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Valentine’s Day 2021: How to celebrate in Chicago, whether you’re cuddled up at home or dining out

In the past year, the pandemic has limited how couples do romance. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, partners are deciding how to celebrate safely. If you’re looking for ideas on how to make the day special, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning to cuddle up at home to avoid the bitter cold weather, or bundle up and brave the deep freeze for a dinner for two at a local restaurant, here are a few ways to satisfy your Valentine.

Spread some cheer with these 14 great gift ideas

When it comes to gifting on Valentine’s Day, even the smallest gesture can make a big impact. That said, it’s been a rough year for everyone, so this is the year to get creative. And waiting until the last minute might not be a good idea — no one wants to give a date wilted roses or mushy, overripe chocolate strawberries. But if you’re scrambling for a gift that’s a little more unexpected than a box of chocolates or grocery store flowers, here are some thoughtful ways to show it.

Maybe Valentine’s Day will be the occasion that gets you back into restaurants?

With dining rooms again open across the state, albeit at reduced capacity, restaurants are gearing up to offer holiday dinners Feb. 12-14, traditionally the busiest time of the year. Outdoor dining options in heated tents, igloos and other structures await as well. And, of course, full takeout dinners and meal kits let you order in to create a romantic evening at home. New this time? Many restaurants are pairing with florists to offer bouquets of flowers. Here are 57 restaurants where you can order out or dine in for Valentine’s Day.

Looking for something unique on the most popular date night of the year?

Date nights of the past might not be available this year, but Valentine’s Day can still be vibrant and romantic. We asked Illinois couples how they are making it work. Some picked up at-home painting kits; others are creating a restaurant-style environment at home, complete with children as servers. Here are seven ways to celebrate with your Valentine. When thinking about how to plan a nice night with your partner, remember that date nights are about finding an opportunity for connection. Here are 14 more ways to spice up that date night, along with relationship tips — no matter what stage your relationship is in.

Deciding to cuddle up on the couch? 21 movies, TV shows and performances to watch.

The bitter cold plans to stick around for Valentine’s Day, so your sofa might make the perfect date night spot. From “Love Life” to “True Romance,” we’ve rounded up 11 films and TV shows to stream this weekend. Couples can also livestream or attend these 10 picks from Chicago arts groups for a special viewing night.

Be inspired by this heartwarming story about a long-lost wedding ring

Researchers at the Ridge Historical Society followed a lead on Facebook and tracked down the owner of a long-lost wedding ring. The ring was found in a Morgan Park yard with an inscription inside from 1966. Using real estate and other records, historians Carol Flynn and Linda Lamberty tracked down the couple — Karen and Robert Autenrieth — who lost the ring in 1973. Flynn shipped the ring to them in San Antonio, Texas, where they’ve lived since the 1980s. The ring arrived Monday. Robert Autenrieth plans to put it back on his wife’s finger on Valentine’s Day. Read the full story here.

Finally, beware of online romance scams. They rise around Valentine’s Day.

Romance scammers cost Americans over $200 million a year, and the problem is growing. With Valentine’s Day approaching, a Tribune reporter took a journey into their territory, answering all the handsome, single doctors and engineers who had requested her friendship out of the blue on Facebook. Within 48 hours she fielded her first request for money; within a week a half-dozen suitors had exhibited romance scam warning signs. Read her increasingly tense journey through the sweet talk, buff bodies, sneaky questions and creepy manipulations that lay in wait at her (social media) doorstep.