By Carrie Nolan-Robson | Executive Director, Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your partner how much they mean to you. While traditional gifts like flowers and chocolates are always appreciated, why not go the extra mile this year with unique ideas that will make the day unforgettable, like taking a Northside tour? Enjoy fine wine and a delicious steak dinner, visit a museum, unwind with massages; here are some creative ways for couples to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day.

Start off your Valentine’s Northside tour at 907 Western Ave., where you will find Refucilo Winery, owned and operated by Juan Lora. Whether you are seasoned wine enthusiasts or newcomers to the experience, savor some fine wines and enjoy the quaint, romantic setting that is both relaxing and elegant. Refucilo’s wines come from a vineyard in the Andes Mountains of the Uco Valley and are crafted in Argentina. Refucilo Winery offers a variety of red and white wines. Once you find a wine that suits your palate, take home a bottle (or two) to enjoy and recreate your romantic evening once more.

After your first stop of experiencing a glass of fine wine and connecting conversation, head over to the North Shore to the Museum of Illusions. This is the perfect place to mix romance and whimsy. Whether you are celebrating love, friendship, or a mutual appreciation for optical trickery, there is no better bond than wondering if what you’re seeing is real — or just an illusion. The Museum of Illusion is offering a special two-for-one Valentine’s Day Deal, making date night twice as nice. Once you leave, you’ll know your love is real and not an illusion! You can find the Museum of Illusions along the river side of the North Shore at 267 N. Shore Drive.

Finish the night off on the North Shore at North Shore Tavern for an unforgettable and unique steak dinner experience. The North Shore Tavern, located at 120 Federal St., is known for its steak on a stone. When owner, Mike Sukitch, lived in Switzerland, his favorite restaurant served this iconic dish. Mike thought he would bring this to the ‘Burgh for all of us to enjoy. The process is to first select the type of meat you wish to enjoy and then it is brought tableside on a large volcanic lava rock at temperatures of upwards of 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This method is said to help lock in the steak’s juices, giving you a more juicy, flavorful steak. You have a few cooking options: either pre-sliced and served on the side, allowing you to then place a piece of steak on the stone to cook as you go, or you can put the whole steak on the stone and cut a slice off and sear each individual piece to your liking. Within seconds you have a juicy, hot, cooked-to-perfection piece of steak. You can also place any vegetables or sides on the stone as well. What a memorable experience you will have at North Shore Tavern.

Don’t want this wonderful evening to end? While dining, you can surprise your Valentine with a special gift of relaxation that can extend your weekend with a gift certificate from Rekindled Spirits Massage Studio, located in Aspinwall at 12 Eastern Ave., Suite 102. Joan Gennarini, owner, is offering a February special on massage and Reiki massage services. Relaxation and rejuvenation are always a great gift. Other services provided at Rekindled Spirits are: hot stone massage, reflexology, and Swedish massage.

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating your connection, whether it’s with thoughtful gestures, unique ideas, indulging in fine wine and a steak dinner, or unwinding with massages. Whatever you decide to do, remember that the most important thing is the love and attention you show your partner. This year, make your celebration uniquely yours, and cherish every moment spent together as you tour the Northside community.