Valentine’s Day can be a great opportunity to express your appreciation for that special person in your life, but let’s be honest – it can also be really stressful trying to come up with that perfect romantic experience. A gift that might make one person faint with excitement may do no more than elicit a resounding "eh" from another! Perhaps it can help to think about your sweetie’s personality type when planning the big evening; check out the descriptions below (based on the Keirsey temperament types) to see if you recognize your significant other, then read on for some local Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
The Traditionalist
Traditionalists are reliable, practical people that place
a high value on doing things the way they have always been done. They often appreciate the customary trappings
of Valentine’s Day – fancy dinners, flowers, candy, and so on. An evening at
one of these classy restaurants would definitely make them feel loved!
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Cedar Creek, TX
(512) 308-4860
One of the most sophisticated restaurants in Bastrop
County, Stories (at the beautiful Hyatt Lost Pines Resort) is offering a
special Valentine’s Day three-course meal for $65 per person. Offerings
include seared duck breast, prime filet mignon, and Chilean sea bass. See the full menu here. Reservations are strongly recommended.
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| Stories Fine Dining Establishment |
931 Main Street (entrance on Chestnut Street), Bastrop, TX
(512) 321-4701
It’s hard to beat a great steak for that special meal,
and Hasler Brothers serves up one of the best in Bastrop. White tablecloths, brick walls, and a piano
bar set the scene for a romantic evening out; if steak is not your thing, visit
on Tuesdays or Thursdays for handmade sushi.
Reservations are strongly recommended.
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| Hasler Brothers Steak House |
919 Main Street, Bastrop, TX
(512) 321-3577
Enjoy a lovely meal from Baxters’ extensive offerings in
their elegant yet cozy atmosphere. They
are rolling out a new seasonal menu just in time for Valentine’s Day, and there
will be live guitar and piano music to enjoy during your evening out. Reservations recommended.
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| Baxters on Main |
The Rationalist
Rationalists are logical, driven, and natural-born
leaders. The most likely of all types to
think of Valentine’s Day as a "Hallmark Holiday," the Rationalist would
probably be all right with skipping the whole thing entirely! If you have your heart set on doing something
special on February 14th, however, try surprising them with a meal
at one of these more laid-back establishments.
905 Main Street, Bastrop, TX
(512) 303-0919
This Bastrop institution is always a good bet for a delicious
meal at a reasonable price, and this Valentine’s Day is no exception. They are offering a three-course meal that
includes a salad, your choice of a salmon steak or a 10-ounce ribeye with all
the fixings, and a chocolate Bailey’s mousse for dessert. Non-alcoholic drinks are also included, and
beer and wine will be available to purchase separately. The cost per couple for the evening is $50
(before tax and tip). Bob Ojeda will be
the musical guest that evening.
Reservations recommended.
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| Maxine's |
117 Main Street, Smithville, TX
(512) 237-3128
Low-key atmosphere and out-of-this world food collide at
this charming restaurant in downtown Smithville. This year they will be offering a special
Valentine’s Day five-course dinner with two seatings available at 6:00 pm and
8:00 pm. Menu details and pricing are
being worked out, and reservations are definitely recommended.
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| Back Door Café Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle Photo: © 2011 Houston Chronicle |
111 NW 1st Street, Smithville, TX
(512) 360-2100 or (979) 595-6609
This casual eatery in downtown Smithville has a
delicious Valentine’s Day menu planned, including your choice of mini crab
cakes, grilled salmon, or prime rib, plus your meal will accompanied by live
music. An additional benefit: proceeds from this pay-what-you-can
establishment benefit the Serenity Star Recovery Center. Reservations recommended.
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| Comfort Café |
Paw Paw's Catfish House
1014 Main Street, Bastrop, TX
(512) 321-9800
Catfish and beer may not scream Valentine's Day, but it sure is good! Plus, Rationalists might enjoy eating somewhere that isn't a typical Valentine's Day restaurant. Paw Paw's is also super kid-friendly, with coloring sheets, triangle crayons, and a fun little fishing game to keep the kids occupied. Besides, nothing says love like fried pickles!
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| Paw Paw's Catfish House Photo by Sleeping Owl Photography |
The Artisan
A non-conformist at heart, the Artisan is creative,
optimistic, and often the life of the party.
They value unique experiences, especially those that appeal to their
senses. A chance to break away from
their everyday routine and spend some serious one-on-one time with their loved
one will certainly recharge their batteries!
300 Garwood Street, Smithville, TX
(512) 237-3172
This charming inn located near downtown Smithville is
running a special offer
through February 16 - $109 per night (taxes included; two-night stay minimum)
plus a surprise Valentine’s Day special for you and your sweetie! Mention code “fb21414” when booking online or
over the phone.
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| Auberge La Grange Bed & Breakfast |
575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Cedar Creek, TX
(512) 308-1234
This year, the Hyatt is offering a special “Love,
Lounging and Whoopie Pies” package throughout the month of February. Included in this package are complimentary
his and hers bathrobes, a fun “whoopee” amenity, a $25 voucher towards a $100
purchase (or $50 towards a $200 purchase) in Spa Django, and more. Click here for more details or
to make your reservations.
