I love Valentine’s Day. It’s never mattered whether I’m in a relationship or single, it’s one of my favorite holidays. Why? First of all, it’s low-key. There’s no month-long lead-up. Second, it involves chocolate. No explanation needed there. Third, it’s a burst of red and pink in an otherwise wintery month. Fourth, it emphasizes spending time with those closest to you without all the expectations and fall out of the holidays. You can gather some girlfriends for a wine night or spend a night in with your partner, then the next day it’s back to normal life. No post-holiday blues.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t sometimes looking for a little bit of inspiration for how to spend the day (or evening if it’s a weekday, like this year). Luckily, I’ve got you covered with these 6 Valentine’s Day date ideas.
one: A DANCE CLASS
This is one that I’ve been trying to convince Adam to do for the longest time. I wanted to do dance lessons before our wedding, then I wanted to do salsa lessons in Colombia. No-go on both (and he’s usually up for anything!). One of these days though, I’m going to convince him to do a dance class with me. Whether it’s tango, ballroom, or whatever, this seems like such a fun date idea.
two: A COMEDY SHOW
Most comedy clubs will have a show on Valentine’s Day, tickets rarely top $25, and the menu selection is usually terrible-for-you bar food. Hamburgers, french fries, and laughs seem like an ideal Valentine’s Day date to me.
three: A NIGHT OUT AT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
I love the idea of getting dolled up and going out for an evening at the ballet or the symphony on Valentine’s Day! Depending on where you live, a night out at the performing arts center can be a bit of a splurge, so February 14 is the perfect occasion to spring for tickets.
OR GO TO THAT DIVEY MUSIC VENUE YOU BOTH LOVE.
Not sure you feel like getting dressed up and partaking in polite society? Go to that divey music venue you always love, drink cheap beer, and have a blast.
four: DINNER AT HOME
I’ll be honest, this has less appeal for me since we cook dinner at home every night, but, if you’re not big cooks, then taking an evening to dive into a few recipes could be something fun and different! Make this the occasion where you pull out that recipe that has seemed way too complicated for your average weeknight and go for it. Break out a nice bottle of wine, set the table, light the candles.
five: WINE TASTING
There are 2 ways to approach the wine tasting date night. You could make it a group Valentine’s Day evening and invite some friends over to do a blind taste test (everyone bring a bottle with the label covered!) or you and your sweetheart* could do a wine tasting at a local wine bar or wine shop.
* I had a middle-aged male coworker who ONLY referred to his girlfriend/wife (not sure which because he never called her either!) as his sweetheart and it was the cutest thing.
six: MOVIE NIGHT
For those of you who have the same feelings about cooking dinner at home as I do, make this the night that you don’t cook! Order in take-out, choose a movie on Netflix (something else we never do), and have a classic movie night! Maybe even pop some popcorn and stock some favorite movie candy.
So, what are your Valentine’s Day plans? I’d love to hear if you have any amazing and unique V-Day ideas!
