Unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for couples to celebrate their love for each other, whether their relationship is relatively new or has endured through many years.
The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans are expected to spend close to $20 billion on Valentine’s Day this year. While chocolates and champagne are high on the list of most-purchased items for February 14th, couples should not feel beholden to tradition on Valentine’s Day. This year may be the perfect time to try something new, even if it’s out of couples’ comfort zones. Here are some novel ideas for couple’s looking to set their celebrations apart.
• Paint and sip: Couples can take part in a growing trend this Valentine’s Day. At paintand-sip events, people are guided step-bystep through the process of painting their own masterpieces. Breaks are provided through the evening to indulge in beverages and snacks of choice. Couples can bring along a bottle or two of wine and a platter of cheeses, chocolates or other Valentine’s Day fare. Those interested can inquire at their nearest paint and sip location, such as Pinot’s Palette, for Valentine’s Day specials.
• Activity night: Couples who are naturally competitive or devoted sports fans can enjoy the evening by engaging in some healthy competition. Some restaurants host trivia nights, or couples can head to the nearest arcade and battle it out. Panic and escape rooms are cropping up in towns across the country. These employ 60-minute reallife experiences in which participants must solve clues to escape the room. This can be a great bonding experience for fun-loving couples.
• Chef lessons: Although some couples may dine out on Valentine’s Day, men and women who like to dabble in culinary arts can prepare their own meals from the comforts of their own kitchens. Others may want to enroll in classes that provide expert instruction from area chefs or culinary instructors. Cooking classes can be an ideal way to spend time together learning skills that can be put to use again and again.
• Adventures: Couples who like to push the envelope can explore the possibilities of thrill-seeking activities. Some may include bungee-jumping, hot-air balloon rides, taking laps at the racetrack, or hitting the ski slopes.
Valentine’s Day might be a time for romance, but couples should not hesitate to buck tradition and spend the day together engaging in activities that accommodate their interests.
