Your Guide to an Indianapolis Valentine’s Day Part 1

Valentine’s day: perhaps no other holiday throughout the year can evoke a wider range of feelings.

One thing is for sure, though, it is not a so-called “Hallmark Holiday” – unless Hallmark was founded earlier than 500 A.D., that is. The holiday was established by Pope Gelasius all those years ago and today has become a reason for groceries, drug stores etc… to pedal a wide array of mediocre chocolates, cheesy gifts, and other various sundries meant to convey our affection to our mate.

To do something unique and memorable takes a little more thought and planning, but great ideas are all over Indianapolis, if you look close enough. Tucked away on Deleware St., just north of downtown, is the former home of William Reid that he built in 19^th Century. The design of the home was inspired by a trip Reid and his wife took to Italy.

The building has served various purposes over the years, including housing the Army Corp of Engineers during WWII, and was purchased in 2001 by Ben and Elaine Life and their daughter, Jeneane. Since that time, it has dazzled guests with its old-world charm in the heart of Indianapolis as the Villa Inn, the only four-star inn in the city.

To take a look at the whirlpool-equipped, meticulously-appointed rooms offered or to book a night for you and your significant other, check out the website. And while you’re there, don’t forget about the spa (open 9-9 Friday, Saturday and Valentine’s Day; 9-5 on Sunday) or the Inn’s restaurant. But act quickly, because the Inn has only one room left for the Saturday before Valentine’s Day.

The Villa Inn also still has openings for Valentine’s Day night and will be open for dinner. If you act too late, don’t fret. You can also check out sister properties the Looking Glass Inn and Stone Soup Inn as well.