Whether you’re single, coupled up, or somewhere in between, ensure your V-Day is free of clichés and not at all boring with these ideas.On Valentine’s Day the last thing you want to do is get stuck in a Netflix and takeout rut—or worse, end up at a cheesy, overpriced, and decidedly unoriginal prix-fixe dinner.
1. Dancing.
Not at the club—we mean real dancing. You can take a class, hit a salsa club, or go see live music that makes you want to groove. For the former, we suggest something like the Valentine’s Day Dirty Dancing Party in Chicago.
2. A ghost tour.
The convenient thing about ghosts is that they tend to hang around old cities everywhere. See what’s going on near you and bonus points if you find a spooky event that includes booze like Portland’s Valentine’s Day Ghost Tour, which comes with beer samples and chocolate tastings. (Two awesome reasons to sign up.)
3. Ice skating and après skate.
There’s a reason why couples are always hitting the rink in our favorite rom-coms. Whether you’re holding on to your S.O. the entire time, or you two are gliding while holding hands, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get close. And once you’ve had your fill, you can enjoyed some hard-earned drinks. (Hot toddies, anyone?)
4. A wine bar crawl.
Instead of sticking to just one spot, hop from place-to-place, grab seats at the bar, and order different kinds of wine and tapas all along the way. It’s waaay more interesting than a boring ol’ sit-down dinner.
5. A scavenger hunt.
You can make up your own, complete with creative challenges, photo missions, and sexy prizes. (Bow chicka wow wow.) Or, look for a local public event like the Amazing Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt in New York City.
6. A themed museum trip.
Take an after-dark art tour for two like the one offered by the San Diego Museum of Art, complete with a picnic basket for two, chocolate truffles and champagne, accompanied by live music.When museums stay open after-hours, they tend to spice things up by throwing a party or holding a special event—especially on V-Day.
7. A themed dinner and movie night at home.
Watching Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck fall in love in Roman Holiday is definitely more satisfying when accompanied by a big plate of homemade spaghetti and meatballs.
8. An old-fashioned radio program party.
Turn down the lights, open a bottle of wine, light some candles, and get ready to emulate the eras of yore. Whether you’re in the mood for a murder mystery or sci-fi epic, go to RadioLovers.com to listen to hundreds of vintage radio shows for free.
9. Roller skating.
It’s just as romantic as ice skating, but with a little more pizzazz. And since it’s V-Day, your local rink will likely have a lovey-dovey theme. Look for a rink that’s kind of retro and caters to an older crowd, like the Valentine’s Day Late Skate in Oklahoma City.
10. A burlesque show.
Before things heat up at home, spend the night flirting with the art of tease! Check out a burlesque show near you for a Valentine’s striptease, like the jazzy Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque Valentine’s Spectacular in New York City.
11. A poetry reading.
Channel your inner Carrie and Big by visiting the local library and checking out the love letters and love poems of great writers and famous figures. Open a bottle of wine and take turns reading each other your favorites.
12. Karaoke.
Leave behind the friend group and head to the karaoke bar with just you and the boo. After all, what better way to celebrate your chemistry than singing classic couples duets such as “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” and “I Got You Babe” together?
13. A second first date.
Order the same foods, request the same songs, and see how many details you can recall from your first kiss.Throw back to where it all started by recreating your first date.
14. A comedy show.
Laugh the night away with a Valentine’s Day themed show at a local comedy club. Upright Citizens Brigade (AKA where Amy Poehler got her start) in Los Angeles and NYC tend to have a variety of funny V-day options.