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Las Vegas may be known as Sin City, but with its many romantic restaurants, it’s the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day. While almost every restaurant in town cooks up an experience diners won’t soon forget, some truly go out of their way on February 14 to serve a feast couples will fall in love with. From special menu additions to lavish prix-fixe menus, here’s just a sampling of what some of Las Vegas’ top restaurants are planning for the most romantic day of the year. There’s even something on the menu for those without a Valentine.

(credit: vegas.eater.com)

Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 737-5200
www.striphouse.comWith its rich red décor, moody lighting and provocative Studio Manasse black-and-white photographs on the walls, Strip House easily sets the mood for romance all year round. But on February 14, couples are in for an extra special treat. For one day only, the sumptuous steakhouse will be featuring several à la carte Valentine’s Day specials in addition to its regular menu items. Guests can choose from two appetizers—the kataifi wrapped crisp shrimp with chopped avocado, cucumber and flying fish roe or the bufala mozzarella and braised artichoke salad with sun-dried tomato vinaigrette and artichoke chips. Furthermore, pick one of two entrées—a savory 14-ounce bone-in filet or a surf-and-turf combo platter featuring an eight-ounce filet mignon and broiled lobster. Then get ready to dig in to a dessert that’s almost as sweet as your Valentine—a warm red berry cake with roasted strawberries, raspberries and white chocolate ice cream.

(credit: lvrj.com)

Rice & Company at Luxor
3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 262-4852
www.luxor.com Treat the sushi lover in your life to something wonderful this holiday with Rice & Company’s special sushi and sake Valentine’s Day pairing. Available throughout the month, the restaurant’s naughty and spice roll features a delicious blend of shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, cilantro and mango topped with salmon, avocado and sliced strawberries adorned with a spicy strawberry sauce. As if that’s not enough to make taste buds flip, the tantalizing roll pairs perfectly with the mild Wakatake Onikoroshi sake.Related: Best Sushi in Las Vegas

(credit: Links Magazine)

Top Of The World at Stratosphere
2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 380-7711
www.topoftheworldlv.comOne of the city’s most breathtaking restaurants, Top of the World is sure to take Valentine’s Day experiences to new heights, as it’s located more than 800 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. The restaurant revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes, providing guests with a dining experience unlike any other. Couples can feast upon the stunning views below as they enjoy a lavish Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu that begins with a tasty lobster mango ceviche shooter. Diners then have their choice of starter dishes: a winter melon soup with speck, Peruvian bay scallops and oysters or artisan lettuce with roasted rhubarb and strawberry. For the main course, sweethearts can share a duo of grilled beef tenderloins with chimichurri velouté and lobster tails with vanilla essence, paired with a winter vegetables medley, onion soubise and sunchoke purée. Finally for dessert, couples can indulge in a decadent chocolate tres leche accompanied by raspberry cotton candy.Related: Best Romantic Places In Las Vegas to Propose

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Lavo at The Palazzo
3255 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 791-1800
www.lavolv.comNothing says romance like dinner at the chicest Italian restaurant on the Strip. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Lavo will be featuring special à la carte menu additions taste buds are sure to fall in love with. Guests can start their meal with the flavorful Mediterranean king crab salad with roasted beets, mâche and citrus before enjoying the rose petal-shaped pasta with shrimp, asparagus tips and black truffle. Or, for bigger appetites, dig in to the six-ounce Kobe filet mignon and baked langostino with black trumpet hollandaise. Whatever you decide on, be sure to save some room for dessert: the valrhona chocolate parfait with rose water and preserved raspberry is to die for!

(credit: Harrahs)

Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 331-5100
www.sugarfactory.comNot to alienate those without a Valentine, but the sweetest restaurant on the Strip will be featuring a special anti-Valentine’s Day menu from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on February 14. The four-course “Love Bites” prix-fixe menu begins with an amuse-bouche of creamy garlic soup, sure to deter any Valentine’s Day kisses. Then, guests can enjoy the “bleeding heart” arancini, described as “fried risotto balls oozing with smoked salt beet gelée.” For the main course, diners can feast upon Sugar Factory’s dry-rubbed barbecue pork ribs topped with barbecue sauce and paired with pickled cabbage and zesty beans. Hey, you’re sleeping alone—dig in! The anti-Valentine’s Day celebration concludes with “cold hearted” vanilla semifreddo, topped with pistachio butter and burnt cherry compote.

Whether you’re single, in a relationship or happily married, Las Vegas is filled with an array of dining, shopping and entertainment options perfect for Valentine’s Day. From a luxurious day at the spa to an elegant diamond engagement ring to a special romantic getaway without leaving the city, you’ll find some of the most unique Valentine’s Day gifts in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and beyond.

For fresh couples or even those who have gotten past the seven year itch, an important part of staying in love is spending time together, doing things you both enjoy. The activities are limitless; you might just need a few ideas to spark your imagination. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here is a short list of great couples’ activities that you can do year-round. 

