Call The 'Sitter! Valentine Date Ideas For Awesome Parents In The North Bay

The Marin Valentine's Ball is an annual tradition now in its 19^th year. The ball offers a chance for the local community to come together in celebration and support of disadvantaged kids, families and elderly. It is a chance for parents to enjoy a festive adult evening out, celebrate the love of Valentine's Day and give back to the local community. Tickets are $400 per couple and include cocktails, a silent and live auction, dinner and dancing. All ticket and auction proceeds support Sunny Hills Services, The Godmothers of Timothy Murphy School and the North Bay Children's Center.

Taste Route 116 is a group of wineries along Sonoma's Highway 116. For the past several years, Taste 116 has been putting on a Valentine's Day Sweet 116. For just $40, ticket holders have the opportunity to partake of tastings at 13 wineries, as well as enjoy indulgent treats and cheeses. Ticket holders also receive individual custom-made logo glasses. Designated drivers can purchase discounted tickets for $10 that include their choice of artisan tasting glass.

Safari West offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the experience of a safari in the Serengeti, while staying in the comfort of California wine country. On both Saturday and Sunday of Valentine's Day weekend, Safari West will be holding the Wild Jungle Love Party and Safari. For the more adventurous couple, this adults-only event includes an indulgent brunch complete with beer and wine, as well as an open-air safari tour showcasing the nuances of wildlife mating habits. Many guests choose to make a weekend of it by staying at local partnered Flamingo Resort & Spa.

Held at The Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa, Santa Rosa's 5^th annual Salsa Festival kicks off on February 14. Active parents can immerse themselves in an entire weekend of live music and dancing. There will be Latin dance workshops and showcases, live musical performances and a gala dinner with silent auction. Enjoy the weekend to its fullest and book a room for Saturday night at the historic 1950s Flamingo Hotel.

Ramekins is a wine-country culinary school, event center and inn located in Sonoma. In addition to being a wedding venue and retreat center, Ramekins conducts a wide variety of cooking classes and culinary events. This Valentine's Day, Ramekins will have two romantic options for parents. For those looking to spend some time out together heating things up in the kitchen, the school is holding a Feast of Love class where couples can learn to cook and then indulge in smoked salmon and crab custards and beef wellingtons. As an alternative, perhaps for the exhausted new parent looking to spend a romantic evening in, Ramekins offers a gourmet five-course, ready-to-serve dinner to go that includes everything from grilled bistro fillet with chimichurri sauce to a truffled mini leek and gruyere quiche.