What Are Heights Couples Up to This Valentine's Day?

The most romantic greeting card holiday of the year is here, and it can be tough to get out for a romantic night on a Tuesday.

That's why I rounded up a few good ideas, and you don't even have to leave the Chicago Heights area.

Good Food

It sometimes seems like we have to travel all the way up to Chicago or over to Orland Park to find a restaurant that creates the proper environment for proclamations of love and like.

Not true.

There are a few places right here in the Heights area that are ideal for a romantic evening for two, and Chicago Heights Patch has them right here.

, 560 W. 14th Place. Dim lighting, filet mignon, a relish tray and a bread basket. It doesn't get much more romantic than a good Italian restaurant and Carlo's hits all the marks. The Heights staple will likely be packed come Feb. 14 so plan ahead.

, 470 W. Lincoln Highway. Pepe's is fun, festive and full of good choices on the menu. You can order margaritas while commenting on the colorful wall mural surrounding you. There's also a , if that's closer to home.

, 2 E. Main Street. Tired of the same dinner plans around this time of year? Try a different type of cuisine on V-Day. Los Portales provides a unique dining experience with authentic Mexican food and wonderful background music for a fun and relaxed mood.

, 3462 Vollmer Rd, Olympia Fields. Romance is supposed to be fun, right? Well, GEO Soul keeps it that way. With the aroma of delicious soul food and live music floating through the air, you and your sweetheart will be quickly captivated by an amorous and entertaining dining experience.

Easy Entertainment

But maybe you don't want to just go to dinner and return home. Perhaps before or after that meal you'll want to be entertained. Well, you have a few options there as well.

- The classic date night, dinner and a movie. Marcus Theater is right here in the Heights, so you would not have to travel far. There are a few sappy movies in theaters as well, including The Vow and Big Miracle.

- A collection of African sculpture from several prominent east coast collectors is now open free to the public at Tall Grass Arts Association in Park Forest, IL and will continue through March 18, 2012. Talk about art and culture with that special someone.

Sweet Gifts

And what about a small gift for your significant other? Well last year Patch contributor Mary Compton .

I'm particularly partial of the un-Valentine cookies at .

We know these aren't the only things to do in the Heights. Tell us about a few more in the comments!