Your Guide to a Romantic Valentine's Day in Indianapolis, IN

It may not be Paris, but Indianapolis, Indiana is a very romantic place to be on Valentine's Day. Here is your guide to romance at Indianapolis restaurants and special events.

Dinner

The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant, and also where I spent my last anniversary. Though they are often located in strip malls - one on 86^th Street and one in Greenwood - the atmosphere once inside is elegant. Tall, curved booths and well-placed walls give you a sense of privacy even when the restaurant is packed. A 5-course meal at the Melting Pot runs $150 per couple. Check out their website for additional treats like roses and framed photos of your evening. Call 317-841-3601 for reservations at the Melting Pot on 5650 East 86^th Street.

The Pearl Bistro, located at 1475 West 86^th Street, offers a four course Valentine's Day meal of prime rib, sea scallops, or Cornish game hens and tiramisu or chocolate lava cake for dessert for $45 per person. Make reservations by calling 317-876-7990.

120 West Market Fresh Grill also offers a special Valentine's Day menu on February 13 and 14. For $35 a person, enjoy a four-course fixed menu including pan fried mushroom ravioli, roasted duck breast, chocolate mousse with bourbon vanilla sauce, and a glass of champagne. There will also be a rose for the ladies. Call 317-882-5914 for reservations.

Dinner & Entertainment

Urban Element hosts a live jazz band this Valentine's Day in Indianapolis. For $75 a couple, you get an appetizer, two entrees and two sides, one dessert and a bottle of champagne or wine. Call 317-423-2938 for reservations.

Valentine's Day (or day before) dinner at the Cobblestone Grill is three courses that include filet mignon and jumbo prawns. Pay $59.95 for dinner for two on February 13 or 14. Also, Bloomington's singer/ songwriter Mark LaPointe will entertain. The Cobblestone Grill is located at 160 South Main Street in Zionsville. Call 317-873-4745 for reservations.

For a literally historic Valentine's Evening in Indianapolis, celebrate with a Victorian dinner and dessert at the Morris-Butler House on February 13 at 6:30pm. The beauty of the 1865 home will be matched with harp music, reading of Victorian poetry and an elegant 19^th century menu. The $130 per couple tickets include membership to the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indianapolis and a rose for the ladies. Call 317-636-5409 or email mbhouse@historiclandmarks.org for reservations.

Special Events

Don't forget about downtown Indianapolis' one-of-a-kind carriage rides! Make your reservations with Yellow Rose Carriages at 317-634-3400.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with the renowned Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Vocalist and pianist Tony DeSare performs with the orchestra at the Hilbert Theater, located on the Circle in downtown Indianapolis. You can hear this "Valentine's Romance" concert on Friday, February 12 at 11am or 8pm, Saturday February 13 at 8pm, or Sunday, February 14 at 7pm. Tickets range from $20 - $58. Call 317-262-1100 for more information.

On Valentine's Day, the Indianapolis Museum of Art will host a Valentine's Day LOVE Brunch from 11am-3pm. The decadent brunch will take place in the Deer Zink Events Pavilion and will cost $35 for adults and $16 for children ages 4-10. After you eat, enjoy a self-guided tour of the romantic art on display at the IMA. Call 317-923-1331 for reservations.

As always, the Indianapolis Metromix website is an invaluable tool in finding out what's happening in Indy. Also check out the Indy Downtown web page for more details on downtown Indianapolis events.