LINCOLN PARK — Lincoln Park may be the perfect Valentine's destination for both lovers and even those looking to avoid the mushy-ness altogether.
With the neighborhood's abundance of restaurants, theaters, shops and cultural centers, there is no shortage of good ideas to spice up your normal routine.
Here's a handy guide to some options in Lincoln Park for the big day.
Smell the One You're With
If you are going to be around your loved one for the majority of your free time, it's best you like how he or she smells.
At Aroma Workshop, couples can make an appointment to sit down at the "scent organ" and smell their way through 80 scents before settling on a custom blended perfume or cologne.
"Scent is something that is very personal," said Leah Hasdan, a perfumist at Aroma Workshop.
Couples can help each other design their own personal fragrances.
Most custom blends include between 5 and 10 scents from the four main genres of floral, flavors, citruses and musky/earthy scents.
Sessions last between 40 minutes and an hour and prices range from $30-$60 depending on the size of the fragrance.
Appointments are required for Valentine's Day.
- Aroma Workshop, 2050 N. Halsted St.
Man's Best Friend
For one night only River Shannon is opening its doors to dog lovers to bring their pooches inside.
Puppy Love, an all-day Valentine's day event at River Shannon, will allow customers to bring in their dogs while raising money for PAWS Chicago.
The event will also feature a photo booth so customers can take home a keepsake Polaroid with their dog and/or date.
"A lot of single people kind of have their dog as their surrogate significant other and a lot of young couples have their dog as an analog for children," said Matt Kubinski, marketing director for River Shannon. "It's a test child, so to speak."
The bar, which is known for its dog-friendly patio in warmer months, will donate $1 of each Shellback rum cocktail sale to PAWS Chicago and the $1 suggestion donation for photos.
- River Shannon, 425 W. Armitage Ave. 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Melting Pot of Love
For reasons unknown to man, fondue has stood the test of time when it comes to classic romance.
Geja's Cafe has been a go-to date spot for couples seeking candle-lit romance since 1965 and it is no surprise that Valentine's Day is one of the biggest days of the year at the restaurant.
"Valentine's is pretty much Valentine's month for us here," general manager Kirby Matthews said.
Matthews said the communal nature of fondue and the dark, cozy and private setting makes it a hit for romance.
Geja's is offering a four-course dinner with a cheese fondue appetizer, salad, beef tenderloin, shrimp and lobster and a flaming chocolate dessert as a V-Day special.
Couples will each leave with a framed keepsake photo of their visit.
"We say, escape life for two or three hours at a time," Matthews said. "You can walk in here and it's kind of just a different world."
The dinner is $105 per person including tax and tip, or $95 per person at the early 3 p.m. seating.
Limited seats are available.
For a more wallet-friendly option, head to Crate and Barrel and pick up a cast iron fondue set for $39.95 and create your own experience at home.
- Geja's Cafe, 340 W. Armitage Ave.
Animal Attractions
The Lincoln Park Zoo's Wine & Wildlife after-hours series is hosting a special Valentine's-themed night looking into animal courtship and mating habits.
The zoo's animal care experts will give guests a look into the truth and myths of mating in the animal world over wine and light hors d'oeuvres.
Attendees will walk away with knowledge such as not all reptiles lay eggs, courtship among armadillos doesn't count for much and sex isn't always a requirement for babies in the animal kingdom.
Experts will also discuss the zoo's global conservation programs.
The event is $17 per person or $14 for zoo members.
- Lincoln Park Zoo, from 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Make-Out Party
The Hideout is hosting its 9th annual Make-Out Party , yes that is the event's official name, to celebrate an evening of "aural intercourse."
The 16-member Makeout Party Orchestra will perform originals, arrangements of film music and classic love themes throughout the party.
The night's selection will include music by John Barry, Frank Zappa, Celine Dion, Rimsky-Korsakov and more.
Tickets are $12. The show starts at 9 p.m.
- The Hideout, 1454 W. Wabansia Ave.
White Oak Weekend
One of the neighborhoods hottest new farm-to-table restaurants, White Oak Tavern & Inn, is offering up a specialty Valentine's Day menu.
The restaurant is also the ideal spot for a getaway weekend, as guests can rent a room at the inn upstairs.
The menu will feature a number of specialty items for both Friday and Saturday including smoked sturgeon with pickled beet creme fraiche, hickory nut puree, lettuces and dill as well as Slagel Family Farm short ribs with mushrooms, red wine-cocoa nib jus, local greens and herbs.
- White Oak Tavern & Inn, 1200 W. Webster Ave.
Dinner and a Show
Catch the last night of Steppenwolf Theatre's acclaimed Airline Highway before the play heads to Broadway.
Valentine's Day is the New Orleans-set show's last night in Chicago, where it premiered.
Victory Gardens Theater will be playing its world premiere of Samsara.
In the show, two Americans are having a baby with a surrogate mother from India.
Victory Gardens Theater is offering a special Valentine’s Day package for $75 that includes two premium tickets, two glasses of champagne and chocolates.
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