How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

It is the second month of 2021, a month that is typically full of events centered around love and history. How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? It is true that most events remain virtual to preserve the health and safety of everyone, but as we learn to navigate this global pandemic, we are also learning how to coexist outside our homes. This means that we can dine in restaurants with the use of masks and social distancing. This represents progress for us which means you don’t necessarily have to stay in for Valentine’s Day this year. Restaurants won’t be crowded because of limited capacity, but that does mean if you plan to go out, you will need to plan well in advance to secure a reservation.

 For Black History Month, we may be forced to engage in our learning virtually as many museums are not open to the public or they are keeping limited hours and capacity. Check local museums and resources to see what is available to allow you to celebrate Black History month. A lot of organizations are offering different virtual and in-person events, whether they are fundraising for a cause or providing awareness and education.

Since Virginia is for Lovers, what can you do to celebrate love and history this month?

Here are a few ideas:

• The Nutty Buttery on Clay Street is hosting a Love, Laugh and Paint singles and couples’ event on Valentine’s Days. The event will include a comedy show, live music, food and painting.
• The Tobacco Company is hosting Valentine’s Dinner for two with live music.
• The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia will begin an exhibition celebrating Virginia artists in the jazz movement.
• Celebrity Daphne Reid will host the 4^th annual Black Lives Matter RVA 2021 Art Show Gallery Opening on February 5^th from 7 pm – 9 pm. This will be a virtual event.

If you choose to stay in during this season, you can always test your culinary skills by whipping up a special dinner for your special someone. You could even attend a virtual cooking class together. Whether you choose to celebrate this month of love in or out of the home, there are plenty of options around the city to make your event special and memorable.