Valentine’s Day Date Night Ideas


We can’t believe it’s already February and that one of our favorite holidays–Valentine’s Day–is just around the corner!

This super fun, love-filled holiday certainly snuck up on us. And it’s possible that it snuck up on you, too!

Not to worry though.

If you haven’t had the time to think about what you want to do this Valentine’s Day with the ones you love, we’ve got you covered.

Today, we’re going to share some affordable, fun, and easy-to-put-together Valentine’s date night ideas that can be enjoyed with anyone–from your significant other to friends and family.

Check it out…

Enjoy an At-Home Movie Night with Your Favorite Takeout

Going out for dinner and to see a show is always a great Valentine’s Day idea.
However, in an effort to make this classic date night activity a little more intimate and a whole lot more affordable, we suggest ordering your favorite takeout and renting a movie.

After all, what could be better than eating your favorite food in the comfort of your own pajamas while cuddling up in front of a fire and watching your favorite movie?

Not much if you ask us!

Turn Back Time with a Retro Date Night

Looking to turn back the time so you can relive every precious moment you’ve ever spent with the ones you love?

Well, unfortunately, we don’t have the technology to send you back in time. But, we can suggest you turn back the clock by going on a retro date night.

Going to the drive-in movies, roller skating rink, or out to your local speakeasy or soda shop are all great retro date night ideas that we think your partner, kids, or group of friends would love.

Cook a Swanky Homemade Dinner

Night after night of cooking spaghetti, grilled cheese sandwiches, or mac-n-cheese gets boring fast!

This Valentine’s Day, put down the macaroni and pick up some filet mignon, lobster tails, or whatever decadent food you desire.

It’s okay to splurge a little on the ones you love!

If you’re cooking for your partner and have kids, we advise that you put the kids down to sleep before you eat so you can enjoy a romantic dinner together.

If you feel bad leaving the kiddos out, cook them their own special meal earlier in the evening.

Or, if you’re hosting a Valentine’s dinner with friends or family members, we recommend that you ask everyone to bring a side dish or drinks, or chip in for the expensive entrees.

This way everyone can partake in a fun Valentine’s celebration without anyone being burdened by food costs.

Take an Overnight Road Trip

There’s nothing more fun than getting out of town for the night–which is exactly why we think an overnight road trip is a great Valentine’s date idea.

It’s as easy as finding a fun or romantic destination that’s only a few hours or less away from your home, packing up your bags, and hitting the road.

And, with many nice hotels averaging around $100 per night, it’s a surprisingly affordable activity as well!

If you’re traveling with a significant other, we recommend going somewhere you can book a couple’s massage, enjoy a spa day, or spend time doing an activity (like hiking or skiing) that you both love to do together.

If you’re traveling with your kids, spending the night at an indoor water park or visiting a museum is a great choice.

And last but not least, if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your best girlfriends, traveling somewhere you can get mani-pedis, grab a nice brunch, and do some shopping is always fun!

At-Home Spa Night

An at-home spa night is a great idea for both ladies and men!

And with so many spa products available at your local store, it’s easy to host an at home spa night without breaking the bank.

We recommend you grab these items at your local grocery store…

  • Candle
  • Nail polish
  • Bubble bath
  • Face mask
  • Massage oil

If you’re spending an evening with your significant other, break out the candle and spoil your partner with a luxurious massage and a warm, cozy bubble bath.

If you’re celebrating with your kids or girlfriends at home, mani-pedis and face masks are always a fun activity.

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day activities? Share them with us in the comments below!

Fun Valentine’s Day Activity Ideas

Thanks to Valentine’s Day, February is commonly known as the month of love. On the 14th day of this month, many people show love to their friends, family, and significant others, while participating in Valentine’s Day activities.

While we believe that you should express your love for others throughout the entire year, we also know how fun it is to plan special surprises and events on Valentine’s Day.

To help you celebrate, we’ve put together a few of our favorite Valentine’s Day activities so you can plan the best day ever for your partner, friends, or family.

The best part—you can set aside some of these ideas to use throughout the rest of the year to show people how much you care.

Keep reading to discover some of our family Valentine’s Day activities.

