Looking to break the monotony of store-bought Valentine’s Day presents? Give an experience: Pittsburgh is filled with opportunities to turn a classic gift into a full day of memories.
[Note: It’s probably good to call ahead if you’re planning to visit one of the following places on Valentine’s Day; their hours may change.]
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The Classic: Box of Chocolates
The Twist:
Pittsburgh has a number of chocolatiers providing daily deliciousness. Most Pittsburghers remember Sarris Candies school fundraisers filled with chocolate-covered pretzels and peanut butter meltaways. The store is attached to their factory; you can be sure you’re getting seriously fresh candy. While you’re there, split a sundae at their ice cream parlor! [Sarris Candies recently suffered a fire, so it’s probably best to call ahead. Even if the store is closed, buying Sarris Candies from a local retailer is a fabulous way to support a good local company.]
If you’re looking for a sweet spot easier to get to buy bus, Edward Marc Chocolatier on the South Side is worth a visit. Still using a recipe from 1914, Edward Marc uses the finest international ingredients for a one-of-a-kind taste: their vanilla salt caramels are unbelievably spectacular. The Edward Marc storefront is also home to The Milkshake Factory; stop by with your sweetie and be sure to ask for two straws! With 55 flavors from Toasted Almond Fudge to Vanilla Mint (a personal favorite), you’ll find something totally delectable. Bonus? When world leaders came to Pittsburgh for the 2009 G20 conference a few years ago, all of them got Edward Marc in their gift baskets.
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The Classic: A Bouquet
The Twist:
Go to a place overflowing with flowers! Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is right in Oakland and flooded with blooms. Take a stroll arm in arm through their wonderful exhibits; Tropical Forest India just opened and will definitely be worth a look!
The Classic: Cartoon-covered Valentines
 The Twist:
Why stick to a one-character Valentine when you can peruse hundreds of drawings at once? The Downtown ToonSeum is packed with all of the Saturday morning goodness you remember from childhood. It’s closed on Tuesdays, so make it a part of your Valentine’s Day weekend!