Celebrating Valentine's Day with a special dinner or outing is a tradition among Canadians. Families with children also like to take some time to reinforce love and affection on this special day, February 14. The following are recommendations for fun and loving activities for Valentine's Day in and around the City of Oshawa, Ontario.
Brother’s Ristorante
Located just outside Oshawa at 110 Lupin Drive, Whitby, Ontario (905-668-3600), Brother’s Ristorante is a hidden gem. The restaurant is situated in a strip mall, but this shouldn't prevent guests from enjoying a wonderful Mediterranean meal. A reservation is an absolute requirement in order to get a table, especially for Valentine’s Day. Business casual dress is appropriate. Dinner entrées range in price from $10.25 to $19.95. A full wine menu is available. Their homemade pizza is especially excellent.
Fazio’s Restaurant and Wine Experience
Fazio’s Restaurant and Wine Experience is located downtown at 33 Simcoe Street North in Oshawa (905-571-3042). A full selection of pasta, beef and seafood dishes is available, ranging in price from $18 to $45. An extensive wine list is offered for pairing with the meal, and live entertainment is usually provided for special occasions.
Shrimp Cocktail Seafood and Pasta
Located at 843 King Street West (Thornton and King, 905-725-7500), Shrimp Cocktail Seafood and Pasta comes highly recommended. Reservations can be made online through their extensive website, where photographs of menu items are available for previewing. Dinner entrées range in price from $18.95 to $34.95. A happy hour menu is available Monday through Saturday in the bar from 4:00 to 10:00 pm.
Loblaws Marketplace
Bring the kids to celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early at Loblaws Marketplace in Oshawa (481 Gibb Street, 905-743-0043) on Sunday, February 10, 2008 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Blend up some sweetheart smoothies, share an extra sweet snack bar with Cupid and bring some hand made hugs and kisses home for the family to share.
Parkwood Estate
Make a reservation for afternoon tea with a loved one in the Greenhouse Tearoom at the historic McLaughlin Parkwood Estate, located at 270 Simcoe Street North (at Adelaide Avenue, 905-433-4311). Sit among orchids, tropical plants and flowers while indulging in fresh baked goods paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee in the bright and sunny greenhouse.
Oshawa Parks and Recreations
Grab a hot chocolate, take the hand of a friend and go ice skating at any of these local arenas:
- Legends Centre, 1661 Harmony Road North
- Donovan Recreational Complex, 171 Harmony Road South
- Children’s Arena, 155 Arena Street
- Harman Park Arena, 829 Douglas Street
Arenas are open for public skating on Friday evenings, one day after Valentine’s Day, perfect if families are planning to celebrate Friday night. Find an icepad nearby by visiting Oshawa Parks and Recreation’s Leisure Skating Winter Schedule. Admission is $3.47 for Adults, $2.23 for Children.
Amy Urquhart - Amy Urquhart is an editor, freelance writer, wife, mother and gardener living in Bowmanville, Ontario. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts ...
