If you want to impress your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, find a unique way to celebrate with these greener, local alternatives that have smaller eco-footprints and focus on time together, instead of stuff. In the process, you’ll support local farmers, restaurants, gardens, parks, orchestras, neighborhoods and even the zoo.
1. Kiss & Tail at the KC Zoo
The Kansas City Zoo is turning up the heat with its Valentine’s Kiss and Tail night on Saturday, February 11. How do animals attract a mate and what happens when it’s time to get romantic? See their courtship rituals played out through an improve show by The Living Room Theatre. Organizers say it’s guaranteed to make you laugh, and probably blush. This adults-only event begins at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and live music. Tickets are $35 for Friends of the Zoo and $45 for the public. The zoo is located at 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO. Purchase advance tickets at the Kansas City Zoo.
2. Make a romantic date at Powell Gardens
Taste local, chocolate-infused treats at “Vintage Valentine Affair” in the Powell Gardens Conservatory and treat your valentine to sweet creations made from produce and herbs grown in the Heartland Harvest Garden and from Kansas City companies.
The special tasting menu and wines have been paired by Kansas City sommelier Hillary McCoy, who will explain the nuances of the wine selections and how each relates to its sweet or savory handcrafted partner. Christopher Elbow chocolates and Local Pig bacon will be featured. There will be additional hors d’ouevres and a cash bar. All guests will receive a “secret, powerful love potion,” which can be consumed or worn. This special potion is made from Powell Gardens’ ingredients and created by Barb Fetchenhier, the garden produce and product specialist.
The event is from 5 – 7 p.m., Saturday, February 11 at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, Mo. Tickets are $60/individual member, $75/individual non-member, or $100/member couple, $125/non-member couple. To purchase, call 816-697-2600 ext. 306 or online at Powell Gardens.
3. Try the Sweetheart Skate
Tie on some ice skates and hold on for a romantic ride at the Sweetheart Skate at Line Creek Community Center and Ice Arena. This could be a great option if your evening includes taking the kids. This Kansas City Parks and Recreation Valentine’s Day event will be held from 7 – 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 14 at 5940 N.W. Waukomis Drive, Kansas City, MO. Admission is $6 and skate rental is $2.
4. Add music, poetry and song into the evening
Revel in the sounds of Tchaikovsky, Finzi and Villa-Lobos with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra for Valentine’s Day. and feast on romantic poetry by Jean Belmont Ford with soprano Sarah Tannehill Anderson. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 14 at the Folly Theater. Tickets are $17 – $45 and can be purchased at the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra.
5. Enjoy togetherness at a local winery or organic restaurant
Kansas City has a great selection of wonderful wineries, breweries and restaurants that feature local and organic food and beverages. Here’s a list of local wineries and breweries that Greenability compiled for New Year’s Eve celebrations. For restaurants that feature locally grown, organic and free-range menu options, check out the list compiled by the Kansas City Food Circle.
6. Cook up a locally sourced dinner for two
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the KC Organics Winter Market will be open for those who want locally grown veggies, free-range meats and eggs and baked goods from local farmers. There will also be handmade soap, body care items, cards, wood crafts and candles. The market will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 11 at Minor Park at Red Bridge Road and Holmes Road in south Kansas City, MO.
7. Go big at the Land Bank Valentine’s Day Open House
If you want to go really big, check out the Kansas City, MO Land Bank’s Valentine’s Day Open House of about 50 homes for sale for $999 each. You could save a little Kansas City history by restoring a house that has seen some hard times.
According to Ted Anderson, Land Bank executive director, the houses are ”structurally sound and just need a little love – and vision – to bring them back to life.” Repairs could run $20,000 to $30,000. The houses are located in several southeast Kansas City neighborhoods, including Blue Hills, South Townfork Creek, Ivanhoe Southeast and Oak Park Southeast.
“While everyone can participate in the #HeartofKC home sale, it is really an excellent opportunity for the first-time buyer or someone looking to own their own home in the heart of Kansas City,” Anderson said.
The Land Bank of Kansas City has hundreds of properties for sale including homes, buildings and vacant lots. Nearly all were abandoned by their owners and through Land Bank sales, these properties will be returned to productive uses. About 35 homes were sold and rehabbed in the last year through the Land Bank’s Dollar Home promotion, selling homes needing extreme TLC for $1 in order to eliminate neighborhood blight.
For more information, contact John Baccala , Kansas City Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department communications/community liaison, at 816-513-3202 or [email protected] and Ted Anderson at 816-513-9049 or [email protected]. Learn more at the Land Bank of Kansas City, MO.
