Where are you taking your love on Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, is just short of three weeks away. Those who don’t want the day to slip away without a treat for your sweetheart should start exploring dining out options now to avoid being disappointed should your first-choice restaurant’s reservation book fill up.

Those spots fill because Valentine’s Day is one of the top dining out days, according to the National Retail Federation. In 2011, $34 billion was spent dining out on Feb. 14.

Lover’s Lanes can be found at a multitude of romantic restaurants around South County. The key to selecting your sweetheart spots is matching the mood to the locale.

Romance is in the heart of the beholder. It can be found in a big dining room or a small joint, a grand cafe or a teeny hideaway. These mood makers are simply a backdrop when you want to have a connection of the hearts.

One person’s soul may be stirred by the sweeping water views of seaside and lakeside options, while another prefers the dark coziness with shared small plates.

No matter what spot you select, there is a strategy in planning the celebration of Cupid’s day:

• Play to your audience. Pay attention and you’ll learn what sets the romantic mood for your sweetie, whether it’s a white tablecloth locale or a cozy Formica counter cafe. If your love melts at the sight of linen and fresh flowers, that’s a keen tip-off as to the style of restaurant you should select.

• If it’s a special night, plan in advance. Get a reservation and let the restaurant in on how special the evening is to you. Restaurateurs want to please and make your night memorable.

• Ask for what you want. You may want a special or secluded table or one with a good view of the water. You may want to bring a special bottle of wine. You may want the restaurant to accept a flower delivery or serve a certain cake. Be clear with what you want and ask for the staff’s recommendations how to get your preferences when you make your reservation.

• Inquire if there are suggested dress requirements. Keep in mind that comfort is key. If you feel awkward out of blue jeans, don’t select a swanky spot. It’s hard to be romantic if you are self-conscious about your appearance.

• Be sure you know the menu prices and the restaurant’s payment methods. Nothing kills the romance more than leaving your date to wait while you dash to the cash machine.

Where do you intend to swoon with your sweetie Feb. 14? Do you have any tips to pass along to young lovers how to make this Valentine’s Day the best ever?

Trellis at the Heathman hotel in Kirkland.

Brian, Seattle

Leavenworth with my most special wife.

Curt, Kirkland

I’m cooking at home. Either a nice rack of lamb or duck breasts.

Chris, Edmonds

The husband and I are going to Ivar’s in Mukilteo.

Beck, Mukilteo

My boyfriend and I are going to the Rock Bottom Brewery in Bellevue. We love their beer and macaroni and cheese.

Victoria, Lynnwood

Capital Grille in Seattle with my most wonderful wife!!!!!

Bruce, Shoreline

I’m taking my fiance to Prima Bistro in Langley. We got engaged on Whidbey Island this summer and this looks like the fanciest place I could find nearby. Plus, we love small-town bistros.

Joel, Snohomish

I’m making my husband’s favorite meal — pizza. Only I’ll shape the dough like a heart, and cut the pepperoni in heart-shaped pieces then put the pizza on the barbeque to cook.

Stacy, Lynnwood

We are going to a dress-up Valentine Party at a friend’s house with about 20 friends on the Saturday before. My husband will be working on Valentine’s Day at our store.

Sandy, Edmonds

Where to find…

Rock Bottom Brewery

Where: Nationwide including restaurants in Bellevue and Seattle

Phone: (425) 462-9300

online: rockbottom.com

Ivar’s

Where: various including Mukilteo Landing

Phone: (425) 742-6180

online: ivars.com

The Capital Grille

Where: Nationwide including Seattle