This time last year, we had no idea there would be a shutdown from a global pandemic. We were going to concerts, out to bars with friends, and on dates with our partners. Valentine’s Day looks very different this year. While the traditional date night may not be as safe as it used to be, we have some ideas for you to still make Valentine’s Day special with your boo.
Go to a drive-in movie
The drive-in movie is making a come-back. And what a fun and safe way to go see a movie! You can park your car, hop in the trunk, and watch a movie under the stars. Don’t forget to bring your favorite snacks.
Watch a movie at home
If you’d rather stay at home, turn on a movie or TV show to binge watch with your date. For all our music lovers out there, check out some of the music-centered movies and documentaries that are on your streaming service of choice. Amazon has Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men; Bohemian Rhapsody is on HBO; Hulu has Amy Winehouse: A Final Goodbye; and the new Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom starring Viola Davis can be found on Netflix.
Have a picnic
Even if it’s cold outside, bundle up in layers and have a picnic outside. You can cook a fun meal, or get takeout from your favorite restaurant (support local businesses!). Find a nice patch of grass in your park, or your go-to sunset-watching spot and have a nice meal with your partner.
Take a road trip
Traveling isn’t advisable right now, but taking a road trip is a safe way to do that. A weekend getaway is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, especially after this year of staying at home. Look into places within reasonable driving distance from your city–maybe go to the mountains or the beach if you can for a change of scenery. And, a road trip is the perfect opportunity to make each other playlists and bond over your favorite music. For a playlist recommendation, check out our first date playlist.
Go on a hike
If you love the outdoors or just need an excuse to get off your couch, get outside and go for a hike. Find your local park or anywhere nearby in nature where you and your partner can escape the real world for a few hours. We suggest bringing a speaker with you to listen to your favorite tunes while exploring the outdoors.
Go camping
If you really want to avoid interacting with others to maintain safety, go on a camping trip. Look into local parks where you can camp, get your gear, and get ready for a night around the campfire. Check out this guide on how to create the perfect romantic campsite.
Go for a bike ride
Since we’ve been cooped up in our homes for so long, hopping on a bike to get some exercise and fresh air is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner. Grab your bike and explore your city in a new way.
Workout together
This could be a simple at-home workout following along with a YouTube video, or maybe you like more structure. There are lots of studios that offer virtual classes, ranging from yoga to kick boxing. Find your local gym or studio and find out if they offer virtual classes.
Have a spa night
Since it may not be smart to go to a spa these days, bring the spa to you. Buy some face masks, wear your favorite robe, and have a DIY spa night. Or, save some money and make your own products. Here are some ideas of products to buy and recipes for DIY face masks
Take a virtual tour of another country or city
If you miss traveling as much as we do, then check out this option. It’s not the same as exploring a new city in person, but taking a virtual trip together to see the Eiffel Tower on Valentine’s Day is the next best thing. Here’s a link for some of the world’s top attractions that you and your partner can tour together this V-day.
Have a date night at home
We haven’t had as many opportunities this past year to dress up and have a formal date night, so why not bring the date night to your home? You can get dressed up, cook a nice meal that you would order at a restaurant, and pop some Veuve Clicquot. This date idea creates the dinner-date-in-a-restaurant vibe but with more intimacy.
Have a wine and paint night
Remember those fun nights where you could go to a studio or a bar and paint a canvas while sipping on some wine with your friends? Well, you can do that from home with your partner. Buy some paint, canvases, and a bottle of wine and you’re good to go. You may even create a masterpiece for your home. If you want some more structure, though, look up local stores that offer virtual wine and paint nights so you can support local businesses while having a fun and creative date night.
Attend a virtual concert
Lastly, we may be biased, but attending a virtual concert is the best option! Crank up the tunes, jam out to your favorite band, and spend some quality time with your date. What more could you ask for? To find a virtual concert to attend, you can search and suggest a concert using the chat feature in the Vinylly app. And, if you don’t have a date this year or want to connect with other music lovers, download Vinylly in the App store (and Google Play store soon!) and suggest a concert with your match.
Also, this is just a reminder to take care of yourself. You don’t need to have a date to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day is on February 13, so celebrate the incredible friends in your life! Take advantage of Valentine’s Day for self-care. You can do all of these date ideas with friends or on your own. Watch your favorite movie, cook your favorite meal, go for a walk, and remind yourself that you are complete with or without a partner.