Area businesses to shop, dine and treat yourself and that special someone—for Valentine’s Day or any occasion By Jillian Chandler | Photo by Rachael Baker
Love is in the air, as February has officially made its arrival. With that said, if you have found yourself still undecided on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’ve got some great local businesses offering everything from incredible meals, gorgeous flower arrangements, specialty gifts and cards, and much more. We’re sure you’ll discover just how to romance that special person in your life. Read on for some inspiration.
There’s no place like a beautiful meal at Trinity at City Beach (58 Bridge Street), and they will be offering a limited Valentine’s Day Menu from 4 to 9pm on Tuesday, February 14. “We are typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but we have never missed a Valentine’s Day—and certainly won’t in 2023,” shares Justin Dick, owner. “We have had a number of our staff specifically request working on Valentine’s Day, as it’s always a great night with wonderful customers.”
On the menu, guests will be treated to Trinity classics like Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, and Lobster Ravioli, as well as some Valentine’s additions like Surf and Turf with 6-ounce Grilled Top Sirloin, Béarnaise Sauce and a Butterflied Coldwater Lobster Tail, according to Justin. “We will also be serving Gorgonzola Shrimp, Cedar Plank Salmon, and one of my all-time favorites, Prosciutto- and Brie-Stuffed Chicken Breast with a Tomato Rosemary Sauce.”
Book your reservations today (208.255.7558), as they are sure to fill up soon. When all reservations have been filled, you can still have the staff put your name on their waitlist to fill in any cancellations they might have, and they’ll leave a few tables open for walk-in guests as well.
“I believe Trinity makes a special Valentine’s Day because so many of our guests met at Trinity on first dates or had wedding proposals and/or wedding receptions at Trinity over the past 14 years,” smiles Justin. “It’s great to hear all the stories of how everyone met and how many years they’re celebrating as a couple.”
Trinity at City Beach has another special treat in store for Valentine’s Day, as they’ll be partnering with Sugar Tooth, Sandpoint’s only chocolatier, to arrange for some handmade chocolates for every table that comes in. Be sure to stop by Sugar Tooth’s shop as well (located at 334 North First Avenue), where you can find wonderful specialty items to gift your significant other or the kiddos.
Another wonderful dining option is Pack River Store (1587 Rapid Lightning Road), where they’ll be offering a special Valentine’s Menu sure to impress—and diners have three opportunities to dine and imbibe. On February 14, 15 and 16, they will be offering an eight-course dinner, with each evening accommodating 40 guests. “We are doing three days in order to ensure everyone who wants to attend is able,” smiles Brittany Jacobson, who co-owns Pack River Store with husband, and chef, Alex.
Guests who choose to dine at Pack River are surely in for a treat with the multi-course menu: Amuse Bouche - Panko-Crusted and Fried Goat Cheese, local honey infused with chili flakes, pine nut and herb salsa, on black truffle cream fresh; First Course - Rare Grilled Beef Heart, bone marrow, red onion-caper-parsley salad, chimichurri, and Bluebird baguette; Second Course - Fried Oysters, beet puree, beet chips, parsnip puree, parsnip chips and sauce gribiche; Third Course - Soft Shell Crab “Scampi”: deep-fried soft-shell crab, red pepper and tomato puree, fresh basil, chili oil, micro arugula from Pack River Farm, parmesan, and salmon roe; Fourth Course - Pan-Roasted Duck Breast, purple cabbage puree, roasted green cabbage, balsamic reduction, herb oil and crispy carrots; Intermezzo; Fifth Course - House Boudin Blanc Sausage, pomme puree, roasted apples and apple jus; Sixth Course - Roasted Fillet Mignon, Crawfish-Lobster-Saffron Risotto, long cooked broccoli, and sauce chasseur; Dessert Course - Chocolate Three Ways: Dark Chocolate Soufflé, Chocolate Ice Cream with Amarna cherry creme anglaise, and Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Cookie with Hawaiian sea salt.
The cost for the meal is priced $130 per person and does not include tax or gratuity, and no substitutions can be made.
If you’re looking to enjoy a meal at home on Valentine’s Day, Pack River Store offers a variety of take-and-bake meals, like lasagnas, enchiladas and pasta, salad and bread, and no meal would be complete without dessert!
