Valentine’s Day may traditionally be a holiday for couples, but there’s still plenty to do in Austin for those flying solo.
By Saba Ghaffari
Vamp up this Valentine’s Day with these splurge or steal picks.
Splurge: $435
Head to Woodhouse Day Spa for some rest and relaxation. The Woodhouse Escape, a head-to-toe service, includes a therapeutic hot-stone massage and dry-brush exfoliation. For facial lovers, the Woodhouse Minkyti, an organic seaweed facial, is the perfect choice. The Woodhouse Escape is $250 for 110 minutes. The Woodhouse Minkyti is $185 for 80 minutes. austin.woodhousespas.com
Steal: $40.88
You can still get some much-needed relaxation on a budget. Create your own personal spa at home with bath bombs, face masks and manicures. Tisty Tosty Bath Bomb, $6.95, lush.com. Bunny Moon Face Mask, $13.95, lush.com. Love Collection by Leah Goren Manicure Essentials Set, $6.99, ulta.com. Diamond Cosmetics Pedicure Kit, $2.49, ulta.com. OPI Classic Nail Lacquer, $10.50, ulta.com
Splurge: $449
Ditch the dinner and candles and opt for a more adventurous activity with Austin Biplane’s flight tours. Soar over the city and view the beautiful lakes and hills of Austin with a friend or beau. The Barnstormer, a 40-minute tour, takes guests over downtown, Lake Austin and Lake Travis. austinbiplane.com
Steal: $25
Adrenaline junkies can embark on a lower priced activity this Valentine’s Day: kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. Congress Avenue Kayaks is hosting a Cupid’s Cruise this year, a one-hour tour including the rental of a two-person kayak, life vests, paddles and a sweet treat. congresskayaks.com
Splurge: $75 for couples or $45 for individuals
Head to the Hill Country for the holiday to taste some wine with the girls or your significant other. For 17 days in February, sip and sample wine at 45 different Hill Country wineries during the 2018 Wine Lovers Celebration. Tickets are valid Feb. 9 through 25, and include a complimentary tasting at as many as four the wineries per day, a 15 percent discount on three bottle purchases at each winery and a Wine Lovers Celebration passport, to be stamped at each winery. texaswinetrail.com
Steal: free
Grab some mimosas and treat yourself to a scrumptious brunch and vintage market at Bouldin Creek Cafe’s Bazaar Brunch: Valentine’s Edition Feb. 11. Admission to the event is free, and families and dogs are welcome. facebook.com/events/1691386030919694
Splurge: $45
Become a cheese connoisseur with Antonelli’s Cheese Shop’s Valentine’s Day event. The tasting features seven different cheeses and four food pairings, as well as fresh bread from Easy Tiger, olives and nuts. http://bit.ly/2nCdLXn
Steal: free
Celebrate Galentine’s Day by taking your girl squad to Adelante’s Galentine’s Day Party Feb. 10. This free event includes mini makeovers, mini manicures, best-friend necklaces, sweet treats and rosé. eventbrite.com/e/adelante-galentines-day-party-tickets-42326536811
Splurge: $160 for two
Dine on a romantic dinner with a twist with Central Market’s demonstration class Chef’s Table: Valentine’s Dinner Feb. 14. The meal comes complete with wine pairings and features Moroccan-style lamb with couscous. http://bit.ly/2E2MnZS
Steal: $39.98
Avoid the long lines and wait times and have a catered dinner at home from H-E-B instead. Share some sushi with your significant other or host a Valentine’s Day potluck with your friends. The H-E-B Meat, Cheese and Veggie Pretzel Party Tray is $24.99. The H-E-B Sushiya Tailgate Combo is $11.99. The Elmer Chocolate Valentine’s Rose Photo Hearts with Chocolates is $3. heb.com.