It may be mid-winter, but things are certainly heating up this month throughout Oklahoma. There’s a lot to love here during the season of romance from a celebration of the world’s favorite sweet treat, chocolate, to world-class cultural events. Make time to explore your passion or find a new one in the weeks ahead.

Norman, just south of Oklahoma City, hosts a chocolate lover’s dream come true: The annual Firehouse Art Center Chocolate Festival. Rated third among U.S. food events by the Food Network, the festival allows you to sample thousands of chocolate creations from decadent pastries to more exotic fare such as chocolate chili. More than 30 area businesses participate in the popular event. The February 5, 2011 festival benefits the Norman Firehouse Art Center, a non-profit organization for visual art instruction and exhibits. It all happens at the University of Oklahoma’s Forum Building. Tickets and information are available at www.normanfirehouse.com.

Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, check out one of Disney’s sweetest tales of romance at Celebrity Attractions’ dazzling traveling production of Beauty and the Beast. Extraordinary musical numbers, sets and costumes all combine to bring the fairytale to life on stage for theater lovers of every age. Beauty and the Beast runs February 15 through 20, 2011 at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City. For tickets, go to www.celebrityattractions.com.

In Tulsa, another age-old love story comes to life February 5 and 6, 2011 as the Tulsa Ballet presents Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. The hysterically funny interpretation of an Elizabethan couple’s tumultuous relationship features beautiful scenery and costumes, and choreography by the legendary John Cranko of South Africa. Founded in 1957, the professional Tulsa Ballet company presents both classical ballet and contemporary dance performances, and provides dance education and outreach programs. All performances are at the Performing Arts Center’s Chapman Music Hall in downtown Tulsa. Visit www.tulsaballet.org for more information.

For a less highbrow evening with the arts, take in Hunter Valentine + Vanity Theft on Sunday, February 13, 2011. The edgy Toronto group—three girls known for their boisterous, but musically refined brand of rock and roll—brings its show to Oklahoma City’s Conservatory, and just in time for Valentine’s Day. General admission tickets can be purchased online at http://eventful.com/oklahomacity/events/hunter-valentine-vanity-theft-/E0-001-035007118-2.

So, whether you’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day with someone special or going it alone, plan to do something you love this month. Whether you’re crazy for food and drink or world-class arts, Oklahoma has a lot to warm your heart in the weeks ahead.