Dining Together

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Become your own restaurant of the month club. Explore new dining-out ideas and pick the ones that sound most interesting to both of you, then make a reservation and get ready to have a night on the town. Stick to the same day every month to ensure you will always have time to dine together. This is a great opportunity to explore out-of-the-way places or new types of cuisine you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Build in a few romantic nights and feel free to embarrass other diners by making out shamelessly at the table.

Educate With Love

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Do both of you have an interest in do-it-yourself household projects or photography? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to make sushi, wood working or Italian. Adult-education classes represent a great way for the two of you to expand your horizons and knowledge base together, plus acquire a practical skill of value. Make sure to choose an interest you both share and find ways of enjoying it outside of class, too.

Have A Breakthrough 

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Couples-only retreats offer you the opportunity to not only explore your relationship but also enjoy activities like hiking, boating, couple’s massage or yoga together. An added plus is being with other, like-minded couples and forming new friendships, which are healthy for any relationship. Look for weekend retreats in interesting locations either close to home or far away, then suspend your current reality and enjoy being together in a completely new environment.

Have A Ball 

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Pursue a sports activity together, such as golf, bowling, paddleball or running. Make time to go to the gym or take tennis lessons. Some couples enjoy friendly competition, while others prefer to play games together as if they were little, goofy kids. Whatever your sports style might be, find physical pursuits you both can share that will help you keep both your bodies and your relationship fit and healthy.

Have An Adventure 

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Become tourists in your own home town by visiting sight-seeing destinations and attractions, like boat or bus tours, museums and landmarks. Pretend you don’t speak the language and ask people to take your picture together. Re-visit your own personal landmarks, too, like the place where the two of you met or the houses you both grew up in.

Take Time Out 

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Make the world go away by closing the door, shutting off the phones and dimming the lights. Remember that the little, day-to-day moments you share are just as important as the time you plan around activities together. Be a universe of two and spend some time remembering what brought you together in the first place. Congratulate each other on how terrific you are and celebrate being a couple, in any way you choose.

For idea’s on what to get your loved one this Valentine’s Day shop at YourHolidayHints.com

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Valentine’s Day can be stigmatized as a commercial holiday meant to help sell cards, flowers and candy. However, it’s interesting to know that the tradition of Valentine’s Day has vestiges that date back centuries before Christ and takes on various forms all over the world. While the notion of expressing one’s love on Valentine’s Day is basically the same, different countries have their own traditions for this beloved holiday.

Italy
 

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Italy has a long history when it comes to Valentine’s Day traditions, celebrating it as a Spring Festival. Couples would spend the day surrounded by the beauty of springtime in natural settings like tree arbors or ornamental gardens. Their time was spent listening to music, reading poetry or strolling through the garden. 

Another tradition in Italy’s Valentine’s Day history was the notion that the first man a girl sees on Valentine’s Day would be the man (or look like the man) she would marry within a year. Unmarried girls would wake up extra early to sit by their window to look for men who walked by. 

While the candy tradition in the United States usually consists of some sort of heart-shaped box of assorted candies, the traditional candy gift for Valentine’s Day in Italy is a chocolate-covered hazelnut called a Baci Perugina. The candy is accompanied with a small piece of paper that contains romantic poems in four different languages.

South Korea

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Although the traditional Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14, South Korea celebrates similar days of love on the 14th of every month. Each monthly celebration has its own significance and traditions depending on the corresponding holiday. 

The actual Valentine’s Day holiday tradition is meant for only women to be the givers of chocolate to their significant other and the following month it’s the men’s turn. March 14 is named White Day and men are meant to give their female counterpart a non-chocolate candy. April 14 is marked as Black Day and is geared towards those who are not in a relationship. The tradition for Black Day is for single people to mourn their single lives, hence the name of the holiday. Single people are supposed to eat jajangmyeon noodles, which are black in color, on April 14. While the tradition of women giving chocolate to their partners on Valentine’s Day is a widespread tradition in Eastern Asian countries, South Korea takes the tradition a step further than other countries with a bigger amount of chocolate given.

Great Britain

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Britain and Italy have a few similarities in their Valentine’s Day traditions: Both had similar stories about how the first man a woman saw on Valentine’s Day morning will be the one they will marry. However, Britain also has traditions all its own. 

While many countries’ citizens deliver handwritten notes and poems to their significant others on Valentine’s Day, paper Valentine’s were so popular in England during the 19th Century that they gave way to the production of mass-produced greeting cards we see today. In earlier times, a tradition for women the night before Valentine’s Day was to secure four bay leaves to each corner of their pillow before sleeping and to eat hard boiled eggs with salt while removing the yokes. This tradition was meant to provoke dreams of their future husbands on Valentine’s Day eve. Women would also write names on pieces of paper wrapped in clay balls to be dropped into water and the ball that rose to the surface first would be their future husband.

