Heron Agency Releases Guide to Valentine's Day in Chicago

Valentine's Day isn't everyone cup of tea. Whether you are planning to spend a romantic evening with the love of your life or plan on ripping up old pictures of your ex-boyfriend and finishing a bottle of wine, we can all agree that February would be nothing without this HallMark Holiday. Get out your plush teddy bears, boxes of chocolates, and bouquet of roses, because the Heron Agency has rounded up the top Must-Do Valentine's activities in Chicago that will leave you swooning (or rolling your eyes).

Celebrate at the most romantic restaurant in the country:

Geja's Café is planning the most romantic Valentine's celebration in its 52 year history. For eleven days, from Friday, February 10th through Monday, February 20th, the renowned "Restaurant of Romance" will be elegantly decorated and feature rose' sparkling wines and champagnes, live flamenco and classical guitarists, photo keepsakes, and delicious sizzling hot fondue cuisine. The Valentine's festival will end with the popular Celebration of Marriage Night, where couples receive an added discount based on the years they have been married. Reservations for the Valentine's Dinner Packages begin Monday, January 16 at 9:00 a.m. For more information or to book a reservation, call (773) 281-9101 or visit www.gejascafe.com.

Give the gift of relaxing (and get a little something for yourself too!):

This Valentine's Day, Massage Envy is helping relieve some of the stress of finding the perfect gift for your loved one by offering a gift that gives back to you too! From January 23 - February 14, receive a FREE $50 promo card when you purchase $150 in gift cards. Gift cards may be purchased at any of the 45 Massage Envy locations in Chicagoland. Offer valid in-store only. For more information, call 866-922-ENVY or visit their site.

For those with a twisted sense of humor:

Following successful shows at the 16th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, the shamelessly provocative group, The Cupid Players ofStage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, will present Cupid Has a Heart On... in Bed! on Saturday, February 11, 14 and 18, 2017. Couples, singles and groups of friends can catch the show to be serenaded with hilarious new numbers as well as Cupid classics. With feisty songs about relationships, love and life, guests will be sure to have a "pants-dropping" good time. The Cupid Players' special 10:30 p.m. late-night performance is offered for those who enjoy a supremely adult-themed show. The one-act performance includes the cast's most loved, risqué (and always sex-positive) numbers. In addition to the funny, whimsical night of musical comedy, audiences of the February 11 and February 14 shows will be treated to a complimentary champagne toast.

Go back in time and celebrate Chicago history:

Instead of celebrating Valentine's Day with a rather typical, traditional evening, Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, 1 W. Wacker Drive, invites all to go back in time to the fateful Chicago evening on February 14, 1929 with a St. Valentine's Day Massacre themed Chef's Dinner. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m. where guests can enjoy specialty cocktails such as The Scofflaw which originated in 1924 in Paris, France, The Gin Rickey, created in 1903, and a timeless classic, The Side Car, which was invented shortly after World War I. As soon as the cocktail reception ends, guests will be seated and begin the dinner at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 a person and can be purchased HERE.

Win a FREE wild wedding reception:

Calling all engaged couples: Tony n' Tina's Wedding is inviting couples to enter a social media contest where they will have the chance to win a reception giveaway of a lifetime (flowers, catering, hair/makeup & more!) Chicago's favorite bride and groom, Tony n' Tina, are asking for engaged couples to submit a fun photo of themselves with a brief description about why they are the most deserving of the prize to receptioncontest@gmail.com. Submissions will be accepted through Wednesday, February 4th. On February 6th, all images will then be posted to an album on the productions Facebook page, where couples can then encourage their friends to vote. The winner, or couple who receives the most "likes", will receive complimentary tickets to the Valentine's Day show on Saturday, February 11th, where they will then meet and greet with the cast and receive details on their reception.

Give the gift of music to your loved one:

One of the most legendary musical organizations in the nation, known for its masterful performances of some of the most beloved repertoire in choral music, The Apollo Chorus, continues its milestone season with Choral Classics- Bach's Mass in B Minor. Celebrating the power of live musical performance in collaboration with the Renovo String Orchestra, The Apollo Chorus performs Bach's masterpiece on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave, Naperville.

Celebrate the love between a mother and daughter:

The global phenomenon seen by over 60 million people all around the world and one of Broadway's longest running hits, MAMMA MIA!, kicks off The Marriott Theatre's vivacious 2017 Season, running February 8 through April 2, 2017 with a press opening on February 15 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Multi Jeff Award Winner Rachel Rockwell (World Premiere of October Sky), returns to direct and choreograph the timeless piece, with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and book by Catherine Johnson. Rockwell, who has an extensive history with the show having performed it many times including on Broadway, joins forces once again with longtime collaborators, Scott Davis, who will reimagine the signature round theater space as Set Designer, Costume Designer Theresa Ham who returns to the Marriott following the success of October Sky, and Musical Director Ryan T. Nelson.

Add a little magic to your Valentine's weekend:

Classic as well as never been seen before illusions have amazed audiences at the Royal George Cabaret space in what ChicagoCritic.com calls a "must see," as the nationally regarded illusionist Ricardo Rosenkranz stars in The Rosenkranz Mysteries, an evening of magic to lift the spirits. "Full of fascinating bits! Impressive," according to the Chicago Reader, the astounding numbers have captivated audiences in its cabaret style setting with tables featured in the space. This one man, ninety-minute production Buzz News proclaims is filled with "astonishing illusions and jaw-dropping acts of mentalism," and is now extending again and must close February 12 at the Royal George Theatre's Cabaret space, 1641 North Halsted Street. To purchase tickets or for additional information, visit ticketmaster or call the box office at 312-988-9000.

"An immensely likable, intelligent and very intimate show. Well worth seeing!" 3.5 Stars - Chicago Tribune

For those who need an escape:

Indulge in your desires with a romantic getaway in the heart of downtown Chicago at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive. Step out for a romantic stroll around Millennium Park, which is just a half a block away, or cap off your vacation with a champagne toast in the intimacy of your luxurious hotel room. Couples returning to their rooms will also find The Chocolate Bar, a delicious array of homemade decadent treats meant to stimulate your senses, including chocolate covered strawberries, brownie bits, biscotti or even hot chocolate. This special package includes overnight accommodations at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park and The Chocolate Bar for two. For more information or to schedule a stay visit www.fairmont.com/chicago.

Spend a little more time in bed:

Love is heating up the cold Chicago air this Valentine's Day at Le Méridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center, 2100 Spring Road in Oak Brook, Illinois, with their Fuel the Romance package. Discover the passion and spoil your special someone with a romantic getaway. The package includes sparkling wine, fruit and macarons, breakfast in bed for two with in-room dining or breakfast for two on the 9th floor and a late check-out of 2:00p.m. Book online, or call 877-782-0116.