Whether you are searching for a romantic spot to enjoy dinner, a quiet weekend getaway nearby, the perfect bouquet or an evening of entertainment, the Cedar Park and Leander area has much to offer. Use this guide to plan the perfect date for you and your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or any other special occasion.

Restaurants

Freda’s Seafood Grille 10903 Pecan Park Blvd. • Austin • 512-506-8700 • https://fredasseafoodgrille.com Hours: Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. For couples with a hankering for a varied seafood menu, Freda’s Seafood Grille offers choices of classics such as blackened catfish,  grilled shrimp, roasted Chilean sea bass and Alaskan snow crab. Freda’s offers an upscale experience that includes a menu with a variety of seafood options. Diners can choose from fresh oysters ($16 per dozen, $9 per half-dozen), pecan tilapia ($17), lobster tail ($31), or steak options such as the center-cut filet or the rib-eye (both $28). “All of our signature seafood dishes or our certified Angus beef dishes are large enough for two people, and many people split an entree and share a dessert,” Special Events Coordinator Hope McHale said, adding that the Mango Cosmopolitan is also popular during the daily happy hour from 4–7 p.m. Foxhole Culinary Tavern 13995 N. US 183 • Austin • 512-386-1354 www.foxholeaustin.com Hours: Mon.–Wed. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Thu.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. With a varied menu that ranges from raw seafood to soups to hearty entrees such as the Texas Lamb Shank, Foxhole Culinary Tavern is an option for couples who have different tastes in dinner. Manager Sarah Gorman said for busy weekend nights the tavern offers call-ahead seating, which usually shaves a few minutes off a long wait. Foxhole prepares most of its plates with farm-to-table fruits and vegetables from local vendors. Popular favorites include the crisped Brussels sprouts ($11), which include Texas pecans and heirloom beets; and the ahi tuna tartare ($13), a sushi specialty that consists of mango, sesame and avocado. Shea’s Place 105 W. Willis St. • Leander • 512-986-8719 Hours: Wed.–Sat. 4–10 p.m. Shea’s Place reopened in June, providing a new option for couples who want a night out for dinner and drinks. The restaurant’s maple wood bar top is reportedly more than 75 years old and was part of the floor at the Armadillo World Headquarters, the famed Austin music hall that hosted concerts by Willie Nelson, AC/DC and The Clash in the 1970s. Chef and General Manager James Parmenter said the restaurant offers rotating weekly specials for $14.95. He said diners favor the stuffed pork tenderloin ($16.95), which includes housemade cheddar sausage stuffing and is served with Parmesan grits and collard greens. The restaurant is also focused on fresh food made in-house. “We source as much of the food as possible from local vendors,” Parmenter said. Takara Sushi and Asian Bistro 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. T-140 • Cedar Park 512-528-5449 • www.takaraonline.com Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Takara Sushi and Asian Bistro offers appetizers, specialty rolls, soups and drinks in addition to live jazz music on weekends. However, couples looking for a quiet setting better suited for conversation should consider a mid-week date night. The menu features The Lover’s Flame ($17), a specialty sushi roll that consists of crab, scallops, shrimp and freshwater eel. The dish is oven-baked and set atop shrimp tempura and avocado, then served on a flaming plate. The dish can be ordered with a dessert. Happy Hour is from 3–7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 3 p.m. until close on Tuesday nights.

Bed & Breakfast

The Gold Coat Inn Bed and Breakfast 2901 CR 175 •  Leander • 512-986-7430 www.goldcoatinn.com • Hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. daily The Gold Coat Inn Bed and Breakfast has offered the Leander area a getaway option since 2009, with an opportunity to enjoy home-like surroundings without the household hassles. “We treat people like family, and they can feel at home,” owner Jo Terrell said. “We try to make a personal connection and we genuinely enjoy our guests.” The bed and breakfast near Williamson County Regional Park offers nightly stays for less than $200 in its four theme-decorated rooms. Starting in February the inn will begin hosting a Sunday brunch, cooked by the inn’s catering chef, Catherine McDargh of Eudora’s Cuisine, every third Sunday of the month from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. It is open to the public.

Resort & Spa

Travaasa 13500 FM 2769 • Austin 512-258-7243 • www.travaasa.com Hours: 9 a.m.–9 pm. daily Tucked away in the hills that surround Lake Travis is Travaasa, a resort where guests can be adventurous or take it easy without leaving the 70-room hotel. “We are an experiential resort,” said Jorah Anderson, a manager and culture coordinator with the hotel. “We have activities throughout the day. You could sign up for yoga, Pilates or a high ropes challenge course.” Guests can also opt to visit the spa for a deep-tissue massage or an avocado body wrap. Rooms start at $250 a night for a nature nook and $500 a night for an inclusive package. To check out the resort without booking a room, visitors may also dine at Jean’s Kitchen, the hotel’s restaurant that is under the direction of chef Benjamin Baker. Baker prepares entrees such as the grilled ribeye that is served with herb-roasted purple potatoes, and followed by a dessert pairing such as the flourless chipotle chocolate cake. Restaurant reservations are required for both off-property guests and for guests of the hotel during dinner service.   LCP Date Night Guide