Make a Homemade Meal

For many people, food is the key to their hearts. After all, who doesn’t love a home-cooked meal comprised of their favorite foods?

Taking the time out of your busy schedule to cook a meal on Valentine’s Day is a great way to show how much you care. And it’s easy, too!

All you need to do is find out your special Valentine’s favorite meal, and then cook!

Call up your girlfriends for a dinner party at your house, invite your parents or siblings over, or plan a special dinner in for you and your significant other this year. We promise you can’t go wrong with this idea!

 Make a Delicious Dessert

If you’re not much of a cook, but you love to bake, making a Valentine’s Day dessert may be good choice for you.

Here are a few different ways you can use dessert to say “I love you!”

#1 Make your partner’s favorite dessert and serve it as an after-dinner surprise.

#2 Bake a batch of desserts (like brownies or cookies) and hand them out at the office or to your neighbors.

#3 If you have children, make a dessert like cupcakes, and then get the whole family to decorate them and celebrate together.

Go Out for Coffee

Taking a friend, family member, or significant other out for coffee (or tea!) is a great opportunity to spend time with those you love.

This Valentine’s date idea is budget friendly, but most importantly, buys you precious time to chat and spend quality time with the ones you care about. Time together is certainly the best gift of all.

If you’re able, give your “Valentine” a gift card for future coffee dates throughout the year.

Have an In-Home Movie Night

Avoid the Valentine’s Day crowds and have a movie night in the comfort of your own home.

This type of activity works well when you want to celebrate with a bunch of friends, but want to keep the activity cost budget friendly.  Simply put together a list of people you want to celebrate with, pick a movie, and ask your friends to bring a sweet treat to share.

A movie night in is also a great option for a more intimate date night.

Pick out your significant other’s favorite movie, make a yummy movie treat, grab a cozy blanket, and enjoy a quiet evening  together.

Get Out the Crafts

If you have children, a Valentine’s Day crafting night can be a lot of fun.

We recommend using colored paper, stencils, and stickers to write Valentine’s Day cards for each other. This is a great way to remind your children how much they are loved.

While the cards are fun, it’s also a wonderful way to spend quality time with your kids…something they will cherish forever.

Volunteer

Not many people think about doing volunteer work on Valentine’s Day, but it’s a good way to show your community how much you care. It’s amazing how much one act of service can impact a person who needs a little extra love this season.

This Valentine’s Day, get your family or friends together and pick your favorite place to lend a hand like a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or animal shelter.

Not only will your community feel loved, but you’ll also feel good about making a difference.

Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day activity? Share it in the comments below!

All Things Charleston: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Celebration

restaurant

 

It’s that time of year again…whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.

For you single ladies, we here at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction have the perfect V-Day pick-me-up for you. It’s called Galentine’s Day, and it’s all about celebrating love and friendship with your closest gal pals.

For couples, we’ve selected some of Charleston’s most romantic restaurants for you to wine and dine with your sweetie.

Whether you surprise your special someone with a reservation at one of the best restaurants in Charleston, or you spend the afternoon at the spa with the girls, we’ve got you covered.

Here are our top romantic restaurant picks that are sure to make the day special:

Charleston Grill

Charleston Grill is the perfect setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with your special someone. From the luxurious jazz lounge atmosphere and live music to the delectable food, everything about Charleston Grill is indulgent. Their ever-changing menu is divided into four distinct sections, so whether you’re in the mood for southern comfort, exotic flavors, simple classics, or something more decadent, this unique restaurant has a little bit of everything.

Peninsula Grill

Located in Charleston’s Historic District, Peninsula Grill proudly emanates the charm and class of an era gone by. Every detail, from the wrought iron gate that borders the restaurant to the candlelit tables and stunning courtyard, exudes elegance and sophistication. And of course, the food is unforgettable as well. It is prepared under the direction of Executive Chef Graham Dailey, who has studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and has been featured on several national news programs. Having dinner here with your favorite person sounds like the perfect Valentine’s Day plan.

Fulton Five

Fulton Five is a charming Italian bistro that has been voted “Most Romantic Restaurant” from 1998-2014 by the Charleston City Paper. With its ivy-covered storefront, candlelit tables, and an impressive selection of fine wines and Italian cuisine, it’s easy to see why. If you’re struggling to come up with Valentine’s Day date ideas, you can’t go wrong with a reservation for Fulton Five.

