By Jennifer Johnson, MainStreet Libertyville Volunteer
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and your local MainStreet Libertyville businesses are hosting fun specials and events for everyone to enjoy. From pre-holiday pop-up shops and themed fitness classes to special menus and even a murder-mystery dinner, you’ll love what local downtown Libertyville merchants have planned to help make your Valentine’s Day celebration memorable.
Enjoy pre-Valentine’s Day festivities at the following events on Thursday, February 13 in downtown Libertyville:
• Celebrate Galentine’s Day at B. Bungalow’s Pop-up from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. featuring Jenny Sweeney, Abby Alley, House of Shan and Ritual Zero Proof non-alcoholic spirits. B. Bungalow is located at 410 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
• Experience Brew Love @ Libbyville, at Libbyville Lifestyle Boutique from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with beer from Mickey Finn’s, Valentine’s Day Gear from Local Soul Libertyville, games and giveaways. Libbyville is located at 344 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
On Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, start your special day with a heart-healthy, Valentine’s Day-themed class at Heather’s Gym. With class offerings in the morning and the evening, you can spend quality time with your Valentine (or “Galentine”) and get your workout done with fun. The following special classes will be offered on Friday, February 14:
• 5:30 a.m.: Heart & Soul Theme Ride at HG Cycle
• 6:30 a.m.: HG Heart Heroes Theme Ride at HG Cycle
• 9:30 a.m.: Heart Happy HIIT Chaos at Heather’s Gym
• 6:30 p.m.: Valentine’s Day Warm Slow Flow Yoga with Live Music at Heather’s Gym.
Heather’s Gym is located at 504 First Street, and HG Cycle spins at 748 E. Park Avenue.
If you’re looking for a special meal out on Valentine’s Day, or throughout Valentine’s Day weekend, O’Toole’s of Libertyville is prepared to help you celebrate in a delicious way. On Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16, while supplies last, a special Valentine’s Day menu is available.
Begin your celebratory meal with a shrimp scampi appetizer served in a garlic and white wine sauce with a warm baguette ($12). Special entrees include salmon with champagne sauce, rice pilaf, green beans and tomato ($18); linguine pasta tossed with chicken, artichoke, prosciutto, fresh thyme and lemon cream sauce, served with garlic bread ($15); and hanger steak served with garlic whipped potatoes, vegetables and horseradish pesto ($19). And don’t forget dessert—New York Cheesecake and prosecco marinated strawberries ($7.50).
Reservations can be made at Open Table. O’Toole’s of Libertyville is located at 412 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
If you are seeking an adventure to cap off your Valentine’s Day celebration, look no further than the Improv Playhouse’s Valentine’s Day-themed Murder Mystery Dinner, Love Overboard! Invite your friends and spend the evening of Saturday, February 15 with the talent of the Improv Playhouse. The event includes a mouthwatering, three-course meal featuring London broil, chicken parmesan and spaghettini aglio-olio served at Jimmy’s Charhouse. All props, storylines and clues are provided, and a cash bar is available.
Find out if the Captain jumped ship with his star-crossed lover, or if Ty Tannick sunk to a new low, or where Gail Storm will land next during a memorable evening of food and fun. Reservations are required through Eventbrite; tickets are available for $62.50 per person. Jimmy’s Charhouse is located at 1413 Peterson Road.
Forest Bootery, 525 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Be sure to shop MainStreet Libertyville’s merchants for just the right Valentine’s Day present for your special someone. Many shops are featuring unique gifts, toys and cards that will add a special touch to your Valentine’s Day celebration.
With 34 retail businesses, 28 restaurants and niche food and beverage stores, 12 salons and spa businesses, and numerous specialty services, MainStreet Libertyville’s business owners are eager to serve you. MainStreet Libertyville Gift Certificates make perfect gifts, too. And remember, in downtown Libertyville, parking is easily accessible and plentiful; the Village of Libertyville offers more than 600 spaces in parking structures adjacent to downtown businesses. Shop, dine, live and play local. We hope to see you soon!