Love is in the air, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are on display at the grocery store, and it’s time to make your plans for Valentine’s Day. If you’ve grown weary of the same old date night itineraries and you’re craving fresh ideas that will make your heart sing, you’re in the right place! We’ve reimagined Valentines’ Day for you this year, and we skipped the typical “dinner and a movie” routine.

 

Instead, we’re delivering three different activity pairings that are unique to Dunwoody and perfect to be enjoyed together. Keep reading for our recommendations to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Dunwoody three different ways.

 

Perfect Pairing #1: Galentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day was always about the celebration of romance… until recently. Celebrated on February 13, Galentine’s Day is a new spin on the holiday that’s meant to celebrate female friendships. And we’re looking at this Valentine’s-adjacent holiday with all the heart eyes. Pampering, prosecco and pizza make for the perfect girls’ night out in our opinion and Dunwoody is the perfect place to make it happen!

Girlfriends at Cafe Intermezzo                                                  

First Stop: Facials at Heyday

Heyday is the newest addition to Dunwoody’s spa and wellness scene, and the rave reviews have been flowing in since its late summer grand opening. When you visit for your first customized facial, expect a modern spin on the traditional experience and a contemporary setting designed for relaxed conversations and personalized services. Fans of Heyday love that the estheticians are friendly and unintimidating while offering suggestions that are tailored to each individual skin type and lifestyle. 

Facial at Hey Day Spa

Next up: Dinner at Novo Cucina

Step inside Novo and you’ll be met with a sensory experience making this restaurant one of Dunwoody’s most popular dining destinations. Hot take: Reservations are required nearly every night of the week. 

The irresistible aromas of simmering sauces and wood-fired artisanal pizzas welcome guests into a stylish space that combines an inviting and relaxed ambiance with a visually stunning design that includes a moody bar scene, open concept chef’s kitchen, bright and airy sunroom and tree-lined patio dining area. Raise a glass to your best girls with a flute of Prosecco or a classic Negroni and treat yourself to an unforgettable meal. 

 

Pro Tips: 

  • Pastas can be ordered in smaller “first course” versions, leaving room for you to enjoy standout appetizers like the arancini or mussels

  • Don’t leave without enjoying an affogato: espresso poured over a scoop of velvety gelato that’s spun in-house daily with standout flavors like coffee chocolate chip and hazelnut Nutella swirl.   

NOVO building

Perfect Pairing #2: Day Date with your Significant Other 

 

The challenges of booking a babysitter, the struggle to stay awake past 9pm, a genuine love for mimosas: there are plenty of reasons “day dates” are trending.  We highly recommend thinking outside the boundaries of February 14 and considering the entire week to celebrate Valentine’s Day. So go ahead, choose a day that works for you and your better half and treat yourself to an A.M. outing this year and enjoy a day date with your significant other in Dunwoody.

Cafe Intermezzo Drinks

First Stop: Brunch at Café Intermezzo

 

Catching the next flight to a European destination would be dreamy, but if that’s not in the plans this Valentine’s Day we’ve got the next best thing: Café Intermezzo. Linger over crêpes and cappuccinos and enjoy the romantic setting and delectable flavors you’ll find at this European style café in Dunwoody’s Perimeter Place. Most Atlantans are familiar with Intermezzo for its iconic dessert case and generous menu of espresso drinks but may not know the café offers a sizable brunch menu with popular features like the smoked salmon benedict and classic French toast.

Pro Tip: If you love sipping a cappuccino that’s pretty enough for the ‘gram and tastes more like dessert than coffee, try the Cioccoloccino. 

Cafe Intermezzo

Next Up: Matinée and final showing of “Completeness” at the Stage Door Theatre

 

If you’ve never been to the final performance of a production, you’re missing out on that one-of-a-kind finale energy. Watching the show and knowing the cast is delivering those lines for the last time on that stage together brings a certain je ne sais quoi that we highly recommend. Don’t take our word for it, grab a pair of tickets to the Valentine’s weekend Sunday matinée of “Completeness” at Dunwoody’s local performing arts venue, the Stage Door Theatre.  Described as a rom-com with a reboot, it’s the perfect way to enjoy local theater and some laughs with your love. 

Stage Door Players Scene

Perfect Pairing #3: Valentine’s Day with Kids 

 

There was a time when Valentine’s Day was all about you and your sweetheart, but this year you may want to celebrate your happy hearts with someone even cuter than Cupid: your kids. In Dunwoody, it’s easy to arrange a kid-friendly Valentine’s Day outing. Here, you’ll find activities and menus that are perfect for your little sweethearts, so surprise your mini with a day designed for them to tag along and enjoy the fun!

 

Stop One: Murals Tour

 

Kids and colorful artwork go together like peanut butter and jelly, and Dunwoody has no shortage of public art for little ones to enjoy! Invite your little Valentines on a drive around the city to snag a selfie in front of each of our vibrant and distinct murals. Make it educational by chatting about colors, shapes and textures… or just relax and have fun. Learn more about Dunwoody’s murals and the artists behind the work here.

Shine Your Light Mural

Next Up: Picnic at Dunwoody Nature Center  

 

Invite your kiddo to explore the great outdoors with you and discover all the unique elements of Dunwoody Nature Center together. Hike along the wetland trails, play on the playground nestled in the treetops, and let the babbling Wildcat Creek provide a soothing soundtrack for your day of play. 

 

Put a special occasion-spin on your usual lunchtime routine and pack a picnic to enjoy along the way. Picnic-friendly eats are plentiful in Dunwoody, no matter what your little one is craving. Pick up a grab-and-go Valentine’s Day lunch from the famed NFA Burger, sandwiches and salads from Breadwinner Café, or an Italian hero from E. 48th Street Market and savor some of the city’s favorite flavors while you take in the sights and sounds of our local natural beauty. 

Kids Dunwoody Nature Center

No matter who you’re celebrating with this year, we wish you a Valentine’s Day filled with memories that give you that warm fuzzy feeling. Do you have a recommendation for a perfect pairing in Dunwoody? We would love to hear about it! Let’s connect on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok!