All right, fellas (ladies too). Valentine’s Day is coming up and I know romanticism doesn’t always come easy, but we’re here to help. We (with the help of our friends at Something Special from Wisconsin™) have come up with some romantic trips, gifts, chocolates and wines to help you out on that dreaded (I mean, delightful) day. And we won’t even tell your S.O. you had help – you’re welcome.
- Devils Lake Lavender Café, Spa, FarmStay Motel
Devils Lake Lavender Company is the perfect romantic getaway, complete with a Medical Spa, café and Midwest Farmstay Motel. It’s located in a beautiful setting just one mile west of Devils Lake State Park – a gorgeous atmosphere for couples to relax in. - Trout Springs Winery
Photo courtesy of Trout Springs Winery
What better drink of choice on Valentine’s Day than wine? And what better wine than a local one? Trout Springs Winery is owned by husband and wife duo Steve and Andrea DeBaker and offers every variation of wine you can imagine. Visit the tasting room in Greenleaf as a Valentine’s Day date or order a bottle to be shipped to your address.
- Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association
Photo courtesy of Franklin Street Inn
Plan a romantic getaway right here in Wisconsin with the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association. There’s a quality, affordable Bed & Breakfast in every region of the state, and even some that offer a Valentine’s Get Away Special. If you don’t have time for a getaway now, purchase a B&B Gift Card to redeem later at any Wisconsin B&B Association member Inn!
- Vetro Winery
Yep, more wine! This family’s tradition of wine making began in Sicily over 125 years ago and was passed down through generations. Vetro Winery continues to thrive in the quaint, relaxing country setting in Jefferson. Take your better half for a wine tasting or order wines and customized gift boxes for delivery. - Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge Company
Photo courtesy of Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge Company
Oh, fuuuuudge…you forgot to get a gift again? Luckily, Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge Company ships right to your door complete with giftwrap. They offer everything from milk chocolate fudge, vanilla marble fudge, Valentine fudge (it’s got heart sprinkles, y’all), chocolate covered cherry fudge, vanilla caramel swirl fudge, and even English toffee, bacon bark, espresso truffles, chocolate smooches and so much more.
- The Chocolate Caper & QuirkE’s Custom Bakery, LLC
Photo courtesy of The Chocolate Caper
Ask anyone – you can never have too much chocolate. Especially on Valentine’s Day. The Chocolate Caper & QuirkE’s Custom Bakery has delicious pralines and capers, which are available online or in their store, located in Oregon, Wis.
- Bauer-Kearns Winery
Remember how I said you can never have too much chocolate? Well, I suppose you can have too much wine. But variety is the spice of life, and Bauer-Kearns Winery adds to our wine variety. Ted and Helen Kearns’ winery is located just four miles northeast of Platteville, and free tastings are conducted during open hours or by appointment, and tours are also available. - Door Peninsula Winery
Photo by @lilbelgian, Instagram
Plan a romantic Valentine’s getaway to Door County, and make sure to stop at Door Peninsula Winery while you’re there. The winery has been around for 40 years and has the largest selection of wines in Wisconsin, set in a picturesque location. Try 45 different wines at the two tasting bars, or order a bottle (or two) on the website.
- Sternitzky Specialty Foods LLC/DBA The Maple Dude
Wake up your significant other with breakfast in bed, featuring syrup from The Maple Dude. This prize-winning syrup began over 150 years ago and is still in production today. The many variety of syrups can be purchased online and will be the perfect topping for heart-shaped waffles or pancakes.
- RP’s Pasta Co.
Photo courtesy of RP’s Pasta
Have a Lady and the Tramp moment with your S.O. by making some delicious, homemade pasta instead of a reservation. RP’s Pasta Company is based in Madison and uses the finest, all-natural ingredients beloved by many, whether it’s their traditional Egg Fettuccine, Pumpkin Tortelloni or award-winning Gluten-Free pasta. They’ve got every type of pasta you can imagine, and can be found in many grocery stores across the country. Cloth napkins, romantic candlelight and Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore” not included.
- Roots Chocolates LLC
The perfect dessert to go with your pasta. Roots Chocolates are farm-crafted on a 4th generation farm and include some of the most unique, delectable combinations, such as Lavender n Honey, Ol’ Fashion, Sea Salt Sugar Baby, Espresso, Ms. Figgy and more. Roots Chocolates can be found at retailers in Madison, Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells and Wausau, or ordered online. - Kathy’s 2nd Chance Plants LLC
Photo courtesy of Kathy’s 2nd Chance Plants
Flowers are typically a pretty safe bet for the lady in your life, and Kathy’s 2nd Chance Plants has some of the most gorgeous…and even same-day delivery! They’ve got special Valentine’s Day bouquets, such as “My Love, My Life”, “Silver & Spice & Everything Nice”, “Circle of Love”and “This Magic Moment”.
Whether a lavishly-planned day or a simple gesture of coming home with a bouquet of flowers, your significant other is sure to appreciate your Valentine’s Day efforts. Which of these will you be trying out this year? Share with us on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
Something Special from Wisconsin™ is a trademarked program administered by the Division of Agricultural Development at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection since 1983. Every dollar spent on Something Special from Wisconsin™ products and services supports local farmers, food processors, entrepreneurs, our communities and livelihood, as well as the Wisconsin way of life. Something Special from Wisconsin™ products are unique and of the highest quality, making them perfect for gift-giving, special occasions and every day!
Kristen Finstad is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Having grown up in River Falls, attending UW-Stevens Point and now living in Madison, she’s a Wisconsin girl through and through. Watch Discover Wisconsin TV Saturday mornings at 10 on Fox Sports Wisconsin. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)
