This year, Virginia invites you to celebrate Valentine’s Day a little differently. Skip the rose petals and clichés—show some love to furry friends, adorable critters, and, of course, your significant other at these events for animal-loving lovers.
Kiss & Tail Brunch — Virginia Zoo in Norfolk
3500 Granby St., Norfolk
Feb. 8: If you’re tired of the standard candlelit dinner, join the Virginia Zoo for a Valentine’s Brunch and celebrate love on the wild side. Learn how dating works in the animal kingdom and meet some of the zoo’s beloved creatures, all while nibbling on some tasty treats. Feeling a little more savage? Name a cockroach or a rodent after your ex and watch it be thrown to one of the zoo’s resident reptiles or amphibians!
Event will be held from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. VirginiaZoo.org
Wine and Dine and Paint Night — Pactamere Farm
15577 Stone Horse Creek Rd., Glen Allen
Feb. 9: Enjoy a romantic three-course dinner for two, followed by two hours of painting with Pactamere Farm’s cute and hilarious dwarf goats for company. Learn from the farm’s resident art instructor Levar and create your own Valentine’s themed masterpieces to cherish together forever.
Event will be held from 6 p.m.–10 p.m. GoatYogaRVA.com
Cupcakes, Cows, and Kisses — Scarlet Springs Farm
39755 Old Wheatland Rd., Waterford
Feb. 13–15: Take a trip to the historic and quaint village of Waterford, and delight in a private Valentine’s experience like no other at Scarlet Springs Farm. Love on cuddly, fluffy highland cows, sip sparkling mocktails under the glowing sun, and indulge in delectable cupcakes baked by local pastry chefs to finish off your cozy afternoon.
See event website for booking details. ScarletSpringsFarm.com
ValenTide’s — Virginia Aquarium
717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach
Feb. 14: Stroll through magical seascapes with your valentine for an unforgettable date night at the Virginia Aquarium. Enjoy four movie-themed gourmet food stations throughout the exhibits and an open bar complete with beer and wine to accompany you on your journey under the sea.
Event will be held from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. VirginiaAquarium.com
Critters and Cookies — Leesburg Animal Park
19246 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg
Feb. 14: Visit Leesburg Animal Park for a sweet celebration of love and family fun, and decorate Valentine’s themed cookies and cards. Don’t forget to snap a few photos with the park’s bunnies and Rosie the Porcupine for some even sweeter memories!
Event will be held from 12 p.m.–2 p.m. LeesburgAnimalPark.com
Valentine’s Day at Life With Pigs — Life With Pigs Farm Animal Sanctuary
195 Maxton Ln., Williamsburg
Feb. 14: If you and your partner or family are animal lovers, then spending a day at Life With Pigs Farm is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with some farm friends. Take a guided tour of the animal sanctuary and meet and learn about the farm’s rescued pigs. To finish your experience, you’ll create a heartfelt Valentine’s keepsake and take home a mystery Valentine message from a rescue animal for a special surprise. All proceeds go towards Life With Pigs’ rescue animals.
Event will be held from 12 p.m.–4 p.m. LifeWithPigs.com
Valentine’s Day Pawty — Henway Hard Cider Company
18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
Feb. 14: Show some love to your furry friend and join Henway Hard Cider for a paw-some party that’ll certainly make your pup’s tail wag all day long. Walk the red carpet together and snap runway-ready photos before sipping on hard cider and treating your pooch to some dog-friendly snacks, toys, and accessories from local brands.Event will be held from 12 p.m.–4 p.m. HenwayHardCider.com
This article is a Virginia Living digital exclusive.
