Valentines Day is just around the corner and Louisville area businesses, restaurants and attractions have already started gearing up for the big annual "Love Day".
That's what Kate Eckert, Marketing Director for Louisville Downtown Management District, and I will be discussing tonight on the Gary Rawlings Show (6p - 6:30p tonight on TalkRadio1080, immediately following Sean Hannity).
I'll be podcasting the show as I always do, but I thought I'd get started with some of the events that are already on my desk -

The beautiful Belle always has some great things going on and their Valentines Day plans are the top of the heap! Valentine cruises this year are going to be Feb. 14, 15 and 16 and they are going to be on the Belle's sister ship, the Spirit of Jefferson. For particulars, here's their flyer as a PDF. bellevalentinefflyer.pdf-

Thursday 2/14/2008
Red Hot Lover's Valentine Special with Joey DeFrancesco
Join us for a Red-Hot Lovers Valentine's party, featuring Hammond B3 Organ Master, Joey DeFrancesco. Spend Valentine's Night with the hottest jazz band this side of the Continental Divide. Joey DeFrancesco brings his mighty organ trio to The Jazz Factory for a not-so-demure recitation of matters of the heart. Executive Chef Jay Denham (Park Place – Browning’s Brewery) is preparing some Valentine's Day specials and a special dessert for two. Make plans early to wine, dine and listen to the divine Joey DeFrancesco. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner. Joey plays two sets at 7:30 and 9 p.m. Pay the cover charge and stay for both sets if you wish. A limited number of premium, stage-side tables are available for $35.

Forever February at the Galt House
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by surprising someone special with a Forever February package. Galt House Hotel & Suites will make your February surprise a memorable one!
Forever February Package includes:
* Overnight accommodations $214 + tax – Deluxe Room (Upgrade to an Executive Suite for $244 + tax)
* 2 Cocktails
* Breakfast buffet for 2 in Café Magnolia (includes tax and gratuity)
* Wrap yourself in memories year round with one blush bathrobe, our gift to you
* Complimentary parking
* Late check out – 1 pm
Enjoy a lovely evening at the Courtyard Marriott Louisville Airport and let us lavish you with romantic treats for two.
Show that special someone how much they mean to you with a romantic evening at the Courtyard.
Package includes:
• Deluxe accommodations for two with decorative bedding
• Breakfast for two in the Courtyard Cafe
• Bottle of champagne and glasses
• Gift basket of romantic items
• Chocolates and rosebud
Romance package available Friday and Saturday evenings for only $135 per night.
At the Brown Hotel –
Thursday, February 14, 2007: Valentine’s Day at the English Grill
Begin the most romantic evening of the year at The English Grill with a five-course prix fixe prepared by The Brown Hotel’s executive chef Laurent Géroli. Begin with Salmon and Rabbit Rillettes, Duck Confit Risotto, and Cauliflower Soup with Fresh Black Truffle and Foie Gras. Entrée choices include Pan-seared Blue Fin Tuna, American Buffalo Strip Steak and Roasted Quails with wild rice. Indulge in a sweet finish like the Black Forest Panna Cotta and Bing Cherries drizzled with a sweet caramel-chocolate bourbon sauce. Toast the evening with a glass of G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne. The cost is $85 per person.
Valentine's Day at Proof on Main
Thursday February 14, 2008
5:30-10:00pm
There may be a chill in the air, but Proof on Main is heating things up for Valentine’s Day. On Thursday, February 14th, treat your lover to an evening of culinary bliss. Chef Michael Paley has created a special four course menu of your Tuscan-inspired favorites that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Make your dinner reservations today by calling 502.217.6360.
Continue the romance by booking a room at 21c Museum Hotel. Call 502.217.6300 for hotel reservations.
Click here to visit Kate's Blog -