Plenty To Do Over Valentine’s Day Weekend

Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, but given it’s a holiday weekend, the options for outings and excursions are endless. Sacramento-area residents have a little bit of everything right in their own backyard – big city excitement, rural oases, small town charm, and vast mountain playgrounds. Below are a few ideas on how to celebrate with friends or lovers over the long weekend.

The Mondavi Center at UC Davis features a number of performances and shows throughout the weekend.  The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra starts things off Friday, February 12. Led by Nicholas McGegan (touted as one of the finest baroque conductors of his generation) the evening showcases an all-Handel performance.

Also taking the stage (Feb. 13 & 14) is Lara Downes. Her show “Love, Madly” is comprised of intoxicating music from a number of genres. The UC Davis Symphony Orchestra presents Springtime Dances February 13, and Ms. Lisa Fisher & Grand Baton perform February 14.

The Folsom Lake Symphony celebrates with a performance titled Romance & Destiny, February 13, at the Harris Center in Folsom.

Movie lovers with a penchant for ‘80s classics can catch 16 Candles at the Crest Theatre on the 14th. Earlier in the week, Rocklin’s Studio Movie Grill will show The Princess Bride, (February 8) and Ghost (February 10).

For live theatre, the Sacramento Theatre Company is presenting Driving Miss Daisy. The play ends its six-week run February 14.

For a combination of live performers and big screen schtick, the Sacramento Horror Film Festival will screen (and bring to life) the Rocky Horror Picture Show February 13 at the Historic Colonial Theatre in Sac.

There are also plenty of live laughs to be found in Sacramento. Tom Rhodes will take the stage at Punch Line Sacramento February 11-14. Laughs Unlimited welcomes comedian Key Lewis the 12th -14th.

Snow lovers can head to Truckee, where Tahoe Donner guides will lead a special Valentine’s Day Sunset Snowshoe Tour on the 14^th. Trekkers will meet at the Trout Creek Recreation Center for a 4:30 departure.

Alpine Meadows will host a Moonlit Snowshoe Tour and Dinner at the mid-mountain Chalet February 13 & 14.