It’s February, so that means that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Just in case you’ve forgotten, it’s on a Tuesday this year. Marana has many unique and interesting experiences to plan a romantic date night with your special someone, and gift ideas to spoil them with!
What’s Valentine’s Day Without a Nice Dinner?
Take your date out for a romantic evening at one of Marana’s restaurants, whether you’re wanting exquisite fine dining, or a more casual environment. If you’re looking for fine dining, there’s no place like The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, and it’s Forbes Four-Star Certified signature restaurant, CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar. Enjoy a variety of innovative, gourmet dishes, with inspiration from the Sonoran Desert, and over 1,000 bottles of wine. Cayton’s Restaurant, also located at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, has a more casual atmosphere, but still features excellent Southern-inspired comfort food. Please note that both CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar, and Cayton’s Restaurant, require reservations, which can be made here.
Marana is also home to a variety of other restaurants, that can suit every desired experience and palate. Have a steak grilled over a mesquite fire, at Li'l Abner’s Steakhouse, which is as staple of Marana that dates back to the days when many western movies were filmed in Southern Arizona, and was a favorite of the likes of John Wayne. If Mexican food is what you’re after, La Olla Café, Guadalajara Grill, and Nana’s Kitchen are excellent choices for sit-down dining, or if you’re wanting Italian, check out Vero Amore or Dominick’s Real Italian. For after-dinner drinks, stop by Casa Marana, featuring rotating beer and wine taps, an extensive list of spirits, and unique cocktails made with fresh ingredients.
Gaze At The Sparkling Desert Sky
Southern Arizona is known as one of the best locations for stargazing in the country. Marana’s location on the edge of the wild desert, as well as light pollution mitigation measures taken across the Tucson area combine to provide an environment ideal for stargazing, at least, the best you’re going to get while still near a city. The Tortolita, Tucson, and Catalina Mountain Ranges also do a great job of blocking out a majority of the light from the built-up area, and allow you to see the night sky. Locations such as Ironwood Forest National Monument, Saguaro National Park, and most everywhere west of the Tucson Mountains, or east of the Catalina Mountains provide for secluded stargazing experiences.
Unique Gemstones, Minerals, and Jewelry Make Excellent Gifts!
Valentine’s Day coincides with Gem Show season, and the over 50 gem, mineral, and jewelry shows provide an excellent opportunity to shop for a one-of-a-kind, stunning piece that your special someone will be sure to cherish for a lifetime! The shows feature vendors, and geologic artifacts, from all over the world! Whether it’s a birthstone or a stone that ties back to family history, you’re likely to be able to find it at one of the shows. Be sure to check the schedule for each individual show, as several of them end prior to Valentine’s Day.
Many More Unique Gifts!
Looking for some inspiration on what to get your special someone? Check out these ideas for great gifts that you can only find in Marana, from motorcycles, to flying lessons, to guitars, vintage cars, and more! Marana is home to the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center, with dozens of high-quality designer brands at affordable prices; and The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, a world-class spa where you can spoil your valentine with a day of relaxation and pampering.
Ready To Tie the Knot?
While we’re on the topic of love and romantic occasions, if you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level and tie the knot, Marana can take care of that as well! Delight in romantic indoor and outdoor venues – each boasting versatility for your ceremony, reception and special event. With breathtaking mountaintop views in all directions, Marana venues cater to groups from 15 to 500. Event and wedding specialists will help create a masterpiece of a celebration that captures your every dream.
Planning a destination wedding? Arrangements available from transportation and accommodations to a complete weekend itinerary, with shopping excursions and more for your visiting friends and family. Make it memorable in Marana!
