Date ideas for an unconventionally awesome Valentine’s Day

Box chocolates, red roses, a candlelight dinner for two—it’s usually the same story every Valentine’s Day. And it’s all in good fun; but a little played out, don’t you think?

Just because you’re a couple doesn’t mean you have to follow the “rules” of celebrating Valentine’s Day. Besides, rules were meant to be broken—so why not spice things up this year? Valentine’s Day is about sharing love, and there are plenty of ways to show your affection that don’t consist of giant teddy bears or heart-shaped balloons.

Here are just a few out-of-the-chocolate-box ideas perfect for an unconventional Valentine’s Day—or any date night, for that matter!

Book a flight to. . . {fill in the blank}

This is an idea for the more spontaneous duos: all you have to do is pack a small weekend bag (carry-ons only) and head to the airport. Once there, buy the cheapest, soonest flight to a city you don’t know or have never been to and enjoy a mini-romantic getaway. It could be a thrilling holiday, or leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere; either way it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget. Bon Voyage!

Take a sick day and spend it together

Take a cue from Ferris Bueller and call in sick for the day, then do as you please. Take a long lunch and wander around your neighborhood, snuggle on the couch and watch cheesy movies, or enjoy doing absolutely nothing! Sometimes the best dates are just spending time together. Either way, the world is your oyster!

Just dessert

Get dressed up as if you were going to the most luxurious restaurant in town. But instead of your typical fancy dinner for two, just ask for the dessert menu. Then split the most decadent dish they offer. Your wallet will thank you, and so will your sweet tooth.

Take a class

Pottery, cooking, weaving, martial arts, mixology—there’s a class for just about anything these days. Try something one of you loves or something completely new, whichever way, you are bound to have fun and learn something new about each other.

Watch the sunrise

Watching the sunset is nice, but watching the sunrise is the ultimate romantic experience. Rise (pun intended) early, grab a blanket, and a flask of hot coffee. Cuddle up and watch the sun wake up the world. Then go back to sleep for a few more hours—you deserve it.

Have an extravagant brunch

Get dressed in your Sunday best and do breakfast right. Make a big deal out of it and order the most decadent dishes—French toast, belgian waffles, eggs benedict, and mimosas (lots of mimosas, because treat yo self). Boutique hotels usually do a brilliant brunch, offering all the luxury details, from thick linen napkins to crystal glassware. It’s a magnificent way to start the day.

Arcade game night

There’s a growing trend of video arcade bars featuring all the arcade games you grew up with, and then some. It’s always fun adding some good old-fashioned competition into a date. So grab a cocktail and challenge each other to a game of Street Fighter. Loser buys the next round.

Ashlei Mosley is a writer, motivator, and creative freelancer. She’s a bit of a self-help junkie, loves traveling both near and far, and can make a mean bourbon cocktail. While she dreams of one day living abroad in a posh European city, she currently resides in the small Midwestern town of Chicago. You’ll most likely find her on her blog Kinks are the new Pink, where she shares a glorious mess of inspiration, support, and insight on livin’ (and lovin’) life. She also has a totally healthy addiction to Instagram and would love to connect with you at @KinksarePink.

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