Valentine’s Day In The Illawarra
How to float your love boat in The Illawarra
We love love here at The Fold and are big fans of Valentine’s Day and getting all mushy and starry-eyed with our significant other.
If you’ve been hit by Cupid’s Arrow, here are some ideas on how to ramp up the romance in the Illawarra this Valentine’s Day.
Have a read below and check out all of the events here.
Dining Out
The universal day of love falls on a Friday this year and there are plenty of local events and venues to head to for a bit of romance and reconnection.
From the top of town at Panorama House all the way down to the bottom at Crooked River Wines there’s a dining option for pretty much most tastes.
Boveda in Thirroul are putting on 4 courses for local lovers for $89pp. Perch Bar in Shellharbour are serving up 5 courses of romantic goodness for $99pp with vego options available. Locally loved Babyface Kitchen in Wollongong are also serving up a course set menu with the option to add on vino.
For a touch of classic romance book a table for Valentine’s Day by Candlelight at The Imperial at Clifton. Gerringong Bowlo will also be offering specials on the night as well as $5 bubbles by the glass and $20 sparkling by the bottle.
And we’re most definitely intrigued by the sound of India by Night at By The Sea in Kiama. A feast of Chinese Indian cuisine that is sure to keep things spicy… eyebrows
Click here for a list of even more Valentine’s Day dinners, lunches and specials happening across The Illawarra.
Do It Outdoors
The best thing about Valentine’s Day in the southern hemisphere is daylight savings! It won’t get dark until after 8pm, so head to your favourite lookout or picnic spot, and get down and well… not dirty because you’ll have a lovely picnic rug to sit on.
Fill up a picnic basket with cheese from The Pines Pantry and nibbles from Deli & Dine in Corrimal or The Pickled Poet in Thirroul. Add a delicious drop from one of our local wineries, distilleries, breweries or bottle shops, like Tara Distillery, Seeker Brewing, Two Figs Winery or Cringila Cellars. Might as well grab some fresh baked bread or pastries from Flour Water Salt and don’t forget the tasty sweet treats from Pasticceria Massimo Papa.
Or you can let the Imperial at Clifton team do all the work for you by pre ordering one of their lovely picnic hampers… there’s grazing boxes, sweet treats and seafood feasts to choose from. We’ll have all three please! Only job left is to pick a picnic spot to park up at, here’s some ideas to get you started.
Non-Foodie Frolics.
If your life doesn’t revolve around food and wine, no problem! Gala Twin Cinemas in Warrawong is always a date day/ night favourite.
And if you’re out and about during the day [or night] pop on a pair of those sexy bowling shoes at Zone Bowling – if your significant other can love you in those things then they’re definitely a keeper.
For couples who prefer the great outdoors, pack the backpack with protein bars, sangas and fresh fruit then go for a hike, swim or ride in nature. We recommend the 10B Bike Trail in Dharawal National Park for the two wheelers and the heart pumping Drawing Room Rocks walk for the hikers… the view at the top is so gorgeous it will be impossible not to feel the romance once you reach it.
To get creative as a couple check out the Wax & Wicks Valentine’s special at Wests Illawarra on the 8th where you can explore the art of candle making or get those hands dirty with the mug making class at Clay Wollongong.
For a chance to celebrate the 14th with your ladies, book in for the Galentines Paint & Sip at Georgia Rose Shell Cove. Yeah the girls!
Need some quiet and relaxing couple time? Head to City Cave for a couples float, sauna or flauna [that’s both]. A slightly different way to get sweaty on Valentine’s Day but still awesome for burning calories!
Clean Sheets And Sleep-Ins
How good is it to sneak away from reality for 24 hours surrounded by the four walls of a beautiful, quiet hotel room?
Wrap yourselves in fluffy bathrobes, snuggle down into fresh linen, turn the TV on and order a BLT – no interruptions and no kids! Now, that’s OUR idea of romance! Here’s a list of local hotels to escape to.
BRUNCH OUT
We love a delicious brunch at The Fold and gazing into each other’s eyes over waffles, pancakes, coffee and poached eggs. Make a date with your significant other to catch up at a local café. Here’s a list for you to choose from.
Some other popular picks are…
Eggs Benedict at Stokes Lane by RÜH, nom nom nom.
The Sujuk Bagel at Saltpool Cafe for a tongue tingle… wink wink!
Load up on The Big Fox at Happy Fox in Warilla.
Biscoff French Toast at Woolshed Kitchen by Fine Spun, add on a Red Velvet Latte to really get on theme.
Acai Bowl at Three Flamingos Espresso to keep it fresh and flavourful.
Malted Buttermilk Hotcakes at Penny Whistlers Cafe – snag a seat by the window for those stunning seaside views.
In-House
Can’t get a babysitter?
Create your own antipasto platter by sourcing some pretty delicious and spesh bits and bobs from these local delis.
Pair this antipasto yumminess with a bottle of something special from one of our local wineries, breweries, distilleries or bottle shops and maybe end your in-house date night with something from The Licorice Shop in Kanahooka or The Treat Factory in Berry. The tough part will be narrowing down to just a few… might as well get extra, it’s Valentine’s Day after all.
Hope that’s got you right in the mood for romance.
Enjoy luvahhhhhhs!