Denmark

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People of Denmark referred to Valentine’s Day cards as “lover’s cards” and they were once made from transparent material that reflected a picture of a lover bestowing a gift to his or her significant other when it was held up to the light. Instead of the red roses many Americans associate with Valentine’s Day, Danish people give white flowers that they call “snowdrops.” People used to give pressed white flowers to their Valentines, but these days they have switched to bouquets. While love poems and romantic notes are given on Valentine’s Day, the Danish people also write unsigned, funny poems on neatly cut paper called “gaekkebrev.” If the girl is able to guess who sent it, she will receive an Easter Egg later in the year. Denmark takes its Valentine’s Day holiday pretty seriously and many people tend to take off work or book parties to celebrate this love-filled holiday.

France

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France is often referred to as the most romantic place in the world but the country’s older Valentine’s Day traditions are anything but lovey-dovey. In the past, the French custom called “drawing for” or “a lottery of love” would gather single people in houses facing opposite one another and make them call out the name of their hopeful partner through the window. Women who were jilted by their hopeful Valentine would gather to burn the images of the ungrateful lovers in huge bonfires. The bonfire events would turn pretty ugly, with women yelling and hurling abuses into the fire. Because the ritual would turn into an ugly event filled with ridicule, the French government eventually banned this practice. The St. Valentin Village located in Indre has held a festival since the 1960s to celebrate Valentine’s Day every year from February 12th to the 14th.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor’s in Communication and is currently working on her Master’s. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Bonanza Gifts: The World’s Largest Gift Shop
Address: 2440 Las Vegas Boulevard South (c/o Sahara & The Strip)
URL: WorldsLargestGiftShop.com
Phone number: 385-7359
Hours of operation: Daily 8am – midnight
Reason why place is best of: When I think of Valentine’s Day, I think of shiny baubles and whimsical trinkets. That’s why the love of my life always gets something from Bonanza Gifts: The World’s Largest Gift Shop where The Strip meets W. Sahara. Your sweetheart would love a pair of fuzzy dice, a casino-themed keychain or a sexy stripper pen; When you turn it upside down the lady becomes naked. (Naughty!) You know what they say, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and is immediately put out as a kitschy souvenir.” Remember, nothing says “I love you” more than a classic Vegas dealer visor paired with a set of matching shot glasses.

– Spence, 98.5 KLUC

Name:  Crystal’s at City Center

Address:  3720 South Las Vegas Boulevard

URL:  www.crystalsatcitycenter.com

Phone number:

Hours of operation:

Reason why place is best of:  If you’ve got the cash, they’ve got a place to spend it. Crystal’s has high end jewelry store like Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

-Tate South, CBS LV

Victoria’s Secret

Fashion show mall, Meadows Mall, The Galleria Mall

www.victoriassecret.com

Why it’s the best place to buy a Valentines Day gift- It has THE BEST sexy stuff for the special day.  DUH!

-Lauren Michael, 98.5 KLUC

English Garden Florist at Tiffany Square
4171 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89119

(702) 740-4770 — Local
(800) 482-1117 — Toll Free

http://englishgardenflorist.com/

Monday – Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

I have ordered from them several times and they do wonderful work!  I’ve never not been happy with anything I’ve ordered from them.

-Davey Diaz, 98.5 KLUC

Name: Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas

Address: 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South

URL: www.eiffeltowerrestaurant.com

Phone number: 948-6937

Hours of operation: 11 A.M. to Midnight

Reason why place is best of: One of the best views of the strip and great food.

-Chad Forster, CBS LV

http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/signature-restaurants/mix.aspx

Honestly, on the strip, off the strip…celebrating Valentines Day can be a very memorable experience as long as your with someone you love. Sure romantic dinners and be great, but even someplace that’s just FUN can make for a great Valentines. I suggest to figure out what you love to do together, and make that your enjoyable night. If you have to do the romantic thing…go for somewhere with a view. Foundation Room, MIX at Mandalay Bay, Ra Sushi at Caesars, etc.

-JB, 98.5 KLUC

The Top of The World Restaurant at the Stratosphere
2000 Las Vegas Blvd South
(702) 380-7777

http://www.topoftheworldlv.com/

Make sure you go to dinner near sunset so you can enjoy a beautiful sunset of the Vegas Valley.  The entire restaurant moves 360 degrees very slowly so you can enjoy a few of Vegas.  They have a wonderful menu to pick from with a variety of items.  Located more than 800 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, the award-winning restaurant offers a memorable experience.

-Davey Diaz, 98.5 KLUC

Name: My Bed at the Circus Circus Hotel Casino

Address: 2440 Las Vegas Boulevard South (c/o Sahara & The Strip)

URL: CircusCircus.com

Phone number: 385-7359

Hours of operation: 24 hours a day

Reason why place is best of: “Clowns is sexy.” It’s my mantra, what can I say? This Valentine’s Day I invite you to join me in bed in my room at the Circus Circus Hotel Casino. You got your acrobats, contortionists, bearded ladies…and down in the casino free circus shows too! Order as many shrimp cocktails as you want, girl, ‘cause I only paid $22 for the room. (True! Rooms Valentine’s night for as little as $22!!!) Celebrate VD on a budget, don’t clown around, spend it at Circus Circus .

