Love Is in the Air (and in Downtown Bellevue)

Valentine’s Day is about more than chocolates and roses — it’s about how you make each other feel loved. The concept of the 5 Love Languages®, introduced by Dr. Gary Chapman, reminds us that everyone experiences love a little differently.

We’ve rounded up ways to celebrate in Downtown Bellevue that speak to each love language so you can plan a day that feels thoughtful, personal, and memorable.

Here’s how to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day, tailored to the way your loved one feels most cherished.

Acts of Service

Acts of service are simple yet nice things you can do for your loved one that will make them feel seen and appreciated. Plan the day from start to finish so they don’t have to think about logistics. Handle the reservations, map the route, pack snacks, or surprise them with a pre-planned itinerary.

If your Valentine is a foodie, turn the evening into an experience by planning special events like Visit Bellevue’s Dumpling Week, where you can explore new flavors together without lifting a finger.

Words of Affirmation

For those whose love language is words of affirmation, feeling loved comes through praise, encouragement, and heartfelt expression. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to say all the things you don’t always slow down enough to say out loud.

Write love notes at scenic spots — bring handwritten cards and take turns reading them near Bellevue Downtown Park or during a stroll at Meydenbauer Bay Park.

Pair it with a cozy coffee date at local favorites like Café Aloe, Sconers, or Bellden Café, and spend time sharing what you admire most about each other. It’s not about grand speeches — it’s about sincere words that linger long after the day ends.

Quality Time

Quality time is exactly what it sounds like: uninterrupted, focused presence. When someone feels heard, seen, and prioritized, that’s when they feel most loved.

Start the day with movement at the Valentine’s Day Dash 5K walk/run and doing something active together. Wander hand-in-hand through the Bellevue Botanical Garden, or join the Bel-Red Walk Club's Galentine's Day Walk with friends for a social twist on connection.

For couples who love a challenge, take on an escape room at Reality Break Escapes. With phones tucked away and the clock ticking, you’re forced to communicate, collaborate, and laugh as a team. Or slow things down with a cooking class at Whisk, where creating a meal together becomes part of the memory.

Physical Touch

If physical touch is your love language, Valentine’s Day is about closeness, comfort, and shared physical presence. Small gestures like holding hands, leaning into each other, a reassuring squeeze become the highlight of the day.

A movie night at Lincoln Square is the perfect excuse to slow down and stay close, wrapped up in dim lights and shared popcorn. For deeper relaxation, book a couple’s massage or spa treatment at Truce Spa or Yuan Spa. 

Receiving Gifts

Pick up a bouquet from Sweet Serenity, or explore Old Bellevue to find something special from local shops like Smith & Main or Hedge & Vine. The best gifts often carry a story: something that reminds them of an inside joke, a shared memory, or a future plan together. It’s the intention behind the gift that makes it unforgettable.

Finding Out Your Love Languages and Applying Your Relationships

When applying this to your everyday life, remember that this doesn't only apply to significant others. The love languages can be practiced in all close relationships including friends and family.

Since love languages can also change depending on the situation, communication is key, so make sure to check in with your loved ones and ask what they need.

So, are you ready to figure out what your primary love language is? You can take an online quiz to discover your love language, what it means and how you can use it to better connect with your loved ones.