Murfreesboro, TN - Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Oaklands Mansion offers a romantic escape to a bygone era. The mansion, primarily interpreted to the Maney period of ownership (1815-1884), emphasizes the late 1850s to 1860s. Approximately one-third of the furnishings and artifacts are original to the home.
The story of Oaklands and the Maney family reflects both the prosperity of the antebellum South and the hardships endured during the Civil War.
Oakland’s Executive Director James Manning said, “A Valentine’s Evening at Oaklands Mansion is not just an opportunity to dine and celebrate; it’s also an educational experience, offering guests the chance to learn about the history of Valentine’s Day, including the Victorian era’s fascination with expressing love through cards, flowers, and fan languages. Attendees will discover how people shared their feelings in a more restrained society, using intricate designs and romantic motifs to convey emotions both respectfully and passionately. Understanding these traditions adds depth to the evening, offering guests a chance to appreciate the romantic nuances that shaped love expressions throughout history.”
This Valentine’s Day, let Oaklands Mansion be the destination where love stories are told, memories are made, and affection is celebrated. This event captures the essence of romance through culinary delights, music, dancing, and educational experiences rooted in Victorian traditions.
Inside Oaklands Mansion, couples will dine on their choice of Grilled Bourbon Chicken or Roasted Beef Tenderloin, roasted potatoes, asparagus, mixed organic salad, and yeast rolls curated by Chef Jeff of Salty Crew Catering. As guests savor their meals, the magical sounds of harp music performed by local musician Phyllis Sparks will fill the air, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. This exquisite setting provides the perfect backdrop for couples looking to create unforgettable memories. Following dinner, the evening will unfold into Maney Hall, where guests can enjoy music, dancing, and a variety of desserts, light hors d’oeuvres, and specially crafted cocktails.
Guests will have the option to include a special floral arrangement crafted by Black Cat Florals & Botanicals. The language of flowers, a Victorian-era custom, signifies that each bloom encapsulates sentiment and meaning, allowing couples to express their affections in subtle yet profound ways. In Victorian times, flowers communicated messages of love, admiration, or even disdain, adding layers of meaning to romantic endeavors.
In addition, guests may also opt to add a handmade chocolates box crafted by local confectioners Hannah & Amber. These delightful treats celebrate the sweet elements of love, reminiscent of the Victorian tradition where candies were often exchanged during romantic pursuits. Sharing sweet confections offers couples a chance to indulge in the flavors of love while recognizing the historical significance of candy as a means of expressing affection throughout ages.
Valentine's Day is a celebration steeped in history and romance. This February 14th, couples can find its perfect embodiment in the enchanting setting of Oaklands Mansion.
With its unique Italianate architecture, Oaklands Mansion serves as a backdrop for an exquisite candlelight dinner that captures the essence of Victorian-era love. As guests enter the elegantly adorned space, they will be greeted by the magical harp sounds of Phyllis Sparks.
The culinary experience is curated by Chef Jeff of Salty Crew Catering, whose thoughtfully crafted menu promises to delight the senses. Inside Oaklands Mansion, couples will dine on their choice of Grilled Bourbon Chicken or Roasted Beef Tenderloin, roasted potatoes, asparagus, mixed organic salad, and yeast rolls.
Following dinner, the evening will unfold into Maney Hall, where guests can enjoy music, dancing, specially crafted cocktails, and a variety of desserts and light hors d'oeuvres. Couples may choose from a dinner time of 5:00pm, 6:15pm, or 7:30pm, and Maney Hall will be open from 5:00 until 9:00pm.
Adding to this romantic evening are optional add-on enhancements such as floral arrangements by Black Cat Florals & Botanicals and handmade chocolate boxes by Music City Delights, each element designed to elevate the experience and celebrate affection.
These optional add-ons are also available for Members and Friends that will not be joining us for the dinner. Reserved floral arrangements and Chocolates Boxes can be picked up at the Oaklands Mansion Visitor Center during business hours on February 13th and 14th or at the arrival time of a reserved dinner. Be sure to reserve yours while supplies last!
Manning will be on WGNS this coming Friday morning (1/24/2025) to tell about this historic and yet romantic encounter. Tune-in from 8:15-9:00AM and learn more about local history.