– Spence, 98.5 KLUC

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

There are many rumors as to how exactly Valentine’s Day originated. Many people believe it is a holiday created purely by greeting card companies to sell flowers and chocolate. But my girlfriend assures me that is just not true, and if I believe it then I can get used to sleeping on the couch. Others murmur rumblings of Christian martyrs and Popes and love. Not together, or necessarily in that order.

When looking back historically, most people will cite Christianity as Valentine’s Day’s origins. There were numerous early Christian martyrs named Valentine, with a couple — Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni — honored on February 14th itself. No romantic elements arise from any of these Christian figures or their history, however.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

The first recorded instance of associating Valentine’s Day with romantic love comes from Geoffrey Chaucer in 1382, from his “Parlement of Foules“:

For this was on seynt Volantynys day
What euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.

The internet translates this to:

For this was Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.

Written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia, Chaucer’s poem spread through England. So very romantic, even taking into account that both Richard II and Anne of Bohemia were a ripe 15 years old at the time.

On Valentine’s Day in 1400, the French established a “High Court of Love” to deal with love and betrayal, as well as violence against women. Judges at this court were selected by women based on a poetry reading. Some of these poems survive to this day, and many people consider them the first ever valentines. The oldest of which is from Duke of Orléans to his wife, which was in French and very short, so I didn’t include it here.

Fast forward a couple of hundred years to 1784. The first soon-to-be-cliché love poem is found in an English nursery rhyme compilation:

The rose is red, the violet’s blue
The honey’s sweet, and so are you
Thou are my love and I am thine
I drew thee to my Valentine
The lot was cast and then I drew
And Fortune said it shou’d be you.

Isn’t that sweet?

Photo Credit: Public Domain

The transition from lovely day of expression to capitalism at its finest kicked off around 1797, when a British Publisher came out with The Young Man’s Valentine Writer, a collection of writing and verses for men who couldn’t create their own. A giant was born. By the 19th century, paper valentines had become so popular in England that they were produced in factories. Lazy men rejoiced. The first mass-produced valentines in the U.S. were produced shortly thereafter, by Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts, utilizing the resources in her father’s stationary store.

Fast-forward to modern day. In the United Kingdom, 1.3 billion pounds are spent annually on cards, chocolates, flowers and hopefully awesome hot air balloon rides. The U.S. Greeting Card Association, which is apparently real, approximates that nearly 200 million valentines are sent each year, yet somehow I only accumulated three Scooby Doo valentines in third grade.

Now, with the advent and flourish of the internet, love has become even easier and more passive. E-cards, flower delivery websites, love coupons and more have allowed men all over the world to procrastinate caring about their significant others until the very last moment.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Valentine’s Day approaches each year like the monster from Cloverfield: quiet at first, but you know it’s there, and suddenly it is everywhere, wreaking havoc from all angles. Then before you know it, it’s all over, and you probably died (or didn’t die) kissing some girl in a park.

Maybe it isn’t that extreme, but Valentine’s Day is inevitable, and for those of us that fall into the “single” or “considering buying friends” or “lying about my relationship on Facebook to try and make my ex jealous” categories, Valentine’s Day is usually spent trying to distract ourselves from our loneliness.

If you are one of the millions of singles just counting the days until February 15th, this article is for you. Let’s take a look at some ways you can cope with couples coddling each other while you freeze your lonely butt off in your cheap peacoat and beanie, lacking any sort of human contact. I’ll discuss ways to distract, occupy and consume yourself while you suffer through this artificial holiday.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Go Out With Other Lonely Coworkers: Remember, you’re not alone. Well, you are, but you’re not the only solo-Valentine. Everyone’s deeply hidden sadness can be cured with a few Jack and Cokes and some Dave and Buster’s skee ball. Or, better yet, Big Buck Hunter. Take out your rage on a few digital deer. With the proper mix of overpriced alcohol and shame you could be headed for an awkward morning after next to a coworker. All Vallow’s Eve (as we sometimes call Valentine’s Day) falls on a Tuesday, so embrace the morning after as a hungover hump day.

Just Play it Totally Cool: Thanks to social media, your ex(es) can track your one-person Valentine’s Day from afar, while they celebrate their newfound love aboard their significant other’s yacht. You must have a rebuttal. Photoshop yourself into some pictures with Rihanna, or on Maury for a paternity test with Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It’s much easier than ever to make yourself look busier and more popular than you actually are. Take advantage of fake retweeting a celebrity to make it seem as though they are trying to talk to you. Example:

RT @LadyGaga Hey @kyleayers, can’t wait for our Valentine’s date tonight. Kisses!

