Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrating love and romance in #Sacramento

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today’s the day to celebrate love and romance, and in case you forgot that this holiday existed until RIGHT NOW, well, boy-howdy, you’re in luck. Here at Exploring Sacramento, we’re all about the love and romance (and chocolate!), so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your very last-minute guide to Sacramento’s most romantic options in five very important departments.

Flowers With Flair

Flowers to say “I love you,” right? But you don’t want to be ordinary, do you? You don’t want a dozen roses, like every other Tom, Dick and Harry. No, you want something special, something unique. You want Kiyo’s Floral Design, for ikebana-inspired arrangements. Each design is a work of art, so be sure to check out their Yelp page for tons of gorgeous photos and inspiration.

2030 16th Street, open 9 AM to 5 PM

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Just one of many of the unique arrangements designed by Kiyo’s

 

Gourmet Chocolate

Chocolate. It’s what everyone really wants for Valentine’s Day. So don’t skimp on the picked-over selection from your closest drug store—get the good stuff. That’s right: go to Kobasic’s Candies and choose from dozens of handmade options for valentines with special dietary needs and discerning palates. Stock up on kruffles (their proprietary take on the truffle) in all flavors and knock the virtual socks off your sweetie with a pound of their favorite candy for $24.95!

5324 Riverside Blvd., open 10 AM to 6:30 PM

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Handmade candy assortment, dressed to impress

Romantic Restaurant

Want to impress your date with a romantic meal cooked by a professional chef? Of course you do! Skip all the usual suspects with the outrageous prices, the silly fondues, and the outrageously long reservation lines and head to Casablanca. Moroccan food, belly dancing, and great atmosphere? Oui, sí, اه!

3516 Fair Oaks Blvd., open 5:30-10 PM

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Comfy seating and camels! Not pictured: belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights & delicious Moroccan food!

Killer Comedy

Long-term lovers always say that being able to laugh with their partner is what helps keep them together. Whether that’s with or at may be up for some debate, but the important thing is that the laughs keep coming. Bring your best guy or gal to a comedy club and show ’em you’ve still got what it takes: a healthy sense of humor! Some V-Day shows happening this Friday, February 14th include Date Night Comedy Show at Sacramento Comedy Spot (1050 20th Street, Suite 130), The Art of Kissing at STAB! Comedy Theater (1710 Broadway), and And That’s Why We Drink: Here for the Boos Tour at Ace of Spades (1417 R Street).

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Genuine Gifts

And finally, for the valentine who’s got it it all, where do you find a great gift? Try Strapping, where Galentines are just as welcome as Valentines! If you’re looking for hometown pride, you’ll find plenty of Sacramento-themed options to choose from. With everything from home goods and decor to gag gifts, clothing, and so much more, there’s a bit of everything (in every price range!) in this cute, jam-packed, offbeat boutique.

3405 Broadway, open from 9 AM to 7 PM

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Chocoholics, assemble! It’s time for the annual Sacramento Chocolate Salon

If you love chocolate (and, really, who doesn’t?), then today’s your favorite day of the year: it’s time for the annual Sacramento Chocolate Salon!

From 11 AM to 5 PM at the Citizen Hotel (926 J Street), artisan chocolatiers will be presenting their wares to the lucky ticketed public. (Tragically, there are no tickets available at the door!) All tastings, presentations and events are included with the ticket price of $16.50 per person, which is a steal of a deal if you ask me.

If you couldn’t procure a ticket to today’s event, don’t worry! You can still follow along with the fun on Instagram. Then, mark your calendar for March 21 so you can snag a ticket to the event as it passes through the Bay Area!

For those who prefer to research these fine chocolate makers on their own time, here’s a list of this year’s participating chocolatiers: