Love Local: Your Guide to Celebrating
Valentine's Day in Ravenswood | | |
Dear friends and neighbors,
Dim the lights, uncork the bubbly, slip into something a little more comfortable, and get ready to ~support your local small business community~ this Valentine’s Day. Bow chicka bow wow.
They say that love is blind (wink wink).This year, we’re proposing a new adage: love is local. That is to say, love is all around you–and you can give it back! Whether you’re coupled up, single, or navigating the ins and outs of a life-altering situationship (we’ve all been there), there are plenty of ways to indulge in a bit of well-earned romance and pay it forward this Valentine’s Day.
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From handcrafted gifts to one-of-a-kind experiences, this curated collection of small-batch goodies, celebrations, and gifts will light a fire to keep you and your Valentine warm through this cold snap. Whether you’re treating a loved one, your bestie, or yourself, there’s something here to make everyone feel special—and it all supports local makers, artisans, and shops around the neighborhood. Be still my beating heart!
(Pictured right: Couples sway at Ballroom Dance Chicago, 4039B N Ravenswood Ave)
| | | Shop Small, Love Big: Gifts for Your Valentine | | Ravenswood’s shops have a vibrant selection of Valentine’s Day cards, work from local artists, and hundreds of handmade items. From cute and quirky to timeless and elegant, Ravenswood has the perfect gift for your Valentine. | | | | For the Love of Stationery: Starshaped Press
Looking for a memorable card for your Valentine? Skip sifting through last year’s Hallmark reprints at Target and go retro with a handmade card from Starshaped Press, a traditional letterpress operating in the heart of the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor! Online shopping and local pick-up available. Explore the collection at starshaped.com. | | |
For the Love of Gifting: Hazel and Hazel Apparel
Located just steps from one another, Hazel and Hazel Apparel are our favorite star-crossed shops in town. No matter the time of year, you’ll find something special for the person on your mind. For Valentine’s Day, you’ll find an incredible selection of apparel, jewelry, décor, locally-crafted gift cards, and more! To learn more, visit hazelchicago.com.
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For the Love of Literature: Time and a half Books
Is there anything more romantic than a bookstore? Three words for anyone who doesn’t know what I’m talking about: “You’ve Got Mail“. Time and a half will have a lot of goodies for Valentine’s. Great books, obviously–all kinds of love stories, poetry, and children’s books–but also the classic Valentine fare: chocolates, beautiful cards, and bouquets by Mertle & Dot.
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For the Love of Whimsy: Bad Luck Club
Are you a romantic weirdo seeking the perfect quirky gift for your perfect quirky partner (or friend, or neighbor, or enemy)? Bad Luck Club is the queer, artsy, colorful odds & ends purveyor of your dreams. They’ve got it all, from quirky art prints and tarot decks to lighters shaped like things that aren’t lighters.
Feeling lucky? You should. Check out their shop on Montrose Ave or browse online at badluckclubchicago.com.
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For the Love of the Irish: Celtica Gifts
Kiss me, I’m Irish! A standout choice for Valentine’s Day shoppers is the claddagh ring, depicting two hands clutching a heart complete with crown, epitomizes the expression of lasting love and eternal friendship. The heart symbolizes Love, the hands Friendship and the crown Fidelity. Can’t get enough? Visit celticagifts.com to shop more, or visit their storefront on Montrose Ave.
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For the Love of Your Perfect Match: Bon Femmes
Romance in a box: the gift of simple, meaningful strategies to kindle a spark and break up the routine in a pick-me-up package. Filled with conversation starters, fun date ideas, and ways to express love that will deepen a connection and spark intimacy. Fall in love with the selection at bonfemmes.com or check out the storefront on Damen Ave.
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For the Love of Accessorizing: Ponnopozz
Ponnopozz makes it hard to pick just one, but we went with our heart on this one. The Large Love Potion Hair Claw Clip is ready to bring a little Valentine magic to your hair. This dreamy bottle-shaped clip is crafted from plant based cellulose acetate and hand painted with glowing details. Check out more at ponnopozz.com or visit their storefront on Montrose Ave!
