Romance Weekend returns to Amana Colonies

AMANA — Romance Weekend returns to the Amana Colonies Feb. 13—15.

Couples, families and visitors may celebrate their love across all seven villages with special events, romantic dining, live music, shopping specials, lodging packages and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Participating businesses throughout the Amana Colonies will offer Valentine-themed events and promotions, making it easy for visitors to plan romantic getaways, a fun night out or a cozy winter day trip.

Guests can stop at Ackerman Winery during weekend hours to try a couples cocktails flight for $12 — a trio of love-themed wine cocktails: The Bee’s Knees, Cupid’s Punch and The Valentine’s Mule.

Guests can also share a tropical fishbowl margarita for $20 (we recommend tackling this monster beverage as a team), sip a sparkling cranberry mimosa for $10 and enjoy chocolate and wine pairing flights or pick five wine tasting flights for $10.

Guests can test their aptitude for romance with Name That Love Tune, hosted by Jonesy, Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m.

For a hands-on date night, the Amana Arts Guild hosts Valentine’s Day Couples Paint Night (adult only) Feb. 14 from 6:30—8 p.m. at the Amana Arts Guild in High Amana. Local artist Kristie Yoder will help couples create acrylic portraits of their favorite people. No experience necessary. All materials, snacks and beverages are included in the $60 cost per couple.

The Arts Guild event is limited to 10 couples. Register at amanaartsguild.com.

Guests may also want to check out dinner at the Ronneburg restaurant beforehand. Let them know you’re attending the class and receive a discount on your dinner.

Sweet treats are part of the weekend at Chocolate Haus. All weekend long, guests can buy one dozen gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries for $24.99 and get the second dozen for only $19.

A specialty Romance Weekend drink menu will also be available.

For lodging, Die Heimat Country Inn is offering free wine and chocolates when guests book any two-night stay. Another lodging option is Sandstone Haus, available by reservation.

At Fireside Winery in the Village wine and chocolate or mimosa flights will be offered along with specialty cocktails and charcuterie boards that are good to share with a special someone.

At Four Winds Farm Apothecary every purchase enters the buyer into a drawing for a scented CBG Massage Oil by Four Winds Farm and a bottle of “In the Mood” body and linen spray by Life Distilled. The drawing will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday. The winner need not be present.

Hotel Millwright is offering a Valentine’s Chef’s Dinner Friday and Saturday from 5—9 p.m. in the Indigo Room. The dinner is $140 per couple and includes soup or salad, an entrée and one shareable dessert. Reservations are required. The regular dinner menu will not be available.

The Ox Yoke Inn will host a Valentine’s Day Wine and Dine Feb. 14 16 6 p.m., featuring a four-course meal with White Cross Cellar wine pairings. Advance reservation and credit card guarantee are required. A minimum number is required to hold event.

Live music and special menus round out the weekend at Millstream Brau Haus. On Friday, Feb. 13, the Brau Haus will feature whiskey glazed salmon while it lasts. Guests can also enjoy Friday Night Live Music with Two Bit Maniac from 6—9 p.m. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m., and the bar is open until close.

On Saturday, the Brau Haus will offer couples surf and turf from 5-10 p.m.

Millstream Brewing Co. will have live music Feb. 14 from 6—9 p.m. Singer/pianist Taylor Kay will perform everything from pop to classics and jazz to country.

Adults can try the Chocolate Covered Cherry Seltzer Release during the weekend.

Shoppers can stop by Warped & Woven Mill Mercantile Saturday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. to see the best blankets to snuggle with. Enjoy 15% off any purchase of a blanket, wine tote or puzzle and sample a warm cranberry beverage.