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| Spa Django at Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa |
Cherry Blossoms Spa
804 Spring Street, Bastrop, TX
(512) 332-2600
From Cherry Chocolate Facials to Aromatic Foot Baths, Green Tea Eye Treatments, Relaxing Massages, and more, Cherry Blossoms Spa really knows how to pamper someone on Valentine's Day! Click here to view their Valentine's Day packages.
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| Enchanting Facial at Cherry Blossoms Spa |
Viejo's Tacos Y Tequila
811 Main Street, Bastrop, TX
(512) 988-7544
Viejo's is a fun place to have a tasty margarita with that special someone or a group of friends. From Avocado, Prickly Pear, Spicy Watermelon, and Pomegranate Margaritas to the Paloma Blanca, Peach Sunrise, Orange Truffletini, Pera Dulce, Fire Water and more, your taste buds will dance for joy. And if the food and drinks don't get you dancing, the live music with Shawn Galvan surely will!
Also, head next door to Veranda, located at 813 Main Street, to register to win a special Valentine's dinner for two at Viejo's - ribeye tacos with agave onion jam, Godiva Chocolate Cheese Cake, and an assortment of heart-warming cocktails!
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| Viejo's Tacos Y Tequila Photo by Sleeping Owl Photography |
The Idealist
These tender-hearted, intuitive people prize authentic
relationships above all else. While they
would appreciate any traditional Valentine’s Day present, they would absolutely
love a handmade card or a special gift that you put a lot of thought and time
into choosing. Check out one of these
shops to find the perfect item for your sweetheart!
928 A Main Street, Bastrop, TX
(512) 332-2477
This local favorite is stocked with all kinds of
Texas-sourced gift ideas – wine, gourmet food treats, candles, home décor, jewelry,
and more. You’ll be sure to find something here that will make your sweetie’s
heart go pitter-patter.
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| Cripple Creek and Company Photo by The Grapes Around Texas |
114 Loop 150 West, Bastrop, TX
(512) 321-3777
If your sweetie is into sweets, no other delicacy says
“Valentine’s Day” quite like chocolate-covered strawberries. Visit the Sugar Shack this February and
choose from three special deals including these decadent treats, or check out
their other numerous gift offerings. Plus, on Feb. 13th-14th, you'll be able to purchase flowers from Brenda Abbott Floral Design at the Sugar Shack, making it a one-stop shop!
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| It's chocolate-covered strawberry season at the Sugar Shack! |
707 Chestnut Street, Bastrop, TX
(682) 227-0710
This newly-opened storefront for locally produced wines
is an excellent place to pick up a gift for your favorite oenophile, or you can take advantage
of their Valentine’s Day special –a glass of wine paired with chocolate, each
chosen specifically to complement the other.
$20/person from 12-8 p.m. Visit the link above for more details.
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| Colorado River Winery |
Miss Vickie's Emporium
102 NE Loop 230, Smithville, TX
(512) 237-4100
Miss Vickie's has all kinds of Valentine's Day gifts for your sweetie including jewelry, greeting cards, home décor, knick knacks, '30s memorabilia, and so much more! Downtown Smithville also offers many other cute little shops and antique stores (e.g. The Carriage Stop, Reachable Stars Resale, Mosaic Art & Home, etc.) where you can find that perfect Valentine's day gift.
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| Miss Vickie's Emporium |
Art Connections Gallery
908 Main Street, Bastrop, TX
(512) 581-1799
For the Artisans, why not get them some art for Valentine's Day? Art Connections Gallery is a fine art gallery that showcases and sells the work of many local artists. Also, 10% of each sale goes to the charity of the artist's choice. Their motto is "where art becomes heart." How perfect is that for Valentine's Day?
Downtown Bastrop has lots of other great shops and galleries where you can purchase fine art for all budgets including Lost Pines Art Bazaar, the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild, and the shops in the R.A Green Mercantile.
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| Art Connections Gallery |
…and The Unattached
We know not everyone has a special someone to celebrate
with this Valentine’s Day…that certainly doesn’t mean you need to sit around
the house, though! Take this chance to grab
to some of your best friends and have a high old time at one of these events.
Thursday, February 13th
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Hit some of the best local shops in Elgin for wine
tastings, sweets, live music, giveaways and more! Participating businesses include The Owl Wine
Bar & Home Goods Store (106 Main Street), Fiddlesticks Emporium (102 Main
Street), and The Pearl (103 West First Street).
This event is free of charge.
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| The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods Store |
1884 State Highway 71 W, Cedar Creek, TX
(512) 303-5073
Get outside and enjoy an evening at the monthly Light o’ the Moon Float Trip, which
conveniently falls on Valentine’s Day this year! For $50 per person, you and
your buddies can enjoy a relaxing raft ride down the Colorado River, taking in
the scenery and doing some stargazing along the way. Pre-registration is required.
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| McKinney Roughs Nature Park |
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