Valentine’s Day Date Night

By Carly Meyers

The usual plan for Valentine’s Day always remains the same: drinks and a formal dinner followed by a romantic comedy at the movie theater. Some couples may try to break the mold and get a bit more creative with their plans to nd a more original way to spend the day. Others are looking for the best opportunity to avoid crowds or ways to spend the holiday at home. Stumped on plans? Consider these ideas!

The Classic Plans

If going the classic route, the rst step is to make dinner reservations. Most couples make their reservations as far out as six weeks ahead of time, so if you’re trying to avoid a last-minute spot in the early afternoon, it’s best to make yours today. Consider having dinner at Marion Street Bistro in Lake City or The Great Outdoors in High Springs, or head to Prohibition in Downtown Lake City for appetizers and drinks.

As for the movie, the romantic lms set to release for Valentine’s Day this year are I Want You Back, What About Love, Marry Me and Through My Window. Scope out their trailers to buy your tickets ahead of time, especially if you’d like to attend a prime time showing after dinner.

The Out-of-the-Box Plans

Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience? Try something new! Push your luck and experience an escape room in

Lake City or try your hand at throwing axes at Class Axe in

Jacksonville. Doing something new or daring can make the holiday memorable in a whole new way, especially doing so with a loved one. Have you ever been skydiving or zip lining? Valentine’s Day is your time to shine. A great option is The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park in Ocala that o ers nine zip lines, two rope bridges and horseback riding. A daring, outof-the-box activity is a sure way to o er a new perspective to Valentine’s Day this year.

If you’re looking for an activity with meaning, do something tried and true this Valentine’s Day. Try a classic such as putt-putt gol ng or bowling, like at Lake City Bowl. Or, reenact your rst date to reminisce on the past. The goal is to do something that feels special to those involved; it doesn’t need to make sense to others.

Something that always feels special is experiencing new places. Plan a road trip or day trip to somewhere the two of you have never been before. There are tons of wineries in southern Georgia, such as Still Pond Vineyard in Arlington. If that’s not your aesthetic, head to a beachside you’ve never seen for some fresh seafood and a change of scenery. If you enjoy camping, consider reserving a campsite at Ginnie Springs in High Springs or Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. A new view or a sunset in a di erent place is sure to make the holiday memorable.

The Recluse Plans

If you despise crowds, you’re most likely dreading Valentine’s Day. Don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to make the day feel special without ever having to leave the house. Avoid restaurant masses by cooking your loved one’s favorite meal at home or having breakfast in bed. Not a chef? Pizza or food delivery will never desert you in your time of need.

Skip the movie out and instead opt for your favorite DVD marathon. If you hate to sit still, consider camping or stargazing in your backyard. Some couples often enjoy completing DIY or art projects together. Think about spending the night painting new canvases for your home or trying your hand at homemade pottery over a glass of wine. Crowds are never needed to have quality one-on-one time with a loved one. If the simple thought of Valentine’s Day stresses you out, relax instead. Cut out all stress and worry by spending the day getting pampered at a spa. Many spas often run Valentine’s Day specials for couples, so be sure to take advantage! Indulge in a couples massage at The Spa on Marion or fall asleep during a variety of facials at Skincare by Serana, both in Lake City. Utilize the holiday to take a well-deserved pause from your hectic schedules and enjoy a blissful day together instead.

The Active Plans

If you’re looking for plans that don’t involve long periods of time spent sitting in di erent places, consider these options. Perhaps you’d enjoy spending the day hiking at Alligator Lake or riding bikes around the lake in Downtown Lake City. You could also make the drive to Gainesville to go rock climbing at The Knot or have drinks and play games at Dave and Buster’s.

Regardless, a fun activity is an easy way to break tradition while also not falling into a rut of only eating and drinking the holiday away. Whatever activity the two of you enjoy doing together or often don’t get time to do, plan a date around it this Valentine’s Day to make the day feel special.

The “Not a Big Deal” Plans

If you haven’t been dating someone very long or maybe not going steady yet, you may want to acknowledge the holiday but not do anything too crazy. In this situation, it’s best to keep the gifts to candy or a card and the activities minimal. Perhaps suggest a frozen pizza and a movie at home or grab ice cream from your favorite drive-through. A large gesture while not in a serious relationship can feel awkward or forced, so keep it simple.

Regardless of how you decide to spend this Valentine’s Day, know that a dinner and movie are not your only options when making plans. Plan the day around you and your loved one; do something that is speci c to your relationship. Whether that be take-out or a formal dinner, enjoy your Valentine’s Day spent in a way that makes you love the holiday as much as those you choose to spend it with. Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Adventurous Couple

Every day is best utilized when an adventure is involved, and Valentine’s Day is no di erent for this couple. If your ideal date night involves throwing axes, like at Class Axe in Jacksonville, or trying out an escape room here in Lake City, then consider yourself this couple. Rest assured, you’re up to do anything thrilling this Valentine’s Day.

The Active Couple

The idea of sitting still for a date night sounds like terror to this couple. Instead, nd them rock climbing at The Knot in Gainesville or bowling at the Lake City Bowl. Or, catch them on a hike or bike ride around town to avoid the crowds. Regardless, Valentine’s Day is not the day for them to slow down.

The Traditionalists

It’s dinner or no-go for this couple. Willing to brave the crowds, this couple prefers the tried-and-true Valentine’s Day date night and has had their dinner reservation secured since Christmas. For this couple, straying from tradition would ruin the holiday altogether. Some would say they’re wary of change, but they believe the holiday can’t be spent better any other way.

The Artsy Couple

Creative minds think alike! This couple likes to take a more o -beat approach to their date nights. You’re likely to nd them at Painting with a Twist or camping at home in the backyard to break the traditionalist date scheme this Valentine’s Day.

The Nostalgic Couple

This couple likes to give new memories to old experiences. Perhaps they’ll take a trip to the drive-in theater in Ocala or plan a throwback “high school date” and spend their night puttputt gol ng in Lake City followed by some star gazing in an open eld. Nevertheless, this couple appreciates the gesture of the date rather than what the date entails.