Date ideas for Valentine’s Day

Photo by Mary Vican, via flickr 

Laura Caldera/Contributing Writer 

It’s Valentine’s Day and all the couples are anticipating love songs and red hearts. The only problem, though, is that you haven’t thought about Valentine’s Day because this is college and you are anything but prepared for this day. It could also be that you have completely forgotten that this day exists, weren’t expecting to have a boyfriend/girlfriend this year and now have to cram for an idea, or you simply just didn’t know what to do. Well now you get to relax, and check out these ideas for a date!

1.)    Land Ho!

If you don’t mind spending a little to achieve this date night with no qualms or fear, then take a ride on the Heritage of Miami docked at Bayside Mall. This ride will give you and your lover that sunset, honey-coated sailboat tour that you never thought could exist. The tour can last for about an hour and a half, but believe me, it’s worth the fantasy.

2.)     Ah the Live Music.

Out of all things Valentine’s, nothing goes better with food and music, than music and food. If you want the less casual, but still delicious seafood choices, then go to Monty’s. Monty’s has a Raw Bar and live music like nobody’s business. The one in Coconut Grove has a more outdoor style that can really set the mood. If you want live music, but not so much the seafood, then why not try going to Cauley Square on US1? The ambiance is still there and there is more than one restaurant to choose from. This Valentine’s Day, they’ll have both their classic Rock N Roll band playing and the jazz band for this special night. Oh, smooth.

3.)    Out and About

There is nothing in the book of dates that says you totally can’t have a small outdoorsy date on the night of love, but to achieve something as awesome as this you’d really have to be the master of dates. I’m not this person but I can say that going out to one of the many local nature preserve parks here in Miami, and setting up a nice picnic is probably the most romantic idea ever. Keep in mind though, that all national parks close at sunset and your picnic may have to be planned accordingly. If you want to extend your picnic, and add a bit of jazz while you’re eating, then try going to the Deering Estate in Old Cutler. They’ll be having a jazz concert for Valentine’s Day and you can bring your own lawn chair, blanket, and/or a picnic basket for the two of you. There is a general admission fee for this concert, but parking is 100% free.

4.)    Really Going Out on a Limb Here

Why restrict yourself to run of the mill restaurants when you can simply go out this year to have fun? In fact, let’s go a full 180 and take a stroll to Sky Zone where you and your other half can go and jump off almost-walls and into foam pits. And come on, let’s be honest, you probably would have never thought of spending your Valentine’s Day like this before. If you want that spontaneity but you don’t want to jump and you just happen to know a few ice tricks, then the Kendall Ice Skating Arena is great for you. If you want, they also have a DJ from 8:30pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

5.)    Homemade Hearts

Let’s be honest. You don’t want to go out this evening. You just want a small romantic dinner and you don’t want anyone there but you and that special someone. And let’s just say you know how to make a killer dinner. Then do that. Stay home that night and cook a nice dinner together. And if neither of you want to cook then simply order take-out. Most restaurants now-a-days don’t mind customers ordering take-out and will let you do so. So go ahead and wrap yourselves in a blanket and watch movies, or talk, and enjoy that evening with that special someone.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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