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Reconnect With Your Kids: If this option is even remotely a possibility for you, then I suggest you power down your laptop, get in your Civic and be a better parent.

Watch an Entire Television Series: Watching a single movie has too high of a probability of reminding you of that special someone, plus movies are about two hours long, which is more than 20 hours too short to consume your entire Valentine’s Day. I recommend The Wire or The West Wing, both of which avoid too many malicious relationships, and also have enough episodes to last you until Arbor Day (which I will now google to see exactly when it occurs).

There are numerous ways to make your Valentine’s Day as painless as possible. Find a way to distract yourself, and remember that Valentine’s Day is a competition. So make sure you’re having (or looking like you’re having) a better time than every single one of your exes.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Hollywood is forever in search of the next big hit. Sometimes us movie-goers get something so fresh and exciting that we flock to theaters in droves. More often we get enjoyable retreads of last year’s enjoyable retreads. At least we know what’s coming, from the summer action blockbuster, the holiday family movie and, this week, the Valentine’s Day romance.

In our love letter to the love scene, we’ve gathered up the worst romance movie clichés. Maybe Hollywood will finally put these to bed — and start writing some fresh love stories.

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema

Kissing In The Rain

The rainy-day kiss is a romance classic, and cinematographers have all sorts of fun with it. Sure, The Notebook’s dock scene set millions of hearts aflutter. Sure, Spiderman and Mary Jane’s upside-down kiss was all the sexier with the cascading water and epic flashes of thunder. The device definitely works aesthetically. But the overuse makes it seem like most great romances occur only in Portland, during weather disturbances.

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox

Fixing It All With A Stunt

We know that for the sake of a story, everyone’s romantic problems have to be solved in quick satisfying bursts. But since Hollywood also likes to make sure that couples hit huge roadblocks in their relationships, this can make for some utterly ridiculous solutions to big fights/character flaws. Did one of you make a huge mistake? Just hold a boombox outside of the window. Has one of you been a complete jerk to the other? Just sing a song from the rooftops. Or sing it on an airplane!

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Has Valentine’s Day got you down? Is meeting that special someone proving more difficult than you ever thought it could be? Maybe it’s time to change your approach to dating.

Dating websites have come a long way since Match.com launched in the mid-1990s. And the stigma of meeting someone online is all but gone. These days, dating sites offer many opportunities to make a good first impression without the pitfalls of the dreaded “pick up.” You can be sure that the person on the other end wants to meet someone too. With all the personalization features these sites offer and the traffic they receive, the right person is probably out there somewhere right now.

Here are the top 5 dating websites that can change your dating life with just a few clicks:

Photo Credit: Match.com

Match.com

www.match.com

Arguably the best known of the matchmaking websites, Match.com boasts a membership of over 20 million. The site uses your profile to personalize the matches that it delivers to you. It also offers a high level of search customization; the Mutual Match function, for example, allows you to find people who are looking for someone like you. While viewing member profiles is free, a subscription is needed to contact someone (member conversations happen via email, chat and instant messaging). Membership plans range from one to six months.

Photo Credit: Plenty of Fish

PlentyofFish

www.pof.com

POF (as it’s typically called) relies on profiles created through a “chemistry test.” This test tracks five personality dimensions, each of which contributes to building a romantic relationship. Members can view profiles and send messages to people who interest them. The heavily used and well organized forums are there for the viewing without even signing up. Video and audio chat capabilities are also available. The site is free to use, though a paid version may improve one’s chance at a love connection.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Valentine’s Day, like New Year’s Eve and Independence Day, is a holiday that sometimes seems to let us down. It’s supposed to be fun — even magical — but we’re often left wondering why we were ever so excited. It just doesn’t live up to the hype. And it’s worse for those unattached types, who have to suffer through what might also be called “Singles Awareness Day.”

Instead of getting down and out about your Valentine’s Day situation, gather a group of friends and celebrate not having to fake smile when someone gives you a giant red stuffed bear! Here is a stellar menu for an “I Love My Friends But Hate Valentine’s Day” party!

Also Check Out Recipes For A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Roasted Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients:

* 15-20 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus 15-20 full basil leaves
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 2 ounces goat cheese
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Mix together the garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

3. Place the halved Roma tomatoes on a sheet pan and brush the tops of the tomatoes with the oil mixture.

4. Roast for about 40 minutes or until softened and the edges begin to darken.

5. Toast the bread slices in the oven until just lightly browned.

6. Spread each piece with goat cheese.

7. Top with a tomato half and a basil leaf.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Baked Brie

Ingredients:

* One wheel of Brie cheese
* Honey
* Pumpkin seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place the wheel of Brie on a small baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is oozing out from the bottom.

3. Place the baked Brie on a serving platter.

4. Top the brie with about 1/2 cup of honey and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.

5. Serve with pieces of crusty bread or crackers.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Parmesan Popcorn

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 3 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Pour the oil into a deep, heavy-bottom pan and heat briefly.

