In February, we celebrate love, and particularly those we love. Our list of hot spots to spend Valentine’s Day features places to reconnect, to unwind, and most importantly, enjoy each other. As love knows no bounds, the ways we celebrate vary. This list starts with the places you voted most romantic spots in this year’s Reader’s Poll, then offers more suggestions for making your significant other feel adored while having a bit of fun together.

Big Sky Resort
Find the romance on the slopes, or curled up in front of the fire at one of the lodges at Big Sky. The weekend before Valentine’s Day 2017, the resort plays host to both the Big Sky Big Grass festival featuring bluegrass stalwarts Sam Bush and Del McCoury with their bands, and a slopestyle and rail jam competition. But the resort hosts live music most winter evenings and makes for a nice overnight getaway from our little big city.

Norris Hot Springs
Norris Hot Springs is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the winter, so if you have a relaxing soak planned with your love, you may have to celebrate a little early this year. The natural-fed hot spring has history (the pool was built by miners in the 1800s), atmosphere, visiting wildlife, local seasonal fare and beverages. To sprinkle in the romance, cuddle up in the pool under the stars.

The Haufbrau
Well, your idea of romantic spots is only slightly baffling, as people have certainly found love at this local dive. With a couple dark booths, live music seven nights a week (Aaron Banfield is scheduled for Feb. 14), and the whole alcohol thing going for it, the Hauf found its way onto your list. But if you’re making it your Valentine’s Day destination, maybe drop the “Hauffice” nickname and spring for something more than the free peanuts.

Peets Hill
This one brings with it a world of possibilities. Grab your love’s hand and take a stroll on our local network of trails, Main Street to the Mountains, running along the base and top of this special hill. Find a sled or something sled-like and make it a snow day, or better yet, a snow night and channel the romance with moonlight sledding (the full moon is Feb. 10). Or, find a bench at the top and take in an aerial view of Bozeman as the sun sets. Hot chocolate and hand warmers recommended.

Big Yellow Barn
Built in 1917, the Big Yellow Barn north of Bozeman once housed draft horses, but is now an event venue specializing in rustic weddings. In the winter, the owners bring back horses, hitched to a sleigh built for 14 and perfect for a winter evening with the one you love. This year’s Valentine’s Sleigh Ride Under the Stars is set for Saturday, Feb. 11, and features a plated dinner before you head out into the cold for an idyllic end to the evening.

Bohart Ranch
If you’re craving a little something different this Valentine’s Day, take your loved one to Bohart Ranch. There’s plenty of time to lose yourselves in each other as you cross-country ski on the trails or snowshoe through the woods. One might find magical fairy doors in the trees or stars in your lover’s eyes on this winter adventure date. And don’t worry if you’re new to this whole thing: Rentals and lessons are available.

The Theater
Maybe the one you love is an artist at heart, or enjoys a good story or a good laugh. Consider an evening at the theater as a Valentine’s Day treat. This year, the weekend before love’s favorite holiday is the opening weekend of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks and Intermountain Opera Bozeman’s production of the Stephen Sondheim musical “A Little Night Music,” a celebration and exploration of love and desire. Or, if full-on laughter is more your style, it’s also the closing weekend of Verge Theater’s sixth annual comedy revue.  

Rockin TJ Ranch
Another wedding venue and event center, this time south of town, Rockin TJ Ranch has been serving up romance with an annual dinner show for over a decade that is a favorite with local couples seeking a unique night on the town to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This year, see the return of Cirque du Coeur, or circus of the heart, featuring aerialists, jugglers, fire spinners and big-top acts of all sorts as you enjoy live music and a five-course meal.

Ice Rinks
Ok, they’re not Rockefeller Center, but Bogert, Beall and Southside parks all have outdoor ice skating rinks in the winter. You can create your own magic on the ice, sharing a spin with your sweet. Who better to catch you if you fall? Or at least help you up. Chalet Sports offers rentals if you don’t have skates. In inclement weather, the Gallatin Ice Foundation opened the Ressler Motors Ice Rink, in January, with skating year-round.

Anywhere with the one you love
Bottom line for Valentine’s Day is to celebrate the love you share in whichever way is best for you. It’s like the secret ingredient soup in “Kung Fu Panda;” special because you believe it is. So go on a sleigh ride (with dinner at the Big Yellow Barn or daily at Sunrise Pack Station), for a walk, to the mountain, for a soak, to a movie, for dinner... Or don’t go anywhere. Read love poems in your pajamas. Serve up a fancy meal, have a snowball fight in the back yard, or build a blanket fort like little kids. As long as you are enjoying being together, you’ve found your perfect hot spot. Happy Valentine’s Day!