
Pianist Hunter Cox will perform the third movement of Tchaikovsky’s “Concerto in B-flat Major Opt. 23.”
The orchestra will also perform the overture from Mozart’s opera, “Cosi fan tutte.”
Tenor Remy Martin will perform “Pourquoi me reveiller” from Jules Massenet’s opera “Werther,” “La donna e mobile” from Verdi’s opera, “Rigoletto” and “Amor ti vieta” from Umberto Giordano’s opera, “Fedora.”
The concert will conclude with the overture to Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet,” which will be introduced by a monologue from the conclusion of Shakespeare’s play recited by professor Derek Gagnier from the Department of Theatre and Dance.
More information:
Call 828-262-3020.
Other Valentine’s Date Night Ideas:
Joe Vicars at Beech Mountain Resort
Friday, Feb. 12: 6 p.m. at Beech Tree Bar and Grille
Soak up a little bit of the Low Country lifestyle with bassist, guitarist and multi-instrumental vocalist Joe Vicars in concert at Beech Mountain.
The performance will begin at 6 p.m.
More information:
Call 828-.87-2011 or check out beechmountainresort.com.
Live Jazz with Maureen Renihan
Friday, Feb. 12: 6-9 p.m. at Chetola Resort
Have dinner at Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock and enjoy your favorite jazz standards performed live by local artist Maureen Renihan and Friends. Weekly jazz night at Chetola is a great chance to slip away for dinner and music this Valentine’s Day!
More information:
Call 828-295-5500 or visit chetola.com.
Dr. Bacon Band at Beech Mountain Resort
Saturday, Feb. 13: 6-8 p.m. at Beech Tree Bar and Grille
Get funky with this Boone-based “Appalachian Funk-Grass” group at Beech Mountain. Diverse instrumentation and danceable southern bluegrass grooves ensure you’ll have a great time together.
More information:
Call 828-.87-2011 or check out beechmountainresort.com.
Sounds of the Mountains with The Harris Brothers
Saturday, Feb. 13: 7:30 p.m. at the Ashe Civic Center
If you plan to be in West Jefferson this Valentine’s Day weekend, don’t miss your chance to see The Harris Brothers in concert. This western North Carolina duo’s unique fusion of traditional roots, blues, mountain music, vintage country and rock and roll promise a truly awesome experience.
The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are just $16 for adults or $5 for students. The concert will take place at the Ashe Civic Center, 962 Mt. Jefferson Road in West Jefferson, and is sponsored jointly by the Ashe County Arts Council and the Blue Ridge Music Center.
More information:
Call 336-846-ARTS or visit Ashecountyarts.org.
Dr. John and the Nite Trippers
Saturday, Feb. 13: 7 p.m. at the Schaefer Center
There’s big-time fun in store for you as boogie-woogie jazz master Dr. John brings his authentic New Orleans sound to the High Country. Fellow Nite Trippers will join him on stage for this ultra entertaining performance.
Don’t wait to get your tickets — this is a concert you don’t want to miss.
Tickets will be $30 for adults, $25 for current and retired ASU faculty/staff and $15 for students or children ages 3 and up.
Call 800-841-2787 or go online to get your tickets now.
More information: