It’s that time of year when everyone is looking for the perfect date night or day idea. Whether you’re searching for the perfect way to spend an evening with your special Valentine or Galentine’s Day is more your style, we’ve put together four itineraries to help get you started with a little help from some of your favorite locally owned Richmond businesses.

The Byrd Theatre

Dinner and a Movie, but Make it Local

Head to one of Richmond’s most charming and locally owned business-dense, neighborhoods for a local iteration of dinner at a movie. Depending on your tastes, start the evening with dinner at The Daily Kitchen & Bar, Burger Bach, or Can Can Brasserie, then catch a movie at The Byrd Theatre, Virginia’s Grand Movie Palace built in 1928. Afterward, enjoy cocktails at The Jasper, a beer from Garden Grove Brewing, or rooftop views at New York Deli.

Mis En Place Cooking School

Dinner, Drinks, and Music

If you’re looking for dinner to be the main event, head to Richmond’s historic Tobacco Row along the canal, where you’ll find Old Original Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse, a traditional white tablecloth restaurant that’s sure to impress or check out the newly opened Sprezza in Shockoe Slip for authentic Italian dishes. Alternatively, sign up for a couples cooking class at Mis En Place where you can make your own food together. After dinner, head to Tobacco Company for after-dinner drinks in one of their two elegant bar areas and, depending on the night, live music.

Tang & Biscuit

Games, Bowling, and More

For a date night (or day) that includes plenty of somewhat structured interaction and activities, look no further than Scott’s Addition. Head to River City Roll for upscale bowling, Tang & Biscuit to try your hand at shuffleboard, or The Circuit for old-school arcade-style games. Combine these with a meal at Longoven, Lunch.Supper!, Tazza Kitchen, or Lucky AF for a perfect date – day or night.

Paint ‘N Play RVA

Learn Something New Together

Learn something new together when you sign up for a unique class or workshop together. From candle making at Wick and Sip Lounge, to ice cream making at Sweet Wynns, to crafting the perfect project together with Paint ‘N Play RVA.