Valentines Day. It’s the holiday of love.
…Or, for many, the holiday of pressure. We all know that figuring out the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day can be challenging and overwhelming. But don’t fret just yet because we may have just the thing to make your holiday of love romance-movie spectacular. Find here 14 ways to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day–instead of sweating it.
- Go Dining
Sharing a meal in a romantic venue is the perfect time to refresh the spark that made you enjoy being together in the first place. Sacramento is aflame with romantic restaurants and Valentine’s specials for you and your sweetie. Dress up a little to make it more special and be sure to make reservations. - Go to a Show
Who doesn’t love to snuggle in the dark with their honey? Visit the Geery Theatre to watch Love Letters, a play about the enduring power of first love. Or keep the night light with the musical “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” at Sutter Street Theatre. Or celebrate love’s many forms–show your children you love them by taking them to see many of the available showtimes of Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate! - Go Dancing (or watch one)
For those with rhythm in their bones, dance along to the sound of funk and pop during a performance from Katdelic at G Street Wunderbar. Tango more your style? Check out the Valentines edition of Tango by the River. Have two left feet? Not to worry, you can still have a fun night out at The Sacramento Ballet‘s production of Peter Pan. - Give a Sentimental Gift
The most special gifts are those that come from the heart. Say “I love you” by personalizing a gift that brings to mind a unique-to-you-two conversation or memory. Try engraving the frame of a special picture, sending a singing valentine, or hand-crafting a scrapbook or a framed poem (bonus points for one written by you!). Whatever you do, do something that shows love in a unique and personal way. - Give a Taditional Gift
Flowers and chocolates will forever be a Valentine’s Day favorite, but where do you find the best? Sacramento voters say 2014‘s best locations for flowers and chocolate are Relles Florist, Rust Florist, Nina’s Flowers and Gifts (see the comprehensive florist list), Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and iBleedChocolate. (see the comprehensive chocolate shop list). Remember to make traditional gifts unique and personal too with flower or chocolates you know is just your significant other’s style. - Give the kids a fun night out (so you can)
Those of you in need of a sitter can enjoy a romantic evening out while giving your kids a night of fun while doing Valentine’s-themed crafts and activities and eating snacks at the Sacramento Children’s Museum’s Valentine’s Drop-Off Night. (5-9pm. $15-25. Space is limited.) - Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Fall even more in love with this beautiful city as you discover the hidden beauties of Sacramento with the self-guided Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure. - Sip some Wine
Add a little class to your Valentine’s Day this year. Old Sugar Mill’s annual Port, Wine & Chocolate Lovers’ Weekend is a chance to taste wine from 11 wineries, paired of course with savory and sweet treats and live music. Alternately, Revolution Wines is offering a luxurious 4-course prix-fixe meal with 3 wine pairings. - Drink Some Beer
Board the Sac Brew Bus for the Valentine’s Brew Bus for Lovers. Tour of some of Sacramento’s best craft beer bars with your beer-loving sweetheart by your side. - Go for a Run
Love your body this Valentines with a healthy alternative to chocolates and candy (or a justification to eat them). Enjoy a kid-and/or-pet-friendly run or walk through the Arden Park neighborhood at the 12th Annual Race for Justice Valentine Run/Walk. You will also help fund the Legal Services of Northern California, a company that strives to aid low income families gain a more secure and stabilized life. - Get a taste of Brazil
Submerge yourself in Brazilian culture with food and live Brazilian Samba dance performances at the Carnaval 2015. - Give Your Wallet a Break
Romance doesn’t have to be expensive. Go for a stroll by the river or take a drive to the beach. Or go bowling, ice skating, or rock climbing. Spending time together is what’s most important. For those of you looking for an event that won’t break the budget, East Sac Mercantile is hosting a free Valentine’s event. Attendees of the Be My Valentine Party will get Valentines cards, snacks and wine from 1 to 6pm. - Celebrate Singlehood
Being alone on Valentine’s can be fun with the Valentine’s Day Singles Bike Bus Tour. Meet new people and enjoy three included drinks and treats during Off The Chain’s Bike Bus Tours‘ multiple-stop bike tour. (Space is limited). - Show off Your Relationship Status (all kinds welcomed!)
Are you single, undecided, or taken? Regardless of relationship status, have fun at Xoso Sport’s “Colors” Valentine’s Day Pub Crawl, where you’ll visit several Sacramento Bars while the singles proudly wear red, the undecidedes contentedly wear blue, and the takens happily wear black.
Now that the stress of planning a fantastic Valentine’s Day is diminished, don’t forget to simply enjoy your other half’s company, celebrate your love, and, most importantly, to have fun.
