Coupled or Not, Spice up Valentines Day for 2009
Fun, Fresh, Affordable Ways to Celebrate whether Singled or Paired
Feb 1, 2009
Whether single or coupled, Valentine's Day can be an affordable blast with a little creative thinking. From partners' fitness classes to preparing a gourmet meal to laser tag with single friends, explore these alternatives to the heart-shaped box of candy and roses of years past.
For Active Couples – Get the Blood Pumping!
Couples looking for a way to get their hearts pumping without the price tag can take advantage of the many yoga and Pilates studios across the country offering romantic couples sessions with a few fun perks.
Om Factory New York in New York City will host "Valentine's Day Couples Workshop: Thai Massage & Partner Yoga" for only $75 per couple. The three hour session is described by the studio as "two hours of yoga stretching, breathing (pranayama), inversions and massage between 7 PM and 9 PM. From 9-10 PM feed your love with wine & chocolate!"
Essence Pilates in Chicago is offering a "Recession Romance" package for only $40 per couple. Spend an hour toning your core in a Pilates mat class, followed by dinner for two at the La Sierra restaurant next door. "Our event is geared towards couples who want to have a fun and fit Valentine's Day evening," the studio says. La Sierra is BYOB, so for $40 plus a bottle of favorite vino, an active and romantic evening can cost under $50.
For Culinary Couples – Get Cooking!
Whether she complains that he never cooks for her, or he complains that she only serves health food fare, getting into the kitchen together and making each other's favorite foods is a great way to bond and feed one another for far less than a restaurant tab. Food Network has dedicated an entire section of its web site to gourmet menus, instructions, and even videos to help couples through cooking the delicious delicacies. From Shrimp Scampi with Linguini to Chocolate Cheesecake and even wine pairings, there's something for everyone, and all the information needed to make the meal a sweet success.
For the Cost-Conscious Couple –Go Out for Less!
Going out to eat on Valentine's Day doesn't have to break the bank. Choosing a spot where food can be shared makes the evening more romantic and more affordable. Fondue is the perfect romantic food, and restaurants like the Melting Pot (with locations in 37 states across the U.S.) offer decadent dinners for two for under $60. Choose a cheese fondue to start, an entree fondue, and a chocolate fondue, and have fun feeding one another over a warm bubbling cauldron.
For Singles – There Are No Limits
On a night when all the couples will be out of the way, singles can take advantage of less crowded locales: bars, casual restaurants, and movie theaters will have shorter wait times. Get a group together and hit up a local laser tag facility or a Dave & Buster's for some fun. Or round up some friends and head to a karaoke bar.
Keep the same old romantic DVDs in their cases, ditch the overpriced restaurant, and skip the requisite Hallmark cards; with a little creativity and some of the ideas above, Valentine's Day can become a day to truly look forward to.