2. Add the kernels, cover the pot and shake it over the heat until the kernels pop.

3. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and add the butter. Toss to coat

4. Add the grated cheese and garlic powder. Toss again to coat.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Spiked Chocolate Fondue

This may not be a traditional Valentine’s Day party, but you can still have a Valentine’s Day-themed dessert! This one has a little liqueur to kick up the flavor and fun.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 4 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur
* Morsels for dipping (sliced banana, strawberries, raspberries, cubed poundcake, pretzel sticks, graham crackers, brownie bites… whatever your single heart desires)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, heat the cream.

2. Add the chocolate and liqueur, stir until melted.

3. Once melted, serve with skewers and any your delicious accompaniments of choice.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Every Valentine’s Day, people scramble for flowers, candy and restaurant reservations. It’s so stressful, so annoying… so anti-Valentine’s Day! In lieu of buying a bunch of love-themed stuff and shoving it in your sweetie’s face, woo them with a romantic, home-cooked dinner. It’s intimate and special. More than a phone call to a local restaurant, it shows that you care.

Cooking dinner at home can be stressful and time consuming. We’ve put together an impressive, but simple, menu for your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. These three delicious courses are each brimming with aphrodisiacs; they’re guaranteed to put any couple in the mood. You’ve been warned!

Also Check Out Recipes For A Valentine’s Day Singles Party.

Photo Credit: Christine Hinrichs

Spinach And Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese And Figs

Arugula and Figs are the aphrodisiacs in this dish! It’s easy to toss this salad together while the rest of your dinner is cooking away.

Ingredients:

* Large handful of spinach leaves
* Large handful of arugula leaves
* 1/3 cup chopped figs
* 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
* Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
* Drizzle of balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the spinach and arugula in a large bowl.

2. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add the chopped figs and crumbled goat cheese and toss to coat ingredients with dressing.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Saffron Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

Saffron is expensive, but a little bit goes a long way. This “vegetable gold” adds the romance to your main course!

Ingredients:

* 1/4 teaspoon (a small pinch) saffron threads
* 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, use more if needed
* 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
* 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 golden beets, peeled and diced
* 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
* 1 large shallot, cut into half-moon shapes
* Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Line a baking sheet with foil.

3. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with about a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.

4. Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet in an even layer.

5. Bake until softened and browned, about 35-40 minutes.

6. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable broth with the saffron threads on medium low heat. Let the threads steep in the warm liquid for about 15 minutes.

7. In a larger saucepan, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and add the couscous on medium heat. Toast until just browned.

8. Add the saffron liquid and cook couscous according to the directions on the package. Add more liquid if needed until the couscous is cooked.

9. Fluff with a fork. The saffron will give the couscous a lovely, yellow color.

10. Serve the couscous alongside the roasted vegetables and round off the meal with a piece of crusty bread.

11. Top with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate is always a surefire winner. Extra points if you feed each other the dipped morsels.

Ingredients:

* 7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* Morsels for dipping (sliced banana, strawberries, raspberries, cubed poundcake, pretzel sticks, graham crackers, brownie bites… whatever your in-love heart desires)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, melt together the chocolate and cream.

2. Once melted, serve with skewers and any your delicious accompaniments of choice.

Visit The Valentine’s Day Section At CBS Local.

Most of us will never date a celebrity. And, in certain cases, that’s just fine.

Nightmare celebrities square off in a Valentine’s Day edition of Pick-A-Side. And you choose the, er, winner.

Select a category below and get started…

Most of us will never date a celebrity. But we can dream, right?

Hot celebrities square off in a Valentine’s Day edition of Pick-A-Side. And you choose the winner.

Select a category below and get started…

Las Vegas is the best place to get married no matter what kind of wedding you’re looking for.  The on-air staff of the local CBS radio stations give their top picks for the big day.

Well, I’m probably VERY biased, since Lauren & I got married this year, but I think the best place is Red Rock Country Club!!! Sure there might be other locatios that are beautiful, when it comes to Red Rock CC, the location, ammenities, staff,…it was truely an incredible experience.

If you want to check out RRCC, contact Gina Pfersching, Director of Catering, gpfersching@redrockcc.com.

(702) 304-5696

http://www.redrockcountryclub.com/

-JB, 98.5 KLUC

Why it’s the best place to get married: I got married at Red Rock Country Club and couldn’t be happier with how our wedding turned out.   The place is beautiful and the wedding planner, Gina, is amazing!

-Lauren Michaels, 98.5 KLUC

Name:  Graceland Wedding Chapel

Address:  619 Las Vegas Boulevard South

URL:  www.gracelandweddingchapel.com

Phone number:  (800) 824-5732

Hours of operation:  9am-7pm (7 days a week)

Reason why place is best of:  What’s more Vegas than getting married by an Elvis impersonator? They are a full-service wedding facility offering fresh flowers or silk arrangements, limousine service, on-site photography, DVD video production of your wedding and more. So grab your hunk of burning love and get to Graceland.

