It’s February, and here at The Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Alabama, we’re feeling the love and flippin’ the flapjacks!
Festive Breakfast
Cold mornings call for hot food, and what could be more in the spirit of this month’s Valentine’s Day holiday than cute little heart-shaped eggs and pancakes for your sweeties? (Thanks to *the Idea Specialists™* for finding these nonstick cooking rings for us!) At a list price of only $7.43 at Amazon, they’ll bring the smiles without breaking the bank.
Take A Hike!
After your hearty breakfast, hit one of this area’s gorgeous hiking trails for some quality time together. The Idea Specialists love Red Mountain Park for its picturesque gravel trail that winds through the woods along the Ridge Walk, Spring Gap, and Birmingham Mineral Railroad (BMRR) North and South trails. With picnic tables and benches, these pathways are perfect for resting and taking in the scenery.
We’re extra-big fans because—like The Retreat at Mountain Brook—Red Mountain Park is dog friendly! Your furry friend will need to stay on its leash while you’re getting your steps in, but once you’re inside Remy’s Dog Park they’re free to run. (Waste bags and trash cans are conveniently located within the dog park, and at each main trailhead.)
Your Just Desserts
Whether you want to refuel after your hike or just treat yourself to a yummy, take advantage of the Magic City’s award-winning restaurant scene and go out for something sweet with your sweetie. 🥰🥰
What could be more Valentine’s Day (thank you, English writer extraordinaire Geoffrey Chaucer) than the chocolate tarte at Birmingham’s Bistro 218?
It’s one of Pastry Chef Elizabeth Jackson’s stunning creations—”rich, silky, and deeply indulgent.”
Deeply indulgent!! The Idea Specialists can already taste the luxuriously smooth chocolate, and the house-made coffee ice cream it comes with (think cool, creamy contrast with subtle roasted notes that elevate every bite). The finishing touch is a vibrant hibiscus coulis with a a bright, floral acidity that cuts through all that scrumptious richness. Got a taste for something different? Other selections on the menu include vanilla Bean crème brûlée, Alabama strawberries and pound cake, honey pot de creme buttermilk almond Cake, and blueberry mousse.
Bistro 218 is also featuring a special Valentine’s Day menu this year (the holiday in 2026 is on Saturday, February 14). It promises to be an unforgettable evening of romance, elegance, and extraordinary cuisine—a three-course prix fixe dinner crafted to impress, featuring indulgent favorites like Beef Wellington, rack of lamb, blackened redfish, and, of course, decadent desserts.
Chocolate & Bubbles & Pink
A great way to end your day of Valentine’s fun would be to cuddle up with Champagne or a cocktail (or a Champagne cocktail!) in your luxurious Retreat at Mountain Brook living room in front of a cozy fire.
Or, get creative with chocolate and spirits. Tasting Table has a list of 30 Chocolate Cocktails You Need to Try at Least Once, and the Idea Specialists have been working their way through it. They’re particularly partial right now to the Bourbon Ball (bourbon, crème de cacao, Frangelico liqueur), but certainly wouldn’t say no to a Frozen Nutella Mudslide or a Black Forest Gateau Cocktail.
Out On The Town
Or, go out on the town for your nightcap! Sloan’s on Second Avenue North with its sophisticated yet welcoming space offers a curated selection of fine bourbons and craft cocktails.
Kisses to them—and you!
* The Idea Specialists™ *
The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the multifamily industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more. They do not receive any sort of product or financial incentives for their recommendations in posts such as these.
