Ok, guys and gals. Valentine’s Day is exactly one week away. Thought I would share some of my favorite ideas for a Special Date Night and a few I have yet to experience.
Stargazing
Find a tranquil outdoor setting and bring an air mattress, hammock or some reclining chairs. Now some of you may have to travel out of the city for some stargazing. Or if you are fortunate to live in the Morongo Basin, the Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect spot for stargazing. In fact, Valentine’s Day 2004, that is exactly what me and my hubby did for this special holiday. A friend volunteered to come over and watch the kids for a few hours while we went out. This was the first time since our son had been born that we had a chance to get out alone. And honestly, we did not know what to do. So we headed into Joshua Tree National Park for some peace and quiet. It was a gorgeous clear night. Perfect for cuddling up together and watching the skies for a shooting star or two to make a wish. And if its gonna be cold out, be sure to pack some extra blankets and something warm to drink.
Ice Skating
Find an outdoor skating rink and rent some skates if you are in an area that still has outdoor rinks. Bundle up warm and don’t forget to grab a thermos of hot cocoa (perhaps add a splash of peppermint schnapps), some mugs and a camera to document your winter wonderland memories. Otherwise you can probably find an indoor rink close by.
Take a ski day
Take to the slopes with your loved one and then spend your evening snuggled up next to each other by a nice roaring fire. Better yet, hit the hot tub together to relax after a long day of skiing downhill.
Scavenger Hunt
Whether it’s throughout your house or throughout the whole city, make a scavenger hunt for your love and help them follow the clues to a picnic or dinner at a nice restaurant. You can even use your cell phone to send your love pictures and clues via text.
Row, Row, Row your Boat
Gently down the lake. Or whatever body of water is nearby. Rent a row boat and take a few leisurely spins around a lake. Timeless romance. Sigh…
Play Strip Poker
Now this could get really interesting. Just don’t forget to lock the doors if you have little ones at home. And let them win a few games!
Get Fresh
Go to a local farm or orchard and pick some fresh fruit to enjoy together. Bring a picnic basket and a nice bottle of champagne (of course) to reward yourselves with the fruits of your labor. Another fresh thing to do is to find a nice spot to plant a tree together. You can go back to this spot year and year to see your tree grow and carve your names in it.
Be Adventurous
Go bungee jumping, skydiving, rock climbing, anything out of your comfort zone. You’ll get a great adrenaline rush and wonderful memories with your loved one. If you’re in southern California, you can go skydiving in Perris at Skydive Perris and Joshua Tree National Park is one of the top locations in the country for rock climbing. I can personally recommend Joshua Tree Guides. I worked with Zeke last October while photographing a couple for their surprise marriage proposal.
Dance the Night Away
Take a dance class and then go to a nice dinner afterwards.
Volunteer Together
Find a common interest and donate some time together. Visit a nursing home to share the love with those who may otherwise be alone on this special holiday, help out at a local food bank, visit children in the hospital or clean up a trail or park. There are so many ways to volunteer.
Hope this stirs your imagination. Get out there and spend some quality time with the one you love!