Here’s an interesting paradox: Valentine’s Day calls for intimate romance yet most couples spend it out on the town. Perhaps love is meant to be something of public spectacle or perhaps we simply take pleasure in seeing the rest of city, the rest of the town’s couples, in love on Valentine’s. Whatever the case may be, Annapolis hotels, restaurants, and businesses have plenty of love via discounts, deals, and entertainment to go around. Peruse below and plan your special night.

Annapolis Hotels and Inns

Take refuge in the arms of your sweetheart and in the soft pillows and exceptional service of area hotels.

The Loews Hotel is a classy, comfortable choice year-round, but for Valentine’s Day, they sweeten the deal. The hotel situated on West Street features a “Romance Package,” complete with meals, champagne, and the works. The package starts at $149 per night and specifically includes: strawberries and champagne upon arrival and breakfast for two daily. Choose a room with luxurious views to enhance the mood. Visit Loews Hotel in Annapolis to reserve this package.

The Westin Hotel, at Westgate Circle, also features a romance deal. This one is just as sweet and provides you with options for enhancing the deal. The package can include: a three-course dinner, breakfast in bed, and valet parking for $199 per night; a five-course dinner, breakfast in bed, and valet parking for $229 per night; or a seven-course dinner, breakfast in bed, and valet parking for $259 per night. Prospective guests can see the Azure menu at AzureAnnapolis.com. What’s better than sharing a top-notch dinner with your valentine? Visit The Westin Annapolis to learn more about this package.

The O’Callaghan Hotel, full of elegance and old-world charm, also features an enticing Valentine’s Day package. This one is very similar to the Loews package: both include champagne and chocolates as a welcome gift. Visit O’Callaghan Hotel online to peruse rooms and rates.

The Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel is quite exquisite in terms of its views, but the romance package is worthwhile too. This package awards two people accommodations, champagne, daily breakfast for two at Pusser’s, and rose petals that decorate the room. Prices start at $339 per night. Head to Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel to partake in this deal.

Historic Inns of Annapolis runs a romantic package available at Maryland Inn and the Governor Calvert House. The package isn’t labeled as a Valentine’s package, but space is available at the Maryland Inn and Governor Calvert house over this romantic holiday and guests who stay can indulge in the “Bed and Breakfast” package. This package awards guests with accommodations and breakfast at the Treat of Paris Restaurant for two. Prices start at $149 per night. Visit Historic Inns of Annapolis to book this package for your and your sweetheart.

Annapolis Restaurants

These downtown restaurants offer up Valentine’s Day menus that may just inspire you to reserve a table at these or research other eateries for deals.

Dinner with your significant other sends a message of love for all to see. Cafe Normandie invites this and as such, recently announced their Valentine’s menu, including options like: escarole salad with lardons and poached quail egg and Dijon vinaigrette; roasted shallot soup with focaccia romano crouton; goat cheese leek tart; grilled gambas with proscuitto an bean ragout; pork osso buco with chanterelles and pasta; and filet mignon with foie gras and truffle sauce. The menu is set at $95 and includes a glass of champagne. Call 410-263-3382 to reserve your table. Visit Cafe Normandie at Main Street or online to learn more.

On West Street, Italian fare is served thanks to Luna Blu Ristorante Italiano. The Valentine’s menu is available online and includes dishes like caramelized onion and mushroom tart, champagne risotto, veal, and beef short ribs. The price is $60 per person. Head to Luna Blu online to find contact info.

Harry Browne’s, located in the heart of downtown, also features an enticing Valentine’s menu. This three-course dinner includes choices like Italian wedding soup; seafood trio of oysters, clams, and shrimp; filet mignon; duck; and tiramisu. The price is $50 per person. Go to Harry Browne’s for more.

Annapolis Businesses

Plan some fun out on the town with the help of these local businesses.

Annapolis Yacht Club offers a Valentine’s deal that’s hard to refuse: a “Valentine’s Day Fun Night” dinner at 6 p.m. with the kids starting at $12.95. This event awards attendees with a delightful, romantic dinner at the AYC plus entertainment via crafts and food for the kids. The night ends around 9 p.m. Go to Annapolis Yacht Club to learn more about this event.

Music is an integral part of every holiday, and Valentine’s Day is no different. Rams Head welcomes Foreplay, a classic rock and blues group from the area, to perform on February 14 for “Valentine’s Day Heart Health Foundation Benefit.” The event takes an interesting perspective on the heart by considering the organ and its health, not the love that emanates from it. The show benefits the Heart Health Foundation and specifically, goes to raising funds and awareness. The show begins at 8 p.m. and costs $38. Go to Rams Head to read more.

Comedy is not to be forgotten on this love-filled holiday, especially when Maryland Hall‘s Once Upon a Mattress opens on Valentine’s night at 7:30 p.m. This comedic play isn’t necessarily about Valentine’s Day but will fill your heart with happiness and laughter. The performance is the acclaimed one Carol Burnett acted in years ago. The show costs $43 per person. Visit Maryland Hall to learn more.

The Colonial Players also designate Valentine’s Day as opening night for a performance. Superior Donuts, a play about two polar opposites running a donut shop in a creative, unconventional way, opens February 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on The Colonial Players.

Annapolis Collection Gallery joins in on the Valentine’s Day celebrations with an event that promises music and art. Meet local artists Greg Harlin, Ann Munro Wood, and Janet Fry Rogers while listening to soft music and eating refreshments. This event is free and open to everyone. It’s happening Valentine’s night from 7 to 8 p.m. Go to www.annapoliscollection.com to learn more.