Valentine’s Day in Altoona, Iowa: Your Guide for Food, Activities, Gifts, & More!

valentine's day in Altoona

Valentine’s Day plan-making can be difficult, especially if you’re in a last-minute hurry to line something up! Don’t worry, we’re here to help you sort through your options. Whether you’re looking for the perfect date night with your spouse, or if you’re “single and ready to mingle”, we’ve got a great list of things for you to check out right here in Altoona!

First Things First…Food

Without a doubt, picking a great place to eat or get takeout ranks highly on most people’s Valentine’s Day priorities. Luckily, there is no shortage of great options in Altoona, especially for steakhouse dining!

The Big Steer Restaurant

The Big Steer Restaurant has a Valentine’s Week special that you’ll likely fall in love with! For $64.95, you can get a parmesan-crusted 12 oz. bone-in beef tenderloin filet + 6 oz. South African cold-water lobster tail served with your choice of two sides. The special will run from Sunday, February 13th to Saturday, February 19th.

Plus, they have a number of other February features that you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking to plan your date night sooner rather than later, be sure to take advantage of their call-ahead seating.

AJ’s Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows

AJ’s Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows has rolled out a special Valentine’s Menu for lovers and steak lovers alike. The chef-curated menu has romantic, sophisticated entrees including “Chateaubriand for Two”, “Miso Halibut”, “Salmon Oscar”, “Caprese Stuffed Chicken”, and the classic “Surf & Turf.”

For a sweet touch at the end, be sure to enjoy the “Lover’s Leap for Two.” This special Valentine’s Menu will run from Friday, February 11th to Valentine’s Day on Monday, February 14th. Be sure to check their website for hours and more information!

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is another fantastic option for a classy, romantic night out with your special person. Their wide array of classic Italian steakhouse cuisine and elegant drinks will be sure to hit the spot. After all, what’s more romantic than a wine-and-dine night out on the town?

Even if you’re not out on a date, you can still make Valentine’s Day carry-out dinner a hit with a group of friends and a Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse Presto Pack. For $45, the Presto Pack serves 4-5 people and includes your choice of family-style salad and pasta entrée.

Need Something to Do? Here Are Some Fun Activities

Whether you’re looking for something to do with your Valentine—or if you’re looking to actually meet your Valentine while doing something fun—we’ve got some great activity suggestions!

Cocktails & Canvas—Valentine’s Day Edition

Grab a friend, lover, or anyone else you want to spend time with, and sign up for the Cocktails & Canvas class at Hawk Heaven Tavern on Friday, February 11th!

As the name suggests, you’ll get to sip on Hawk Heaven Tavern’s delicious drinks while making your own Valentine’s Day-themed door decoration. It’ll be a night full of laughs, crafts, and good times! Click here to sign up.

Valentine’s Day Speed Dating

If you don’t have a date for Valentine’s Day yet—no worries! The Valentine’s Day Speed Dating event at Hawk Heaven Tavern is here to help you get yourself out there. Stop by on Saturday, February 12th from 7 pm to 10 pm and enjoy a fun night chatting with singles, sipping great drinks, and just having a great time!

Email hawkheaventavern@gmail.com to register. Preregistration is recommended but not required. However, make sure you arrive 15 minutes early if you don’t register beforehand!

Valentine’s Day Party—Za-Ga-Zig Shrine

If you’re searching for a fun night out in the Altoona community, consider swinging by the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine for their Valentine’s Day party on Saturday, February 12th! The event runs from 6 pm to 11 pm. You’ll get to enjoy a night filled with food, dancing, and great times for only $20!

Whether you’re looking to go with a friend, date, or with a group, this party will fit the occasion.

What’s Valentine’s Day Without Gifts?

Altoona has some great ways for you to show your admiration through gifts! From personalized floral arrangements and delicious chocolates to relaxing spa treatments, we’ve got some recommendations that are sure to please. Plus, they’re great for treating yourself if you’re single, too!

Personalized Floral Arrangements—STEMS Flower Shop

It’s no secret; flowers are a must-have on Valentine’s Day. STEMS Flower Shop will help you show your admiration with a floral arrangement that’s as special as the person in your life. At STEMS, you get to pick out your arrangements by the stem, which gives them a personal and heartfelt touch.

Their staff will guide you through all the different options so that you can get the perfect gift—flower by flower! Plus, they have beautiful pre-made Valentine’s Day arrangements and other amazing gifts to pick from as well.

Chocolates & Sweets—Chocolaterie Stam

Chocolaterie Stam has 8 Valentine’s Day chocolate assortments to choose from! Whether you’re giving them to a partner, a friend, or even yourself—these packages of sweet treats are a Valentine’s Day staple.

From their “Grand Gesture Heart” (with an assortment of 48 signature bonbons) to their “Instant Prince Kit” (two mint lip bonbon kisses and a frog filled with caramel and pecans), there’s a gift for every person and occasion!

Valentine’s Day Packages—Signatures Salon & Day Spa

Signatures Salon & Day Spa has some great Valentine’s Day Spa Specials and packages to choose from. Their “Cupid’s Crush” package offers European Facials, Hot-Stone Pedicures, and 100-minute Tanning Packages for $50 each—you can even combine all 3!

Other popular romantic packages include the “Signature Experience” (a 60-minute Restoration Massage, 60-minute Spa Pedicure, and 45-minute Shellac Manicure) and the “Day in Paradise” (a 90-minute Signature Massage, 45-minute Signature HydraFacial ™, 75-minute Hot-Stone Pedicure, and 45-minute Shellac Manicure).

Contact Signatures Salon & Day Spa to figure out what option is best for your special someone!

XOXO, Altoona

Have a fun and safe Valentine’s Day in Altoona! Whether you’re taking advantage of one of our suggestions—or making a plan to incorporate a handful—we hope you have a wonderful time enjoying the many great things our city has to offer.