This post was updated January 17, 2019 to include current information and recommendations.
Valentine’s Day is the most romantic holiday of the year no matter where you are in the United States, but in the Sweetheart City, the single day is turned into a full month of celebration.
Home to the largest re-mailing program of its kind in the country, Loveland has become famous around the globe as a Valentine’s Day destination. And when you pair that notoriety with art, family-fun and local businesses and you get a celebration with plenty of Colorado flair: beer, racing and laser light shows included. Happy Valentine’s Day!
1. Order your heart for the Loveland Hearts Program
Every year for more than 40 years, the streets of Loveland are decked with decorative wooden hearts, stenciled by local students, all proclaiming love for a resident or a visitor. For about 20 years now, Thompson Valley Rotary has been running the Loveland Hearts Program so proceeds from the sales go to help children both locally and abroad.
Hearts are $50 each and, unfortunately, they’re sold out for the 2019 season. But you can still spread the love and search for names you know this Valentine’s Day!
2. Enjoy a romantic getaway at Sylvan Dale Ranch
Photo courtesy Sylvan Dale Ranch and Sherri Barber Photographer
This Loveland dude ranch was featured in our blog post, 12 Dude Ranches in Colorado You’ll Be Dreaming of This Summer, as one of the best in Colorado! It’s been family owned and operated for over 70 years and because it’s immersed in the natural splendor of Northern Colorado, February is the perfect winter setting for a romantic getaway.
At the ranch, they celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic weekend getaway. The package typically includes dinner for two in the dining room, an overnight stay, a hearty, ranch-style breakfast the next morning and all the attractions of winter at the dude ranch. Get all the details here.
3. Send a valentine through the Valentine Re-mailing Program
The most famous program of its kind in Colorado and one of the largest in the country, the Loveland Valentine Re-mailing Program is a Valentine’s Day tradition anyone can take part in. The Loveland Chamber of Commerce and the United States Postal Service have been teaming up for over 70 years to bring love, hope and sentiments to people in all 50 states and more than 110 countries.
To send your valentine through the Sweetheart City, you simply address and stamp the envelope as normal with the recipient’s address. Then send it in a larger, first-class envelope to Loveland’s Postmaster. Once it arrives in Loveland, your valentine will get an extra Sweetheart City message and will be delivered full of love to your valentine! For full instructions, including deadlines and the Postmaster address, check out the Chamber website here.
4. Celebrate at Loveland Sweetheart Festival
In 2019, our city gets a brand new winter celebration: the Loveland Sweetheart Festival. This event in downtown Loveland celebrates Valentine’s Day and Loveland’s entire Valentine’s season with love, lights and one of the largest Love Lock sculptures in the country. Presented by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and Visit Loveland Colorado, the festival will highlight the city’s rich history as the nation’s Sweetheart City and as one of the top art communities in the nation through art installations, attractions and contests.
The Love Lock sculpture is a 10-foot-tall and 30-foot-wide steel sculpture and attendees are invited to purchase a customizable love lock to secure on it. After the festival concludes, the sculpture will be moved to its permanent home in the Loveland Chamber and Visitors Center!
Other highlights at Loveland Sweetheart Festival include a laser show each night, art shows, contests, live music, and chocolate, beer and wine tastings—which include the Grimm Brothers Brewhouse official Sweetheart City beer, Bleeding Heart.
5. Run with your sweetheart at The Sweetheart Classic
Image courtesy of Sweetheart City Racing and Ben Westdorp, 76 District
It wouldn’t be a Northern Colorado celebration without a run/walk event! The Sweetheart Classic is a Valentine’s Day 4 miler taking place in the heart of Downtown Loveland. In 2019, it’s kicking off the inaugural Loveland Sweetheart Festival and proceeds from the race support local cross country teams. You can get more information and register here.
6. Sip a special beer at Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
Photo courtesy of Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
Is there anything more romantic than a local, craft beer brewed in the heart of the Sweetheart City? Every year, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse releases a new Bleeding Heart beer just for Loveland and just for the big day. Released in January, you can find it in the taproom, on tap at several Loveland bars and restaurants, and for sale inside local liquor stores. To learn more about the Grimm team, check out our exclusive interview Meet the Team Behind Grimm Brothers Brewhouse in Loveland, Colorado.
7. Explore the City with HeART™
Photos courtesy of Loveland Chamber of Commerce
The City with HeART program is something you can enjoy year-round, but there’s no better time to track down Loveland’s art hearts than Valentine’s Day. Each fiberglass heart stands at 5 feet tall and 4.5 feet wide. The individually sponsored works of art are designed by both local and national artists, named and displayed throughout the city. Download your HeART map here. Then, track down each one, snap a photo, and go to the Visitor’s Center to receive your souvenir from The City of Loveland!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
In the comments below, let us know how you celebrate Valentine’s Day in Loveland, Colorado.
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