-Tate South, CBS LV

The Little White Wedding Chapel

Address: 1301 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89104

URL: www.alittlewhitechapel.com

Phone number: 382-5943

Hours of operation: 24/7

Reason why place is best of: everybody who’s anybody get’s married there

-Chad Forster, CBS LV

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
http://www.mgmgrand.com/hotel/

One of my favorite suites on The Strip is at the MGM Grand. The Terrace Suite isn’t cheap but it’s definitely unique. This beautiful, two story, 1,300 square ft. vaulted ceiling room is bigger than some of the places I’ve lived and it doesn’t stop there. Go out the sliding glass doors and you’ll find an additional 786 square foot outdoor terrace area with a private bar tucked away on a platform overlooking the Las Vegas skyline. Add a plate of chocolate covered strawberries, a few rose petals and couple bottles of wine and you have the perfect romantic setting for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. Room service can take care of the food and when you start feeling a little frisky there’s spa on the balcony with an unbelievable view and enough privacy for wherever the night leads. -Dustin X107.5

MAX BRENNER
The Forum Shops At Caesars
3500 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 462-8790
www.MaxBrenner.com

Get within a 50 foot radius of Max Brenner, and you can already smell the chocolate wafting from it’s home inside The Forum Shops. Although “Chocolate By The Bald Man” has several chocolate shops worldwide, they only have three locations in America. Their chocolate comes straight from Israel, with cows raised on organic farms. Whether you get your chocolate in the form of a delicious hot cocoa in their distinctive “Hug Mug”, or opt for the Snickers-meets-Cocktail “Satisfaction Guaranteed”, you will never have better chocolate in your life. And don’t worry, all of the American locations offer a full menu of delicious choices. If your loved one loves chocolate… you’ve found the place to share a romantic – and tasty – night out. - Shawn Tempesta, Mix 94.1

Airport McCarran Intl
5757 Wayne Newton
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Call me a “nerd”, but I always love to go to the airport viewing park on Sunset. It’s a great place to go day or night whether it’s your first date or you’ve been married for years. Pick up your dates favorite food and down to park and watch the planes. Having the planes right in front of you is a guarantee to prevent a lull in conversation. Listen in on the tower frequency and hear all the traffic movement from where there coming from, to where they’re going. -John James 98.5 KLUC

Lindo Michoacan
645 Carnegie Street
Henderson, NV. 89052
702.837.6828
laloma@lindomichoacan.com

The Lindo Micoacan  Gourmet Mexican Cuisine in Henderson, NV may be the best  kept secre in town. In my opinion it is the BEST place in Las Vegas to dine on Valentines Day. With great Mexican food, a gorgeous view and excellent service from its staff, Lindo Michoacan deserves recognition for”Best place in las Vegas for Valentines Day”. - Bojo Ackah, 98.5 KLUC

Fleming’s Steak House
8721 West Charleston Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89117
http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/nv/summerlin

My favorite place to go for Valentine’s Day is Fleming’s on West Charleston.  We always order a nice bottle of wine (Quintessa is my absolute favorite), Matt orders a bone-in filet and I get their amazing lobster!  Of course, we have to follow it up with their Chocolate Lava Cake.  YUM! - Mercedes, Mix 94.1

Firefly* Tapas Kitchen & Bar
3900 Paradise Rd.
702.369.3971
or
9560 W. Sahara Ave.
702.834.3814

If you’re single this year, but still want to go out with some friends I suggest Fireflys on Paradise. It’s a trendy little restaurant that ensures a good a time. Their 3 day marinated sangria by the pitcher is TO DIE FOR! They offer all kinds of tapas including salads, veggies, meats, and seafoods. I am a big fan of their mac & cheese, chicken and chorizo stuffed mushrooms, baked tetilla, and patatas bravas. Dining at Fireflys allows you to try create your own custom meal while sipping on their mouthwatering sangria. I always leave a very happy customer and you will too! Happy Singles Awareness Day! -Ashley Nickels, 98.5 KLUC

The Bootlegger Bistro
702.736.4939
7700 Las Vegas Boulevard
(South Strip, 5 minutes from Mandalay Bay)
http://www.bootleggerlasvegas.com/

I’d have to say my favorite romantic restaurant in Vegas is Bootlegger Bistro. They serve the best Italian I’ve had in Vegas, and I’ve eaten at a lot of Italian restaurants.  The thing about Bootlegger Bistro is it offers romance in an elegant, yet comfortable way and you won’t feel out of place when dining there. The restaurant has five different themed rooms; The Piano Room, Wine Room, Vegas Room, The Video Poker/Bar area, and their newest room The Copa Room (which is my favorite) or you could sit outside on their beautifully decorated patio. Each room offers a new experience, but the food remains the same, absolutely delicious! They offer live entertainment every night and they are open 24/7 so you can enjoy a romantic Italian dinner no matter how crazy your schedule is. -Happy Valentines Day to you and yours. - Ashley Nickels, 98.5 KLUC

