Valentine’s Day is yet another holiday that will be different this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be special. In fact, you may find that it’s all the more meaningful when you take the time to do something memorable with your partner despite everything else going on in the world. Here are some of our favorite ideas for a socially safe Valentine’s date. |
1. Get married or renew your vows at Loveland’s annual Group Valentine’s Day Wedding Reimagined for COVID safety this year, this one-of-a-kind, nationally recognized event is a truly memorable way to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one. Every couple gets a customized ceremony, keepsake photos, a lock to “Lock Your Love” at the famous LOVE or HEART sculptures in Loveland, gift bags from local businesses, signature wedding cupcakes, and a champagne toast, all for just $95 per couple. Find all the details and buy tickets online here: http://www.valentinesdayinloveland.com 2. Watch a Valentine’s Day movie with popcorn Create the movie theater date experience at home with a rom-com and some popcorn (or another favorite movie snack). The best part about this date is that it can be done together, if you live with your partner, or virtually, if you live apart. Netflix even has a feature called “Netflix Party” that allows you to watch movies in sync and chat simultaneously – with none of the “Press play now!...No, wait, now! Okay, rewind.” |
Bring the restaurant date night to you. Order in delivery or takeout from your favorite romantic restaurant - even fancy steakhouses and seafood restaurants are offering takeout during the pandemic. If you want to go all out, recreate the restaurant atmosphere at home with tablecloths, your best plates and glassware, and some candles and flowers to set the mood.
If you don’t live with your partner, you can still enjoy the meal together via video chat. You can even surprise your S.O. (significant other) with the romantic meal by ordering the food ahead of time to be delivered to them. Most restaurants with their own delivery system will offer this, as do Uber Eats’ share system and Grubhub.
4. Shop local gifts
Show your partner and struggling local businesses some love this year by choosing unique gifts from a small shop in your area. If you’re worried about going inside, many small businesses are offering curbside pickup, and some have even set up online ordering with shipping. If you live in NoCo, check out MBD’s local-centric Valentine’s Day gifts Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/MyBigDayEvents/valentines-day-gifts/ full of unique products from Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and more.
5. Stream a virtual concert
Virtual concerts are still happening - more than ever. If concerts are a favorite date night pastime for you, now you can recreate the music fan experience at home. You can now easily search Google for a list of upcoming virtual concerts. SongKick also has a great list you can bookmark: https://www.songkick.com/live-stream-concerts of live streaming concerts with times.
Clear the living room for slow dancing (or a mosh pit, if that’s more your vibe), have an in-home concert “tailgate,” and have your favorite concert drinks on hand.
6. Make chocolate fondue
Chocolate and romance go hand-in-hand, and nothing is more romantic than melted chocolate with fruit or sweets. You may not feel comfortable going to your favorite fondue restaurant this year, but you can bring the fondue experience home. You can buy a fondue pot online for as little as $15 these days, grab a box of strawberries, melt a bag of chocolate chips, and voilà.
7. Take a virtual cocktail or cooking class Cocktails and cooking are popular couples pastimes that are equal parts romantic and team building exercises (with a dash of humor, too). Cozymeal https://www.cozymeal.com/online-mixology-classes offers affordable cocktail classes for starting at $19 per device, so you can join in from anywhere. If you’re looking for a private experience, you’ll need to book out a class from a site like Equal Parts Co. https://www.equalpartsco.com/virtual-happy-hour-information, which will be pricey, but hey – maybe that’s just the luxury you need right now. If cooking is your ideal romantic date night, Fort Collins’ own The Cooking Studio [https://www.the-cooking-studio.com/private-holiday-parties.html] offers tailor-made, private virtual or in-person classes for couples starting at $200. You’ll get a list of supplies and ingredients to pick up, a list of decadent savory and/or sweet options to choose from, and 1 - 1.5 hours of class time with your own chef. |
Maybe you’re in a long distance relationship, or maybe you just want to surprise your partner with a note or two left around the house. Either way, handwritten notes are a romantic tradition that go a long way in today’s world of text messages and Snapchats.
Take your time writing (practice that cursive?) and, if you’re mailing your Valentine, use your nicest stationery or take some time to personalize what you have. Doodles or notes in the margins will make these keepsakes even more memorable, and you’ll love looking back on them together down the road.
Surprise breakfast in bed is basically never a bad idea, if you ask us. Sneak out of bed early to prepare your loved one’s favorite meal (pizza is fine for breakfast, by the way) and surprise them with it.
Alternatively, cook breakfast together, then head back to bed to enjoy your culinary creations and spend the day being couch bed potatoes.
10. Connect virtually
If you can’t be together this Valentine’s Day, carve out some time to connect virtually. Phone calls, video calls, and virtual activities like an online class or Netflix movie party are an easy way to show someone you’re thinking of them. Other ideas include eating a meal or sharing a glass of wine “together,” live streaming the same concert, or solving a virtual escape room.
Coloradoans are known for our love of the outdoors, so take to one of your local trails or head up to the mountains with your partner for a romantic outing in nature. Hold hands, have intimate conversations, take in the scenery, practice teamwork, and boost your health all in one date.