There’s more to Valentine’s Day than just cards and boxes of chocolates.

Once you’ve found someone to spend the holiday with, the tough decision is deciding where to go and what to do.

Going out to eat is always a good way to start the evening. Nashville has a large selection of restaurants offering Valentine’s Day specials. The Palm on Fifth Avenue South has a three to four course meal, including appetizers, salads, steak or lobster and desserts. The prices range from $70 to $125.

If you’re in the mood for Italian, Valentino’s Ristorante also has a Valentine’s Day four course special. It’s slightly more expensive, but it has won a few awards according to its Web site.

After dinner, stop in at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center near Fifth Avenue and Deaderick Street. “Bluebird Cafe at the Ballet” is playing at 8 p.m. The show combines acoustic music from a local club and ballet dancing. Tickets are $20-$42.

Louisville also has a few things going on Valentine’s night. Jack Fry’s on Bardstown Road looks interesting. The menu’s geared for people who enjoy eating new and old favorites together such as shrimp and grits with red-eye gravy.

Another option is Lynn’s Paradise Grill on Barret Avenue that has an odd kind of atmosphere. It includes a retro 1950s-style architecture plus meal starters like the Kentucky Reuben Quesadilla.

Both restaurants have Valentine’s Day specials that were not ready at press time.

The familiar brass headboards and streetcar on the side make the Old Spaghetti Factory familiar to downtown Louisville. For about $6, you get a salad, bread, entree, dessert and beverage. The restaurant is perfect for romance on a budget.

There’s nothing wrong with staying in Bowling Green, though.

“No Sooner Won Than Wed” is playing at the Capitol Arts Center through Sunday. The play starts at 8 p.m. and involves greedy relatives, plotting neighbors and a happy ending.

Reach Bobby Harrell at [email protected].