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Celebrate Valentine's Day with peace, love and green gifts this year

By Andrea Ridout
Feb 06 2026
Steamed Rainbow Eau de Parfum was inspired by the colors of the rainbow.

Steamed Rainbow Eau de Parfum, is made in the USA by D.S. & Durga, an eco-friendly company, and sold by Read Between the Lines in Plano. Courtesy photo.

Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year when it’s totally acceptable to go overboard — whether that means splurging on chocolates, sneaking away for a romantic adventure, or booking a mani-pedi that you’ve been hinting about all year. 

Luckily, North Texas is full of sweet, creative, and eco-friendly ways to celebrate love without defaulting to the same old dinner-and-flowers routine. From surprise engagements at waterfalls to vegan feasts, pampering spas and inspired gifts, these Valentine’s picks prove that romance can be peaceful, meaningful, sustainable — and delightfully unforgettable.

PEACE WALK

Buddhist monks walk for peace from FW to DC
The Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth are returning from the 2,300 mile Walk for Peace on Valentine's Day. Courtesy of Facebook.

They say the best things in life are free, and here’s a no cost, once-in-a-lifetime Valentine’s experience in which you and your loved ones can participate. The Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center are making their heartfelt return to Fort Worth on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2026, wrapping up their incredible 2,300-mile Walk for Peace all the way to Washington, D.C. and back. They’ve done it with their beloved 4-legged friend, Aloka - the Peace Dog, right by their side. The group is scheduled to arrive downtown around 8 a.m. and begin a final 6-mile hsomecoming walk to the temple at 4717 E. Rosedale Street, followed by a peaceful gathering to celebrate compassion, community and connection. 

Join thousands of other peace-loving Texans for this beautiful (and totally free!) venture on Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart, family or friends. You can follow updates on the monk's journey and arrival on the official Walk for Peace Facebook page. Click this link for maps and other information.

HIDDEN ROMANCE

Proposal on Airfield Falls Conservation Park
This couple got engaged at Airfield Falls Conservation Park in Fort Worth on Jan. 18. Photo by Andrea Ridout.

While in Fort Worth, check out Airfield Falls Conservation Park — one of those off-the-beaten-path botanical gems that feels truly special. 

The Fort Worth park was designed by the late Dallas landscape architect Kevin Sloan, a crusader for the rewilding movement. 

This peaceful nature spot,became even more memorable for me after a recent hike when my group and I unexpectedly witnessed a young couple getting engaged, right on the falls, complete with the groom-to-be joyfully shouting, “She said YES,” as we all applauded. 

This amazing natural waterfall and park was preserved through community efforts led by the Airfield Falls Conservancy, founded by local advocates dedicated to protecting this unique limestone formation carved over millions of years ago by a tributary of the West Fork of the Trinity River. 

Today, the park features a McDonnell Douglas C-9 aircraft that kids love — along with a beginner-friendly trail — a completely paved walkway ideal for strollers and seniors and anyone wanting a surefooted-path. Surrounded by flowing water, scenic views and calming sounds of nature, the trail feels far removed from city life even though it’s literally steps away from suburbia. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s jaunt, a picnic with your sweetheart, or a family-friendly outdoor outing, Airfield Falls offers a beautiful reminder that romance and relaxation do not have to come with a price tag. 

Parking can be crowded so you may have to find a nearby business (we parked at QT) and then trek to the park entrance. Just be sure to tell the proprietor/manager so that you don’t get towed!

Location: 200 Pumphrey Drive, Westworth Village (near Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base).

VEGAN VALENTINE

Belentys vegan enchiladas
Belenty's Love, an all-vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, is hosting a special multi-course dinner this Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Above, vegan enchiladas. Photo by Andrew Ridout.

For couples and friends craving bold Mexican flavors with a compassionate twist, Belenty’s Love vegan Mexican restaurant in Fort Worth offers a heartfelt Valentine’s dining experience rooted in both flavor and purpose. (Read the Green Source Texas review here.

