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February 3, 2006Beyond Hallmark: Making Valentine's Day memorableIdeas for celebrating range from dinner to spa to singersTRAVERSE CITY - When it comes to love, Betsy Kolarevic doesn't ask for much.And for Valentine's Day, the busy mother of two is asking for nothing but a little time - time to spend alone away from the children, with husband Mike. "It would be way romantic if he planned it and all I had to do was pack a suitcase," said the Traverse City resident. "That would be like a dream come true." No need to dream. For on this high holiday of romance, northern Michigan shakes off her wintry coat and slips into something red hot. Couples and singles alike can celebrate Cupid's follies and foibles with help from local restaurants, spas, and bed and breakfasts that are rolling out the red carpet in honor of the day. Special foods, pricing, and ambience all add up to one romantic evening. Barb Rishel, the innkeeper at The Wellington Inn in downtown Traverse City, is offering a package that includes a full sit-down breakfast with antique china and vintage linens and time spent in front of the library fire. Champagne, chocolate and flowers are all included in the rate, which begins at $170. Other area bed and breakfasts are following suit. The Country Hermitage in Williamsburg has a romance package that includes an overnight stay in their Victorian-inspired farmhouse plus a gourmet candlelit dinner for two in front of the fire, all for $150. Champagne and "definitely something chocolate" top off the menu, says proprietor Lisa Fromholz. Not ready for a night away? How about a night on the town? Several area restaurants are preparing special menus for Feb. 14. Stella Trattoria, located in Building 50 at the old State Hospital grounds, is one spot that is ripe for romance, said co-owner Amanda Danielson. "The history of this building alone and the passion around its redevelopment make this place very romantic," said Danielson. For dining, Danielson recommends the arches room, which features nooks and crannies for parties of two to hide away in. Though the menu was not written at press time, the entrees will feature "at least one made for two including a dessert made for two," said Danielson. Champagne will be available by the half-bottle. Other restaurants such as Lulu's in Bellaire, Trillium in Acme, Windows, Amical, 310 and Hanna in Traverse City will be open for the evening, but celebrants are encouraged to reserve a spot in advance if they can. Food, wine and chocolate are hard to beat, but when love comes serenading, well, then there's no turning back. Several local groups, including the Traverse City Central High School Choral-Aires, the Sweet Adelines and the Cherry Capital Chorus, are offering singing Valentines to those wanting to send a little something to a friend, co-worker, or sweetheart. The Sweet Adelines are the female equivalent to the barbershop quartet and for $40 will sing three songs, take a Polaroid with the recipient, and give him or her a box of chocolates and a card. Call 935-4765 or 342-0461 for more information. The Choral-Aires are a select 16-person ensemble from Traverse City Central. This is the second year they are offering singing Valentines. The money raised will help pay for a trip to the 250th Mozart Festival in Vienna, Austria this March, where they will be performing. Jeff Cobb, the director of choirs at Central, says he will send a quartet to serenade the loved one, as well as bring them a rose and a card between Feb. 11 and 14, for $45.He also mentioned that they can take credit cards as well as cash or checks. Call 938-2428 to make a reservation. Cherry Capital Chorus barbershop group will send quartets on Valentine's Day to destinations wtihin a 15-mile radius of Traverse City from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Price of $39 includes a love song, long-stemmed rose, personalized card and picture. For reservations, call 946-3573. If all of this excitement has got Sweetie tense, then there is the spa option for singles as well as couples. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is has two specials through March 30. The "Just For Her" package includes a Cherry Honey Glow exfoliation, massage, manicure, pedicure, and a microfiber robe for $275 per person. The "Be My Valentine" package includes a massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure for $150 per person. For those with some true R&R in mind, there is also the "February Sweetheart" overnight stay packages at the hotel that include one night's accommodations, breakfast for two, flowers, a spa discount, vouchers for Turtle Creek Casino. An upgrade to the "Just the Two of Us" package includes the above plus champagne, a dinner for two at Trillium, plus an extra night at the resort. No matter how it's celebrated, the important thing is that there is some element of fun and romance, said Kolarevic, who has been treated by Mike to a surprise getaway before. "I just don't want to get to the point where Valentine's Day isn't important anymore, because when we were dating, it was such a big deal," she said. "It just can't become another Hallmark holiday."
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