Date, dining and gift ideas for Valentine's Day in the Capital Region

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we want you to feel the love this year.

Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone, a group of friends or if you just want to treat yourself, our Best of the Capital Region winners can help ensure you’re commemorating the occasion in style.

By the way, the voting period for Best of 2022 begins on Feb. 21, so make sure you save some love for your favorites! Stay in the know about this year’s contest by signing up for our Best of the Capital Region newsletter.

Getting ready

Look and feel your very best this Valentine’s Day with a new outfit from one of the Capital Region’s best malls. Whether you’re in need of a quick trim or you’re ready to go bold with a new hairstyle, the best local barbers, stylists and salons have got you covered.

Best barbershop

William Yager, center, owner of Patsy's Barber Shop, with customer Dan Atkins of Albany, at his shop Tuesday March 6, 2018 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale/Times Union) — William Yager, owner of Patsy’s Barber Shop, with a customer at his shop in Albany, NY.

John Carl D’Annibale

Winner: Patsy’s Barber Shop

Second place: Duke’s Barber Shop

Runner up: Gregory’s Barbershop

Runner up: Bernie’s Barber Shop

Runner up: All in Cuts

Best hair salon

Kimberly "Kimora" Fray, a cosmatelogist and wig specialist, styles a wig for Kathy Marin of Valatie on Tuesday, Nov 8, 2016, at Rumors Salon and Spa in Latham, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) — Kimberly “Kimora” Fray, a cosmetologist and wig specialist, styles a wig at Rumors Salon & Spa in Latham, N.Y.

Cindy Schultz

Winner: The W Salon

Second place: Rumors Salon & Spa

Runner up: The Bowery Salon and Beauty Bar

Runner up: Jenna’s Salon

Runner up: Pixie Salon

Best individual hair stylist/barber

Winner: William “Tragedy” Yager of Patsy’s Barber Shop

Second place: Rita Foley of The Bowery

Runner up: Kate Smith of Pixie Hair Salon

Runner up: Marcus Moore of Jean Paul Spa and Studios

Runner up: Noreen Sharkey of The Image Studio Salon

Runner up: Jacqueline Paratore of ChrispyCuts

Best local mall

Kate, who is a participant in the Colonie Community Connection work program, folds cloths at Boscov's where she is interning through the program on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, at Colonie Center in Colonie, N.Y. The work program provides students with opportunities for career exploration through partnerships with Boscov's, L.L. Bean, Christmas Tree Shops, Sports Zone and PCX Apparel. — Kate, a participant in the Colonie Community Connection work program, folds clothes at Boscov’s where she is interning through the program on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, at Colonie Center in Colonie, N.Y.

Will Waldron/Times Union

Winner: Colonie Center

Second place: Stuyvesant Plaza

Runner up: Crossgates Mall

Runner up: Clifton Park Center

Runner up: Wilton Mall

Gift ideas

Treat your sweetie to some sweets from the region’s best bakeries, sparkles from the best jewelers or some self-care from the best spas. A bouquet of flowers is always lovely, but if your partner has a green thumb, why not take advantage of the selection at the region’s garden centers to give a gift that keeps giving?

Best bakery

Plate of Italian cookies from Bella Napoli, a bakery known for its varied and colorful holiday cookie platters.

Will Waldron/Times Union

Winner: Bella Napoli

Second place: Villa Italia

Runner up: Bake For You

Runner up: The Cookie Factory

Runner up: Upstate Cookie Shack

Learn more

Best garden center/florist

Our spring Snapchat tour started with Hewitt's Garden Center in Guilderland. (Peter Bowden/Hewitt's Garden Center/Special to the Times Union) — Hewitt’s Garden Center in Guilderland. (Peter Bowden/Hewitt’s Garden Center)

Winner: Hewitt’s Garden Centers

Second place: Faddegon’s Nursery

Runner up: Gade Farms

Runner up: George’s Market & Nursery

Runner up: Becker’s Farm

Best jewelry store

This ring from Hannoush Jewelers in Albany, Clifton Park and Pittsfield, Mass. costs more than $100K. When Albert Hannoush, who designed the ring, posted it to Facebook, he received more 500 reactions. — This ring from Hannoush Jewelers in Albany, Clifton Park and Pittsfield, Mass., costs more than $100K. When Albert Hannoush, who designed the ring, posted it to Facebook, he received more 500 reactions.

Courtesy of Albert Hannoush

Winner: Hannoush Jewelers

Second place: Northeastern Fine Jewelry

Runner up: Glennpeter Jewelers

Runner up: Frank Adams

Runner up: Harold Finkle Your Jeweler

Best spa

The relaxing room at Spa Mirbeau in Crossgates Mall on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, in Guilderland N.Y. The 17,000-square-foot facility is the latest edition to the Mirbeau Companies day resorts. It includes an aqua terrace with bar, fitness and yoga studios, French bistro and retail boutique. — The relaxing room at Spa Mirbeau in Crossgates Mall on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, in Guilderland N.Y. The 17,000-square-foot facility includes an aqua terrace with bar, fitness and yoga studios, French bistro and retail boutique.

Will Waldron/Times Union

Winner: Spa Mirbeau

Second place: Kimberley’s A Day Spa

Runner up: Complexions

Runner up: Artistry of Face

Runner up: Rumors Salon & Spa

Dining out

Enjoy a romantic night out at one of the Capital Region’s best restaurants. Plus there are even more restaurants offering special dine-in meals for Valentine’s Day. If you’d rather enjoy a cozy-night in, there are plenty of takeout options as well.

Best restaurants and bars

Steaks from 677 Prime in Albany.

Provided, photos from 677 Prime

Take a look through the top-rated restaurants from the Best of 2021 contest’s Dining Out section, which includes best Italian restaurant, best steakhouse and best restaurant to open in the past year.

Learn more

Dine-in and takeout meals for Valentine’s Day

Hoping for a several-day stretch Valentine's-related dining, many area restaurants are offering special features and holiday menus for all or part of the Feb. 10 to 14 weekend. And they will not be forced by the state to close at 10 p.m., as was the case last year during the pandemic. — Hoping for a several-day stretch Valentine’s-related dining, many area restaurants are offering special features and holiday menus for all or part of the Feb. 10 to 14 weekend. And they will not be forced by the state to close at 10 p.m., as was the case last year during the pandemic.

elenaleonova/Getty Images

Take a look through the places to dine out on Valentine’s weekend — Friday through Monday, Feb. 11 to 14 — as well as restaurants, caterers, retail markets, etc., offering Valentine’s meals to go.

Learn more

Date ideas

Experience the arts and culture the Capital Region has to offer with a trip to the theater or one of the region’s art galleries. Going for more of a laid-back vibe? Attending a comedy show or open mic night might be the way to your loved one’s heart. You could even take a ‘staycation’ by booking a night at one of the best hotels.

Best art gallery