When it comes to what makes Pack River Store a hit destination for a great meal, no matter the occasion, it’s their “hole in the wall vibe,” according to Brittany. “I love that when you pull up to the store for the first time, you’re not expecting to eat a delicious, thoughtful meal. It’s always fun shocking people with the food we put out. The atmosphere is fun, local, country store. We have an excellent beer and wine selection, all at retail prices. We utilize local farmers and source ingredients from many local vendors to ensure quality ingredients and support the community.”
Brittany reminds the community that they also offer their coursed tasting menus monthly, and the best way to get details, before the general public, of upcoming events and specials is to sign up for their mailing list at PackRiverStore.com.
When it comes to gifts, flowers and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand, and Nancy Hastings, owner of All Seasons Garden & Floral (31831 Hwy 200 East), looks forward to creating that beautiful arrangement to wow that special lady in your life. “We specialize in wildflower arrangements that many of our long-time clients enjoy. It allows every arrangement hand crafted and designed by our amazing team of florists to look unique,” she shares. They also do mixed plant baskets and even fresh and plant combinations to give that long-lasting gift.
Because of North Idaho's unpredictable weather, Nancy encourages those who want Valentine’s Day deliveries to order early (by February 6 or 7 is best). You can place orders online, anytime, with their secure, private website, AllSeasonsGardenandFloral.com.
“Keep in mind if you hope to send flowers out of town, the best way to make sure you are sending flowers through a real florist and not just an internet order desk is to jump on Google Maps and request ‘Florist near [insert address, city and zip code here],’ and then you will get a map of local shops with a real designer for that area.”
At All Seasons Garden & Floral, they have a variety of gift ideas that they can easily incorporate with flowers and plants “to make it an extra special, loving gift,” affirms Nancy. “We have incorporated fountains, birdhouses, and even small to life-size fairies in our designs for that personal touch you can't find anywhere else.
“It is such fun to tuck a stunning pair of our Monet earrings, yummy chocolates, balloons, bulb gardens and cuddly bears into our floral designs,” she adds. “But don't forget, if your North Idaho sweetheart is a ‘Garden Gal,’ she might really be desiring some of our top-of-the-line garden tools or a soaring Great Blue Heron or other décor for the front yard or porch as a Valentine’s gift! Because we are the only garden center in the area open year-round, we already are bursting at the seams with amazing garden gifts to inspire hope for spring and put a smile on anyone's face!”
Nancy is grateful to all of her clients who have, for more than 25 years now, allowed the family owned business to be a part of their most special occasions. “From birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and even very personal family funerals, we are honored to design flowers that make us feel part of your families, and we thank you.”
Don’t forget to buy your valentine that special card to let him/her know how much they mean to you, and we’ve got just the place. “Sharon's Hallmark is the go-to place for Valentine's Day,” affirms Deanna Harris, owner. “We have a great selection of cards, chocolates and gifts for all ages! Plus, we offer complimentary gift wrapping.”
The Downtown Shopping District will be hosting a Chocolate Walk from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, February 11, where you can shop and taste your way through downtown. You will find a QR Code at all the Sandpoint Downtown Shopping District businesses during the event; scan the code to be entered to win a beautiful Burlwood wine holder, a bottle of Pend d’Oreille Winery’s L’Oeuvre and two wine glasses, along with a pair of tickets to see Journey. Look on Sandpoint Downtown Shopping District's website, DowntownSandpoint.com, for participating venues. The winner will be announced the day before Valentine's Day, Monday, February 13.
Kick off your Valentine’s Day a few days early by attending a comedy show at the Panida, followed by drinks at everyone’s favorite late-night spot, The 219 Lounge. Toast to love over wine, appetizers and music at Pend Oreille Winery. Opt for a lunch date at Barrel 33, and don't miss their Gals N Wine event on February 12. Another great option is to gift. Or gift your partner a spa package from Aiyanna Wellness Spa. The sky’s the limit, as Sandpoint is home to so many wonderful locally owned shops, restaurants and specialty services.
Celebrate love while supporting local Sandpoint businesses this Valentine’s Day.
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