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| POLL: What's your dream Valentine's date in Ravenswood? | | | | The Quickest Way to the Heart: Treats + Sweets | | Foodies and romantics agree: Ravenswood is the perfect place to be hungry and in love. No matter your flavor, there’s something bound to delight your tastebuds in Ravenswood. Find the perfect fixins’ for a cozy night in or a romantic night out. | | |
Get 10% Off at Lucila's Alfajores
Leave the box of factory assembled chocolates for the kids. Lucila’s Alfajores is offering 10% OFF online orders for their decadent, handmade dulce de leche-filled Argentine pastries. These unique sweets are perfect for any loved one (and a wonderful way to treat yourself too!).
Use promo code GRCCVDAY26 to save 10% now through 2/25/26! Shop their full collection and place your orders here.
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Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe at Fireside
Looking for that classic, classy Valentine’s Day flavor? Look no further than Fireside Restaurant and Lounge. Picture this: crackling fireplace, cozy digs, and three mouthwatering prix fixe courses with your sweetheart.
Treat your valentine to the only three words more romantic than “I love you”: Banana. Bread. Pudding. Make your reservations.
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Heart-Shaped Pizzas from Chicago’s Pizza
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie... Holiday pizzas from Chicago’s Pizza are a local tradition and their heart-shaped pies are always the most anticipated. Perfect for Galentine’s parties, family celebrations, solo splurges, couples, throuples, and however else you slice it.
To get yours, order a large pizza and select the “Make it heart-shaped” option. Available from February 1-14. Order online at chicagos-pizza.com.
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Valentine's Ice Cream Cakes from Bartleby's
Share a sweet heart with your sweetheart! Bartleby’s heart-shaped ice cream cake is the perfect dessert for celebrating with the one(s) you love. Each cake includes: a personalized message written in homemade vegan fudge, two layers of ice cream, and two layers of a crumbled baked good.
Available for local delivery or pickup! Pre-order by February 11 to get yours on time. Order online at bartlebysicecream.com
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Valentine’s Collection from Amy’s Candy Bar
Make your Valentine’s Day one to remember by gifting the Valentines Chocolate Collection from Amy’s Candy Bar to your special someone. The collection comes nestled in an elegant red gift box, tied off with a ribbon. Amy’s chocolates are handcrafted in their Ravenswood kitchen. They make a perfect gift for everyone, from sweethearts and grandparents to teachers and colleagues.
Place your orders online at amyscandybar.com!
| | | Community Events & Celebrations | | |
In many ways, love is about nourishing shared community. Likewise, stories about communities are most often love stories when you peel back the layers. Our community is one that is FULL of love--and there's so much to do among friends and neighbors this Valentine's Day:
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2/1, Valentine's Storytime at Time and a half Books
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10-11am, 4839 N Damen Ave, FREE w/ RSVP More Info
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2/12, Sips and Sweets at Begyle Brewing w/ Katherine Anne Confections
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7pm, 1800 W Cuyler Ave, $40 More Info
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2/12, Valentine's Day Marbling Workshop at Dovetail Brewery w/ Kelly Laughlin
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6:30-8pm, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, $96.15 More Info
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2/12, Valentine’s Charcuterie Evening at Demo Brewing Co
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6:30-7:30pm, 1763 W Berteau Ave, $50/1 or $90/2 More Info
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2/13, Galentine’s Day Portrait Painting Party at Bon Femmes
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6-8pm, 4919 N Damen Ave, $40 per person More Info
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2/14, Free Valentine’s Day Latin Partner Dancing at Joel Hall Dancers & Center
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12-1pm, 4511 N Clark St, FREE w/ RSVP More Info
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2/14, Galentine’s…But Make It Wellness at Muscle & Joint Physical Therapy
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9:30-11am, 1442 W Sunnyside Ave More Info
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2/14, Valentine’s Day Couples Doubles Tourney at Timber Lanes
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12-3pm, 1851 W Irving Park Rd More Info
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2/14, Valentine’s Day Singles Mixer at Timber Lanes
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8-11pm, 1851 W Irving Park Rd More Info
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2/14, Ballroom and Brew with Your Boo at The HIVE
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5-6pm, 4706 N Ravenswood Ave, $30/1 or $50/2 More Info
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2/14, Valentine’s Day Cupid Variation at The HIVE
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1-2:30pm, 4706 N Ravenswood Ave, $45 More Info
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2/14 & 2/15, Chicago Artisan Market at Artifact Events
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11am-5pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $8 More Info
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