Brighten up the short, dark days of winter with your special someone, whether you're cozied up at home or striking out to enjoy the Valley's Valentine's events. From the understated to the extravagant, here are 10 date ideas for the holiday or whenever you want a rush of romance!
1. Stage an Indoor Picnic
Several Valley farmers' markets are keeping a spread of local products on offer through the winter, including Emmaus Farmer's Market at Triangle Park. With marinated olives, beautiful breads, cheeses and baked goods, a candlelit charcuterie picnic is about to warm your winter night in front of the fireplace. Beyond the Board delivers dazzling arrangements if you're in a pinch!
2. Learn to Dance
Whether at a special occasion or in your kitchen as you cook together, the chemistry and reciprocity of dancing together mirrors that of a good relationship. The give and take, the close attention—it's dynamite. If you've felt too awkward to start or just want to up your game, try a non-credit couples' class at Northampton Community College and nail down the basics of the foxtrot, waltz and swing.
3. Movie and a Museum
Perfectly timed to cap off an indulgent brunch with some food for thought and historical enrichment, the Sigal Museum's Movie and a Museum series is screening The Cry of Jazz at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. this Valentine's Sunday. The 1959 documentary explores the connection between jazz and African American history through the setting of a Chicago jazz club.
4. Get Messy
Channel that steamy scene from Ghost as you try something new together: sculpting on a pottery wheel. Mood music is provided at The Art Establishment's sessions in Fountain Hill, and you're welcome to BYOB and get merry. Take home three of your favorite pieces, not that you'll need a souvenir to remember this tactile togetherness!
5. Laugh Together
Share the rush of feel-good endorphins with a comedy show. Stand-up comedian and co-creator of 2 Broke Girls, Whitney Cummings is at Wind Creek Event Center February 11 for a night of hysterical humor. Make a day of it with a couple's massage at the Steel Magnolia Spa and/or dinner at one of Wind Creek's restaurants.
6. Volunteer Together
Check out your options through the Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley and pitch in together to help others. What's more attractive than kindness and generosity? Side effects may include the satisfaction of accomplishing something meaningful as a couple, and gratitude for having enough that you can share your time with those in need.
7. Get Away From It All
Leave your cares at home and hibernate together in luxury at a bed and breakfast. You don't have to go far with The Sayre Mansion and Hotel Bethlehem offering historical escapes right in the heart of the Lehigh Valley and Glasbern Inn providing a rural retreat in Fogelsville. Eat well, rest well and enjoy no distractions from each other.
8. Arts
What classier site for a date than the hushed, artifact-adorned galleries of a museum? Come in on Valentine's weekend at The Allentown Art Museum for a self-guided love tour and treasure hunt. From noon to 3 p.m., the studio is open to try your hand at making Valentine-inspired art of your own. Or, a virtual offering with jazz performance and chocolate piping tutorial could be your night-in alternative.
9. Get Outside
It's lovely to stay warm at home, but a fresh-air infusion gives you the chance to brave the elements together. Whether it's a disciplined run like the Cupid's Chase 5K in Breinigsville, a wintry hike at Hawk Mountain or sailing down the slopes at Blue Mountain Resort, the bracing air and heightened heart rate of activity will make you feel alive and very much in love.
10. Read to Each Other
Set aside the screens and make sweet winter memories in an old-fashioned, intimate way. From Book & Puppet in Easton to Now and Then Books in Emmaus, there are cozy local booksellers happy to help you procure a read you'll both enjoy, whether you're nodding off to a comforting voice or giving the characters cool accents.
