Conversation hearts, 3D printed roses and twee cards — if you’re head over heels for all things Valentine’s Day, here’s to hoping that you live in one of the top cities that’s not afraid to whip out their wallets for V-Day. The data team at Mint.com looked at the 10 largest cities in the country and did some number crunching, studying how much, on average, residents spent on romantic gifts, spa days, lavish dinners and luxury hotels for Valentine’s Day. Here’s the countdown of the most romantic cities, at least when it comes to spending big in the hopes of making cupid proud.
10. Atlanta, GA: (Spa + Massage: $49, Gifts: $69, Hotel: $201, Restaurant: $28)
The lowest spenders on average for Valentine’s Day, Atlanta makes up for it with gorgeous weather, renowned restaurants and its stunning botanical gardens. Being in the south, there are plenty of quaint B&Bs graced with elegant architecture that would make for a perfect romantic night away. (photo via Fotos by Fola)
9. Los Angeles, CA: (Spa + Massage: $53, Gifts: $69, Hotel: $172, Restaurant: $32)
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and hit the coast for one of the many luxurious resorts that overlook the ocean. Sign up for a couple’s massage or spend quality time in a jacuzzi, and you’ll forget all about your city being number nine on this list. (photo via One Love)
8. Philadelphia, PA: (Spa + Massage: $48, Gifts: $71, Hotel: $188, Restaurant: $31)
When you live in the city of brotherly love, romance and history can be found around every corner. Maybe that’s why this city doesn’t spend too much money on V-Day, but it really doesn’t matter since there are delicious restaurants and stunning hotels year-round. (photo via 34st)
7. Washington, DC: (Spa + Massage: $58, Gifts: $72, Hotel: $175, Restaurant: $28)
You don’t have to spend a lot of money for a fun Valentine’s Day in DC, especially if your date is into history or art. The monuments and collection of Smithsonian museums are free to enjoy, and they can be surprisingly romantic. Especially if it’s followed by a dinner in Georgetown. (photo via Soltren Photography)
6. Chicago, IL: (Spa + Massage: $53, Gifts: $74, Hotel: $158, Restaurant: $30)
With such a vivid nightlife scene, it’s not difficult to find something a little out of the box to do on Valentine’s Day. From the comedy at Second City to maybe even a sexy burlesque show at the Gorilla Tango Theatre, you’re not tied to an expensive date night in the Windy City. (photo via Saavedra Photograph)
5. Boston, MA: (Spa + Massage: $49, Gifts: $74, Hotel: $186, Restaurant: $29)
How could you pass on a decadent night at one of Boston’s historic hotels or a delicious Italian dinner in the North End followed by authentic Italian pastries at any time of the night from the 24-hour Bova’s Bakery? If your significant other throws in a gift from one of Newbury Street’s famous boutiques, it definitely won’t be a cheap night. (photo via Elario Photography)
4. Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX: (Spa + Massage: $55, Gifts: $72, Hotel: $184, Restaurant: $28)
Dallas doesn’t mess around when it comes to unique, extravagant date ideas. First there’s the Dinner & Flight, which not only includes a three-course dinner, but also a sightseeing flight over the city. Then, there’s the sunset flight package complete with champagne on a hot air balloon from Rohr Balloons. Either one will have you flying high both literally and figuratively. (Photo via Rachel Meagan Photography)
3. Houston, TX: (Spa + Massage: $54, Gifts: $78, Hotel: $196, Restaurant: $29)
You know what they say: Everything is bigger in Texas, including Valentine’s Day, which is why two Texan cities appear near the top of this list. Plus, with Houston’s warm weather, it’s not too difficult to find plenty of fun, romantic outdoor activities to do this year, from a low-key picnic in Hermann Park to an adrenaline-pumping tandem skydive at Skydive Spaceland. (photo via Thrillist)
2. New York, NY: (Spa + Massage: $57, Gifts: $95, Hotel: $223, Restaurant: $36)
There are few cities more famous for their romance than New York City. So many classic romantic movies have been set in the City That Never Sleeps, from An Affair to Remember and Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Annie Hall and, of course, Sleepless in Seattle, which made going to the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day a cliche. How could you not do it up big when you live in a city that’s just innately romantic? (photo via Kelly Prizel)
1. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA: (Spa + Massage: $71, Gifts: $82, Hotel: $230, Restaurant: $34)
Money can’t buy you love, but it can buy you a great Valentine’s Day, at least in San Francisco. There’s no end to the opportunities for a romantic dinner here; in fact, San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the US. Plus, when you live in one of the most expensive cities in the country, and you want to spend money on Valentine’s Day, it’s pretty easy to spend way more than anyone else on this list. (photo via Emily Scannell)
Do you plan on spending big on Valentine’s Day, or do you prefer a more creative date? Let us know in the comments!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.