Founded by chef and owner, Belen Hernandez, who created the restaurant out of her passion for plant-based cooking and Mexican culinary traditions, Belenty’s Love has become a favorite for vibrant, soul-satisfying vegan cuisine. 

This Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, the restaurant is hosting a special multi-course dinner from around 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (call ahead for reservations, 817-862-9008) featuring a Bruschetta salad, a choice of Vegan Steak, Spaghetti or Sautéed Broccoli, and decadent desserts like Chocolate Strawberry Cake or Tiramisu. 

The Valentine’s special is $80 per couple and includes a bottle of wine or champagne, making it a cozy, flavorful, and feel-good way to celebrate love whether you are fully plant-based or simply digging delicious vegan food. 

Learn more and check the full menu at their official website: Belentys Love, 3516 Bluebonnet Circle, Fort Worth.

SWEET HERITAGE

Amorcito gift boxes
This heart-shaped truffle box from CocoAndré Chocolatier and Horchateria in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District makes a stunning Valentine gift. $42.Courtesy photo.

CocoAndré, a chocolatier and horchateria in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District, is a local favorite for eco-friendly Valentine’s treats and a beautiful example of family tradition brought to life. 

The shop was founded by mother and daughter team, Andrea Pedraza and her daughter, Cindy, who were inspired to revive ancient chocolate-making techniques passed down through generations in Mexican culture while blending them with modern artisan craftsmanship. 

For Valentine’s Day, CocoAndré offers heart-shaped truffle boxes around $42, Amorcito gift boxes about $27, chocolate hearts around $24, chocolate-covered strawberries and specialty sweets in the $50 range, along with everyday favorites like artisan chocolate bars for $9, smaller treats from $6 to $18, the adorable chocolate cactus for $4.85, and the popular Dallas Chocolate Bar for $12.50. 

I especially love this shop because my daughter-in-law is from Mexico and always brings me special sweets from South of the Border, and CocoAndré captures that same warm, colorful, flavorful vibe right here in Dallas. Everything is handcrafted in small batches, making each piece feel mindful and perfect for gifting, sharing on a Valentine’s date, or enjoying with a glass of CocoAndré signature horchata. CocoAndre, 2111 S. Edgefield Ave, Dallas.

WESTSIDE WELLNESS

Canyon Ranch Fort Worth
Canyon Ranch Fort Worth is located in the Cultural District in Fort Worth. Courtesy photo.

Canyon Ranch Fort Worth Wellness Club and Spa is a beautiful, health-focused retreat in Fort Worth’s Cultural District that makes an unforgettable Valentine’s gift for you and your darling. This serene spa offers customized massages, body treatments, steam rooms, and holistic wellness experiences designed to relax and restore both body and mind. 

Massage sessions typically start around $210 for 50 minutes and $285 for longer sessions, and their gift cards (starting around $50) make it easy to give the gift of relaxation now and enjoy it later.

Canyon Ranch was founded by wellness pioneers, Mel and Enid Zuckerman, who helped lead the modern holistic spa movement when Mel realized that he had better get healthy or he would die prematurely. With its emphasis on whole-body healthy, mindful treatments and a peaceful environment that feels like a true escape, Canyon Ranch is a considerate, eco-conscious way to celebrate love and self-care this Valentine’s Day. Canyon Ranch, 850 Van Cliburn Way, Fort Worth.

TREAT AND RETREAT

Spa Habitat in Dallas
Spa Habitat has five locations in the North Texas area. Courtesy photo.

For indulgence on the Dallas side of the Metroplex is Spa Habitat – Organic Spa & Apothecary, founded by North Texas eco-entrepreneur, Amy Bohn, who had a vision to redefine luxury through clean beauty, organic products and sustainability. 

Her “farm-to-spa” philosophy mirrors the farm-to-table food movement and has made Spa Habitat a beacon for eco-conscious wellness businesses. 