Circa 1886 Restaurant

Circa 1886 is the place to go for a modern spin on Southern classics. Using whole grains, seasonal ingredients, and less butter and cream than you’d expect, Circa 1886s Chef Marc Collins has created a unique menu that has become a staple of the Charleston dining scene. Circa 1886 has been rated among the best in both local and national publications, including USA Today, Forbes, and Country Living. It will make the perfect location for your Valentine’s Day date or girls’ night out.

For the single ladies looking to start a new Galentine’s Day tradition, spend the day with your closest girlfriends at one of these locations in Charleston:

Cooking Classes at Charleston Cooks

Brush up on your culinary skills at Charleston Cooks! More than just a kitchen retail store, Charleston Cooks offers a range of cooking classes that will teach you how to make a whole meal from scratch. Classes cover everything from vegetarian cuisine to “Charleston Sunday Brunch,” so check their class schedule and sign your crew up today!

Afternoon Tea at Charleston Place

Get your best friends together and make a reservation for Afternoon Tea at Charleston Place. During Afternoon tea, you will be treated to an assortment of scones, cakes, crumpets, and sandwiches, and of course, a delicious pot of freshly brewed tea. This would make a delightfully unexpected location for your Galentine’s Day celebration.

Drinks at The Gin Joint

The Gin Joint is the perfect Galentine’s Day location for those of you with an adventurous palate. The Gin Joint specializes in handcrafted cocktails and upscale bar food. You can choose from a tempting selection of signature drinks, or if you’re feeling daring, pick two adjectives from the list on the menu (like sweet and refreshing) and let the bartender surprise you. Stop by for Cocktail Hour Monday through Thursday from 5-7, or make a reservation for a great Girl’s Night Out.

Have a Spa Day

Before you go out on the town, spend the day pampering yourself at the spa—you deserve it! Treat yourself to a deep tissue massage at The Spa at Charleston Place, a cocoa shea butter wrap at Urban Nirvana, or a cleansing facial at Stella Nova. There’s nothing better than looking and feeling your best, so take the time out for some serious me time!

Any one of these amazing locations would be a great place to spend this Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day.

The most important part is whom you spend it with. Make your reservations today, and ensure that this V-Day will be a memorable one.

Date Ideas with an Extra Dose of Love

roseSo “that” day is rapidly approaching.

You know the day I’m talking about…the one with the extra high expectations and all the surrounding hoopla. Yep, that’s the one: Valentine’s Day.

All right, ladies, it’s time to drop some not-so-subtle hints to our significant others.

Sure, carnations and chocolates are nice, but it’s time for a change.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been happily married for 20 years or just “in like” with someone, you deserve a date that involves truly spending time with one another.

So it’s time to work our female super powers. Here are 5 unique date ideas that—if you spin the right way—your date may think he came up with all on his own:

1. Plan a picnic

This one is an oldie but goodie. If you’re in Charleston and it’s not too windy, nothing says romance like a basket full of food, a blanket, and a bottle of wine.

2. Make an evening of it

Drinks, dinner, and dessert are a classic for Valentine’s Day. But why not make it an event? Have a night mapped out where you go to a different restaurant for each course. It makes the date last longer and shows you put a lot of thought into the occasion. Make sure you hint that he needs to get reservations, or else you’ll be hopping around burger joints!

3. Take a cooking class

Want to get to know someone better? Need to rekindle with your loved one? An activity, like taking a cooking class together, is a fun way to let loose and connect. If you are in Charleston, we suggest Charleston cooks! Maverick Kitchen Store.

4. Go ice-skating

Ice-skating is the perfect date for the two of you to get slightly out of your comfort zone. Not to mention great practice for learning how to support one another! Make sure you check Carolina Ice Palace’s public skating times.

5. Girls’ night

Don’t think we forgot about you, single ladies! Don’t fret if your prince charming hasn’t arrived. Pedicures, wine, and chocolate with your best girlfriends are definitely on the list this Valentine’s Day.

Have other great date ideas? Please share below!