Is it too soon to say we love you? Sure, we just met. But love is in the air here in Altoona, and we sure are feeling it! On second thought, that might’ve been a little too forward. Sorry, we’ll dial it back a notch.
Anyway…
There are so many fun things to do for Valentine’s Day in Altoona! And you don’t have to be boo’d up to enjoy them. Whether you’re a smitten kitten, single Pringle or someone who doesn’t care for labels, this holiday is for you! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. (If they do, buy them some sweets. They’re just being salty.)
Keep reading to get the full scoop!
Pick Out an Arrangement at Stems Flower Shop
Your special someone deserves a special bouquet on Valentine’s Day. Lucky for you, that’s Stems Flower Shop’s (you guessed it) specialty! They’ll help you pick out the perfect arrangement for anyone and any occasion, stem by stem.
Stems also has ready-made Valentine’s Day bouquets and tons of gift options available for pickup and delivery. Visit their website and see for yourself!
Find the Perfect Gift – Time for a Shopping Spree!
Everyone loves a good Valentine’s Day gift. Whether you’re looking for something extravagant, practical or super sweet, Altoona’s the place to find it!
Outlets of Des Moines
The Outlets of Des Moines is a great place to start your shopping spree. They’ve got dozens of great stores to explore, from jewelers and fancy fashion retailers to boutique shops, specialty merchandisers and more.
Be sure to pick up some sweet treats from Chocolaterie Stam while you’re there!
Hidden Treasures Gifts
Hidden Treasures Gifts, as the name suggests, is a top present-shopping destination in Altoona. They carry tons of gift-worthy stuff: jewelry, accessories, boutique clothing, loose-leaf tea…they’ve even got a small selection of books!
Follow them on Facebook to stay in the loop.
Savor MasterChef Champion Grant Gillon’s Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu at Terrace Hills (Feb. 9, 7-9pm)
Foodies, you’re going to love this. MasterChef Champion (and Altoona native) Grant Gillon is teaming up with renowned Iowa farm-to-table chef, Aaron Holt, to present an unforgettable tasting menu at Terrace Hills Golf Course!
Tickets are flying off the shelf. Purchase yours now before it’s too late!
Take Your Darling Out to Dinner
Be it with friends, a date or just you, explore Altoona’s diverse restaurant scene this Valentine’s Day! Here are some of our top picks.
- AJ’s Steakhouse
- Brick & Ivy Rooftop
- Fireside Grille
- Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant
- Jethro’s N Jake’s Smokehouse Steaks
- Spectator’s Bar & Grill
- Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
- Sam’s Bar & Grill
- Texas Roadhouse
- The Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge
Hungry for more? Click here for a complete list of Altoona restaurants.
Beatlemania Now – A Beatles Tribute (Feb. 17, 7-10pm)
Looking to have a fun night out on the town this Valentine’s weekend? Tell your date, “I want to hold your hand”, and head to Prairie Meadows for Beatlemania Now – a Beatles Tribute! The show starts at 7pm in the Finish Line Show Lounge.
Tickets are on sale in the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop while supplies last.
Go Ice Skating at Ironwood Park
Weather-dependent, but oh-so-romantic—ice skating at Ironwood Park is an awesome Valentine’s Day activity! The Iowa Wild’s outdoor rink is free to use, and as long as the freeze holds, the fun continues.
It’s BYOS (bring your own skates) so come prepared!
XOXO, Visit Altoona
Happy Valentine’s Day, Altoona! Take some time this holiday to reflect and celebrate love in all its forms—be it through friendship, family, partnership, or our shared connection to this wonderful place we call home. And if you’re up to it, go out of your way to do something nice for someone. It’ll make both of your days, trust us.
Special thanks to Polk County for sponsoring the Buzz!