(Pictured above clockwise: Rail Explorers, Venetian Hotel gondola ride, Marrakech restaurant and the Linq’s High Roller)
Romance is always in the air in Las Vegas—possibly due to an abundance of wedding chapels or iconic experiences like Venetian gondola rides, dining in a replica of the Eiffel Tower watching the Bellagio fountains, dining at Marrakech and being entertained by belly dancers or dining in one of the most romantic restaurants in Las Vegas—Hugo’s Cellar. Off the Las Vegas Strip, there’s a Lake Las Vegas dinner cruise or making s’mores at the firepit on the Westin’s back patio overlooking the lake (just $5 and you don’t have to be a hotel guest), a picnic at Red Rocks Natural Conservation Area or Mt. Charleston, a Love in the Lights stroll through Ethel M’s cactus garden decorated for Valentine’s Day and several choices at the new Area 15—including “ElectroRoll,” a pop-up retro roller skating rink or “Wink World: Portals Into The Infinite,” a psychedelic walk-through show by Blue Man Group co-founder Chris Wink described as “Psychedelic Art House Meets Carnival Fun House.” And we haven’t even mentioned zip lines, helicopter rides (down the Strip, to the Grand Canyon or over the hump to the Pahrump Winery), hot air balloon rides or the “Love Is in the Air” package at the Linq’s High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, which offers couples 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip along with two flutes of sparkling wine, a souvenir photo and a complimentary appetizer at Favorite Bistro, the romantic French eatery on The LINQ Promenade. Let’s start by checking out the rails.
Rail Explorers Offers Sunset Sweetheart Tour
Rail Explorers Las Vegas, the outdoor-adventure attraction featuring pedal-powered rail bikes located in historic Boulder City, offers epic couples’ photo opportunities and special amenities on its Valentine’s Day tours Feb. 12-14. Couples may revel in the magic hour of dusk during 4:30 p.m. “Sunset Sweetheart Tour” or marvel at the starlit sky during the 6:30 p.m. “After-Dark Valentine’s Fireside Tour.” Each couple will receive a red rose and chocolate lollipops on that day only, before riding the rails to Rail Explorers’ fireside picnic area, newly appointed with red “love seat” benches for two, perfect for cuddling. Guests may also bring their own bottle of bubbly. Nevada State Railroad Museum’s historic train will then take guests back to the train station. Rail Explorers offers exhilarating, guided excursions in two- or four-seat rail bikes along the same tracks used during construction of the dam. All rides start at the Nevada State Railroad Museum and continue downhill to Railroad Pass. Each tour also includes a 
nostalgic ride back to the top of the hill in one of the museum’s historic trains, along with free muse
um entry. Knowledgeable guides lead every Rail Explorers tour, ensuring guests enjoy not only the majestic desert scenery, but also learn fascinating insights along the way. A tandem rail bike for two guests is $90, a quad rail bike for four guests is $160 for either special Valentine tour. Book at www.railexplorers.net, or by phone at (877) 833-8588.
Ethel M’s Chocolates Factory Hosts its 7th Annual Lights of Love
Ethel M’s Chocolates Factory, 2 Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson, offers a premium chocolate and wine tasting experience (by reservation), a stroll through their three-acre cactus garden with half a million twinkling, romantic lights, extended shopping hours for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift (the retail store will be open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. nightly) and “the world’s best hot chocolate.” Reservation with a non-refundable $5 donation to Three Square Food Bank required for entry. For every $5 reservation you make, Ethel M Chocolates will donate 100 percent to the Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas. The donation must be paid online, payment will not be accepted in store. Lights nightly from 5-10 p.m., Jan. 30-Feb. 14; book at www.ethelm.com/lights-of-love.
Back on the Las Vegas Strip, The Linq Has Several Valentine Specials
“Love Is in the Air” Package: High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, offers couples a romantic option to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip. Available Feb. 12-14 and priced at $70, the “Love Is in the Air” package for two includes:
- Two anytime tickets aboard High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel with unforgettable 360-degree views of the Strip and beyond
- Two flutes of sparkling wine
- Souvenir photo from Cashman Photo
- Complimentary appetizer at Favorite Bistro, the romantic French eatery on The LINQ Promenade with both open-air and indoor seating (up to $19 value) (Reservations for dining can be made by calling 702-844-4700)
For more information, or to reserve this package, visit www.HighRollerLV.com.
FLY LINQ Zipline: Enjoy an exhilarating side-by-side zipline flight over The LINQ Promenade with FLY LINQ. Couples will travel 1,121 feet over The LINQ Promenade on FLY LINQ Zipline. The first and only zipline on the Las Vegas Strip also offers a $10 discount for locals with a valid Nevada ID. Beginning Feb. 4, FLY LINQ will be open Thursday-Sunday from 2-10 p.m.
Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar: Chayo will feature a special Valentine’s Day menu for those looking to celebrate in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Guests can savor mouthwatering appetizers such as crab cakes and a kale salad made with chipotle crema, avocado, cucumber, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, honey lime vinaigrette and crispy tortilla chips for $14.95. For the main course, Chayo offers a surf and turf special with a seared 14-ounce New York steak and baked Atlantic lobster with potato chorizo hash, asparagus and chimichurri butter for $39.95. For dessert, guests can enjoy a dulce de leche cheesecake and chocolate strawberry cops made with cajeta, fresh berries and crumbled granola for $9.
Honolulu Cookie Company: Whether near or far, Honolulu Cookie Company invites guests to share love and Aloha this Valentine’s Day with premium shortbread cookies made in Hawai’i. Visitors can discover treats for friends, family and loved ones with gifts that speak from the heart. Featuring four different flavors, the Valentine’s Heart Tin comes filled with seven premium shortbread cookies. Honolulu Cookie Company’s Valentine’s Box offers 16 premium shortbread cookies in six different flavors. Available exclusively at honolulucookiecompany.com, the Valentine’s Gift Set features the full Valentine’s collection with both an adorned tin and the festive Valentine’s box. These cookie collections are available through Valentine’s Day while supplies last. Honolulu Cookie Company is open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
I LOVE SUGAR: The largest candy experience in the world features a superbly sweet couples’ activity with its I LOVE SUGAR Candy Martini Bar Experience, featuring candy-infused martinis. I LOVE SUGAR is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Off The Strip Bistro & Bar: This classic bistro featuring chophouse favorites will serve a special menu this Valentine’s Day, including a 16-ounce bone-in pork chop for $46, surf and turf for $58 and Chilean sea bass for $42. The restaurant will also offer a variety of holiday cocktails to pair with dinner. Off The Strip is open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Virgil’s Real Barbecue: Perfect for barbecue-loving couples, Virgil’s Real Barbecue will serve two, hearty to-go Valentine’s Day feasts: Virgil’s Love Them Package and Virgil’s Really Love Them Package. The first and smaller of the packages is priced at $75, including a quart each of mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, trash ribs, whole barbecue chicken, homemade cornbread and key lime pie slice. The larger package, priced at $150, comes complete with trainwreck fries; barbecue chicken wings; a “Pig Out” sampler with barbecue chicken, brisket, pulled pork and ribs; a quart of mac and cheese and pint of banana pudding. A half-liter of Rum Runner ($12) or bottle of prosecco ($25) may be added to either package. To order either Valentine’s Day to-go package, guests can call (702) 802-6586 or email cateringlv@virgilsbbq.com. A dine-in special available on Valentine’s Day features an elegant surf-and-turf, comprising a 32-ounce porterhouse and two shrimp skewers, plus mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and homemade cornbread for $99. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To book, guests can call (702) 389-7400.