Red Rock Casino & Hotel
11011 W Charleston Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89135
Ph:  702-797-7576
Open 7 days a week.
Sunday – Thursday: 4pm – 9pm, bar open until 10pm
Friday & Saturday: 4pm – 10pm, bar open until 12am

Cabo Mexican Restaurant has the perfect setting, great food, and excellent service.  Definitely a great place to consider for a Valentines day dinner for two, and possible proposal.  The view from Red Rock is amazing!  Views of the northern mountains, all the way down to the strip.  Definitely a great place to view the sunsets and enjoy a nice Mojito, or margarita.  Cabo has all your favorites in Mexican cuisine, and at a very reasonable price. — Chris Sampaio, KXNT Newsradio

Stratosphere
2000 Las Vegas Blvd South
(702) 380-7777

Hi, it’s Davey the Showkiller Las Vegas, NV 89104-2597 from Chet Buchanan and The Morning Zoo and my favorite place to go on Valentine’s Day is The Top of The World Restaurant at the Stratosphere.  The key is going to dinner near sunset so you can enjoy a beautiful sunset of the Vegas Valley.  They have a wonderful menu to pick from with a variety of items.  Located more than 800 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, the award-winning restaurant offers a memorable experience! - Davey Diaz, 98.5 KLUC

Lavo at The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino
3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
http://www.palazzo.com/lavo_nightclub.aspx

BRAVO’s Millionaire Matchmaker

So everyone always wants to know where’s the most romantic place, romantic dinner, romantic night for Valentines…..but what about all the people who are single?  We’ll single ladies and yes guys you can come too, BRAVO’s Millionaire Matchmaker is going to be accepting applications from 11pm-Midnight this Sunday night at LAVO at the Palazzo!  Rachel Federoff & Destin Pfaff will be accepting applications for the Millionaires Club and someone will win a free Matchmaking Consultation!  Hey who knows you may find the love of your life Sunday night just in time for Valentine’s Day Monday! - Pomai, Mix 94.1

The M Resort Spa Casino
12300 LAS VEGAS BLVD S
HENDERSON, NEVADA 89044
http://www.themresort.com/entertainment/entertainment.html

Let’s face it being single in Las Vegas is tough (I had to go Washington D.C. to find my wife and bring her back). BUT Las Vegas is full of amazing single people, we just need to get these amazing single people under the same roof at the same time. And that my friends is going to happen Saturday February 12th at The Hostile Grape inside The M Resort.

Yes, we are bringing back “As Single As I Wanna Be.” Your chance to Network, Flirt, Dance and Drink. We did this party last year and it was hands down our biggest and best turn out. I will be hosting the party from 7-10 pm. I can’t wait to see everyone! -JC Fernandez, Mix 94.1

Believe it or not, Las Vegas has some exceptional hiking, just a few miles away, 35 to be exact, but once you arrive it’ll seem like a world away. Mount Charleston is the highest mountain in the series of Spring Mountain, and you can hike year round, except for during extreme winter conditions. Whether it’s a comfortable nature hike, or scaling a summit, Mt. Charleston has enjoyable hiking for all skill levels. Overnight campsites and the Mt. Charleston Lodge are also available for longer stays. -JB, 98.5 KLUC

There are a ton of great places in Las Vegas for Valentine’s Day!!  Strip/touristy stuff like the Eiffel Tower with the Bellagio fountains…and of course we have hundreds of the best restaurants in the world!!  Or head out to Red Rock and watch the sun set behind you with the lights of the valley below (gotta go EARLY for that one and take a blanket!)  I had a great time at Beso recently, so Amy and I are going back for Valentine’s.  It’s a school night, so back home for a quiet evening after that.  Make your own traditions, don’t put a bunch of pressure on each other…and have fun! -Chet Buchanan, 98.5 KLUC

Nothing in Las Vegas says romance more than Red Rock Canyon.  On Valentine’s Day take the short trip out state route 159 with your sweetheart.  Drive the past the main gate and look for the signs for the Red Rock Overlook.  Take in the expansive, scenic views with the one you love…or want to love…or just the one you wanna get with.  Valentines night, take a bottle of wine, a couple of candles and enjoy Southern Nevada’s best vista for stargazing.  And once that bottle of wine kicks in…it’s a short, sweet walk to paradise…your car’s backseat. -Spence, 98.5 KLUC

I’ve never had a boyfriend on Valentine’s Day in Vegas but these places are nice: Bellagio Fountain, Paris Hotel, Any Restaurant on the Strip, Capo’s,  Lake Las Vegas,  Grape Expectations, Mt Charleston, and Red Rock. -Drea, Mix 94.1