What began as a single location has grown into five beautiful retreats across Dallas, Plano and Southlake, all offering organic massages, facials, body treatments and carefully curated spa packages that are both indulgent and environmentally responsible, which in my book makes them the perfect feel-good Valentine’s gift options. 

To my kids, if you’re reading this, feel free to add one to my wish list. Pricing ranges from about $247 for the Hybrid (a relaxing mix of massage and facial treatments) to around $324 for the Treehugger, and even a couples experience called Peace & Love for roughly $666, perfect for a Valentine’s splurge together. 

In addition to their own blends, Spa Habitat also uses Clovertree Apothecary’s plant-powered beauty products. As a take-home treat, pick up a selection while you are there or visit Clovertree.com to order online. 

FUME-FREE GLAM

Verbena Parlor and Social House
Verbena Parlor and Social House in Dallas' Uptown is a non-toxic, fume-free nail bar features medical-grade sanitation and air filtration systems as well as 10-free polishes. Courtesy photo.

If your budget is small but your heart is big, Verbena Parlor and Social House in Uptown is a stylish and eco-conscious spot that makes a perfect Valentine’s pampering date or gift card treat for later — with prices that might surprise you. 

Verbena was launched by Ashley Murphree Tran with a mission to offer a healthier, toxin-free nail salon experience in a fun, social setting. 

This non-toxic, fume-free nail bar features medical-grade sanitation and air filtration systems as well as 10-free polishes. “10-free” refers to nail polish made without the 10 most common harsh chemicals found in traditional polish such as formaldehyde, toluene and parabens, making them a cleaner, lower-toxin option that’s gentler on people and the environment, including Tran’s salon workers who are exposed to these chemicals every day, which was one of her inspirations for choosing this system. 

Services typically range from around $35 for basic manicures to $70+ for deluxe pedicures and specialty treatments. And the chic space even offers coffee, wine, and bubbly to sip while you relax. 

With its clean beauty focus, modern vibe and zen approach to pampering, Verbena is a feel-good way to show your special gal or guy some love this Valentine’s Day or just take a friend for a Galentine’s day out! VerbenaParlor.com. Located at 2626 Howell St., Suite 166, Dallas.

RAINBOW IN A BOTTLE

Steamed Rainbow perfume
Steamed Rainbow is made in the USA by D.S. & Durga. The company's products are 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free and made with an intentionally low-impact approach to perfumery

Read Between The Lines in Plano’s upscale Legacy West was created by Melinda Jones with a simple but focused vision in mind: a shop that feels just as welcoming and fun for men as it does for women. 

Instead of the typical gift store that leans one way or the other, Melinda curated a warm, stylish space filled with books, unique gifts, cards, and locally as well as world-made finds that anyone can enjoy browsing. The result is a place where couples can shop together, friends can find meaningful gifts, and everyone leaves with something special, including Valentine gifts.

Watercolor Workbook from Read Between the Lines in Plano
The Bouquets Watercolor Workbook is available at Read Between the Lines in Plano. $27.

A case in point is Steamed Rainbow Eau de Parfum, a beautifully fresh, eco-conscious fragrance inspired by the colors of the rainbow. Made in the USA by D.S. & Durga, founded by husband-and-wife duo, David and Kavi Moltz, their products are 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free with an intentionally low-impact approach to perfumery. 

This light yet layered scent blends bright citrus notes with airy florals, green woods, and a soft, grounding base of violet and vetiver, an essential oil made from a grass. The 50ml Eau de Parfum is available for $225, with convenient interest-free payment options and complimentary gift wrap — and yes, it comes with a bit of a hefty price tag… but hey, isn’t your lover (or yourself) worth it? 

ReadBetweenTheLines.com. Read Between the Lines, 7500 Windrose Avenue, Suite B160, Plano – next door to Peloton and across the street from Shake Shack.

 

 

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