Couples Connection

Perhaps the most romantic holiday of the year is not Valentine’s Day, and it is conceivably New Year’s Eve. Think about it...you are still on the emotional high that only the magic of Christmas can bring, and those emotions are ready to spill over into a night filled with fun, excitement, and anticipation of the upcoming new year. The opportunity to experience one of the most epically romantic evenings of your life is at its peak. To help you capitalize on the romantic feels of the season we have put together a list of date night options to turn your evening into an epically romantic New Year’s Eve bash.

Buy those expensive event tickets. Chances are there is an overthe-top party that you have been wanting to go to every year but can’t bring yourself to spend the cash. You know that party that has the best entertainment, 5-star rated food, and is located at a place you rarely go to because of price. Why not splurge on those tickets, get all dressed up, and make it a night to remember?

Dress up for a private party of two. If you have been there/ done that to the glamorous party and found it not to be worth the expense, you don’t have to give up the glitz and the glam. Instead of going out, create a night that is focused on the two of you. Get all dressed up, open a bottle of wine, order in and play the music you can slow dance to in your dining room. The bonus is you won’t have to worry about how you will get home safely because you will already be there!

Ring in the New Year in a new zip code. Why not use that extra PTO before you lose it and hop on a plane to a romantic destination? There are multiple places within flying or driving distance where you can experience New Year’s Eve in a whole new atmosphere. If a romantic getaway is not within your budget, try playing tourist in your hometown. Experience a beautiful Airbnb or hotel to celebrate your New Year’s staycation.

Start New Traditions based on Old Traditions from Around the World. Rather than watching the ball drop in Times Square again this year, why not explore what other countries do to celebrate the new year? Theme your whole evening around a favorite country you have visited or want to visit with your partner. For example, in Spain, they bring in the new year by eating 12 grapes, which represents each strike of the clock. It is a tradition rooted in history and is believed to ward off evil to make way for a prosperous new year.

Become the Ultimate New Year’s Eve destination by hosting a dinner party. Securing a dinner reservation at your favorite restaurant, well actually any restaurant on New Year’s Eve, will be next to impossible. So why not skip the heartache and invite your friends over for a dinner party? Make it super elegant or cozy casual depending on the vibe you are going for. If you don’t feel like preparing all of the food, then go for a potluck, or skip the meal altogether and go straight to an appetizer and wine-tasting party. Ask each guest to bring their favorite bottle of wine, hide the labels and discover together your new favorite wine.

Whichever idea you choose, let romance fill the midnight air of your epic New Year’s Eve bash. n

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday destination, look no further than Watertown, SD. Watertown, located just 100 miles North of Sioux Falls on I-29 is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway for all ages. Kick o the holiday season by checking out the 26th annual Holiday Lighted Parade the Friday a er Thanksgiving and sticking around for a weekend full of shopping, good local cuisine, and a drive through the Optimist Club Winter Wonderland. Other holiday activities this year include breakfast with Santa at the Bramble Park Zoo, Christmas at the Terry Redlin Art Center featuring the Holy Rocka Rollaz, Cloverton Christmas, and The Nutcracker Ballet at the Goss Opera House. With all the happenings this holiday season you won’t want to miss out. Start planning your trip today!

November 25 Downtown Lighted Parade | 6:30 pm November 26-27 Optimist Club Winter Wonderland | 6 - 9 pm December 2 Carnegie Christmas Market, Codington County Historical Museum (every Fri-Sun until Christmas) December 2 Cloverton Christmas, Contemporary Christian Music at the Goss Opera House | 7 pm December 3 The Holy Rocka Rollaz Christmas Show, Terry Redlin Art Center | 2 pm December 3 Sherwin & Pam Linton and “The Co on Kings” and Guests! Joy Ranch | 3 pm December 10 Breakfast with Santa, Bramble Park Zoo | 8 am - 10 am December 17 Nutcracker Ballet, The Goss Opera House | 7 pm

Photos by: Sydney Breann Photography

Living in South Dakota means accepting that winters will be a bit chilly, and because of that, winter weddings are not as popular as summer weddings. But The Meadow Barn, located south of Sioux Falls, offers couples a beautiful wedding experience even in the chilliest of months. Katie Jones, who owns The Meadow Barn and The Veranda by Meadow Barn with her husband Greg, says that couples interested in winter weddings will have more prime date options available than in the summer months. Saturday weddings are hard to come by in other seasons because they book up first, but in the winter, it’s more likely there will be some great dates still available at The Meadow Barn. Winter weddings are also more affordable due to the offpeak pricing. Jones says that some vendors may even offer discounts as well during the winter months. Along with the more affordable pricing, there are also special perks available to couples that select a winter wedding date at The Meadow Barn. “When I think of a winter wedding here in South Dakota, I think of the warmth, all the textures, and the vibrant colors you can play around with,” Jones said. “The Meadow Barn is a venue that has all of that.”

The Meadow Barn is a real post and beam structure, which creates a cozy and warm atmosphere, and has three large chandeliers that add an elegant touch. Some couples will decorate the space with popular greenery and pops of color during the winter months, and because The Meadow Barn already provides a warm and cozy ambiance, some couples find they don’t need as many additional decorations. Jones shares that another fun element to play around with for the reception is selecting creative and seasonal drinks. Signature drinks have included Hot Mulled Wine and a Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned. For couples wanting to have a more formal or black-tie affair, a winter wedding is the perfect opportunity for that. Jones

says because weddings in the winter aren’t as common, guests don’t experience the wedding fatigue they may experience in other seasons. Another huge benefit to having a winter wedding is the pictures, Jones says. “I’m always taken aback by pictures outside of The Meadow Barn, especially if there’s a coat of white snow,” Jones said. “They’re just breathtaking. Outdoor pictures can be extremely beautiful and you can get creative with all the great photo opportunities the property has.” Jones says between Thanksgiving and March is their busiest time for booking weddings. For couples wanting information on available dates, package options, and prices, they can find all of that online on The Meadow Barn’s revamped website. Visit themeadowbarn.com to get more information and to book a private tour.