5 Places to Celebrate Your Love (of Booze) This Valentine’s Day

Wednesday is Valentine's Day, and if you're like me, you haven't prepared anything for your significant other. Luckily, my boyfriend is easily pleased with a pint in his hand and a beer-soaked 'stache, so I can never go wrong with an impromptu brewery visit. If your S.O. shares his love of alcohol, consider hitting up these Portland hot spots this Wednesday.

1) Rising Tide Brewing

From noon to 7pm, you can bring your significant other to Rising Tide's tasting room at 103 Fox. St. in Portland for flights of beer and artisan truffles by La Creme Chocolat. There will also be gift boxes to take home!

2) Allagash Brewing Company

For $15 tickets that benefit the American Heart Association, Allagash is offering 4-beer flights, each one paired with a special, locally made chocolate. From 6p-8p at 50 Industrial Way, they'll also have make-your-own valentines, a photo booth and acoustic accompaniment by Adam Waxman. You can buy tickets here!

3) Vena's Fizz House

As a light alternative to dinner (or potentially a precursor to an all-out feast), pay $35 at Vena's for two cocktails and a shared plate. If you wanna fill out your meal there, you can get additional small plates for $8 each. At 354 Fore St. from 2p-6p, Vena's will offer their gin-based Love Potion #9 and vodka-based Aphrodite's Revenge with XOXO gougers, couple's canapes and crostini, or a molten chocolate cupcake with butterscotch pudding and whipped cream.

4) Beer Tour with the Maine Brew Bus

From 4:30-7:30pm, climb aboard the Maine Brew Bus and tour Portland's finest hot spots. At $60 a pop, tickets will get you a behind-the-scenes visit of two local breweries and an award-winning chocolate producer. Between spots, the tour bus even provides its lovey-dovey riders a snack from Ten Ten Pié to curb their appetite. The bus picks you up and drops you off at Old Port Spirits & Cigars, so you can continue your night afterward if you so desire.

5) Novaré Res 

Whether you're coupled up or a single chocolate lover, you can stop by Novaré Res for a chocolate and beer pairing that can't be beat. Desserts are provided by Landry's Confections out of Topsham, and no tickets are required for entry, which is perfect for you planning-haters out there.