Fourteen Romantic Valentine Date Ideas You Will Love

Chocolates, jewelry and flowers are a few of the many traditional ways to express your love and affection for your special someone on Valentine’s Day. A romantic date, on the other hand, takes a lot of thought and planning. For those of you who are searching for romantic date ideas, traditional and unconventional, we have you covered. Just pick from our list of 14 romantic things to do for Valentine’s Day. You and your partner will both remember your special day or night long after the date is over.

1. Movie Night
   This is not your typical movie night at the theater. Pick a romantic DVD, such as the Notebook, Love Story or P.S. I Love You and watch it at home in bed with the one you love. Or if you are just beginning your relationship, load the DVD onto your laptop, spread a blanket in the back yard and watch it under the stars. Grab an extra blanket to snuggle under. Bring your sweetie’s favorite movie snack, popcorn or candy anyone?
2. Recreate Your First Date
   Remember the first night you went out? Try to recreate that first night as close as possible. Go to the same event, movie or play. Eat at the same restaurant and ask for the same table. Try to wear the same outfit or if it has been a long time, find something similar to the black strappy dress and heels she wore and that button up shirt and slacks that he wore. It will create the same spark that brought you together.
3. A Romantic Evening at Home
   An evening in can be just as romantic as an evening out. Start with dinner you and your darling prepared together. Enjoy eating by candlelight of course. Share a bottle of your favorite wine and delicious chocolate mousse while soft, romantic music plays in the background. Slow dance in the kitchen. After dinner, take a warm bubble bath together or give each other a massage. It doesn’t have to be a one hour full body massage, a ten minute leg, foot or hand message can do wonders.
4. Wine and Cheese Tasting in the Park
   Winemakers offer mini bottles of wine; Sutter Home is one such winery. Pack a picnic basket with a few bottles, red and white; add a few different cheeses. Head to the park or an out of the way place that is special to the two of you. Spread a blanket on the ground and enjoy an afternoon of tasting.
5. A Walk with Your Sweetie
   When was the last time you went for a walk for fun rather than for fitness? There are many lovely local spots for romantic walks hand-in-hand with your sweetie; you may have a favorite. Forest Park Grand Basin is one of the most romantic spots around. There is something about the sound of the fountains and the lights at night that add a romantic touch.
6. Take a Drive
   Go for a drive without a specific location in mind. Head down the road and turn only on a predetermined area or event, such as a street sign that starts with the first letter of your name, or has the number in your birthday. After a predetermined amount of time, say 30 minutes, stop and do whatever is at the location you have arrived. You may discover a new coffee shop, a boutique or a cute little café. Hop back into the car afterward and do it all over again for a day of discovery.
7. Dance Together
   Go out dancing or if you have two left feet, take a dance class together. Dancing is always romantic and a good excuse to touch each other in public without all of the raised eyebrows and funny looks. Try Argentine tango, it is both romantic and sensual.
8. West Side Story
   One of the greatest love stories of all time, West Side Story, is perfect for a date on the night reserved for love. Showing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, one of the most beautiful and romantic spots in the city, it is sure to be one of the most memorable musicals you will ever share. Opening night is on Valentine’s Day. Prices range from $15-$85. West Side Story is recommended for ages 13+.
9. LOVEmeier
   Love and art merge on Feb. 11 for LOVEmeier, a Valentine party at Laumeier Sculpture Park. Wrap your arms around your sweetheart or cozy up to the bonfires to keep warm. Enjoy a Valentine keepsake, illuminated landscape and sculptures, Kakao chocolate, wine and brandy tasting, poetry, DJ, a sculpture tour and more. Sip on hot cocoa and cider and enjoy s’mores in and around the museum. Cash bar is available. Galleries celebrate art, love and Laumeier. Tickets are $35 for the general public and $25 for members. Children get in free with a paid adult admission.
10. Comedy Etc.
    Lovers of laughter will enjoy an evening with Hypnotist Tony Z, who will be performing a special Valentine’s Day show at Comedy Etc. in Fairview Heights on Feb. 14. Tickets are $15.
11. Romantic Dinner Out
    For an elegant dinner out, The Sidney Street Café is always a treat. Located in Benton Park just south of downtown St. Louis, Sidney Street Café boasts exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, candlelight and a menu that changes with the seasons. Everything is tasty and you will find something new to feast on even though you have been there many times before.
    Kemoll’s Restaurant located on the 40th floor of the Metropolitan Square building is one of St. Louis’s most renowned fine dining establishments. Since 1927, Kemoll’s has served excellent, Italian dishes. The fabulous service and delicious food combined with dazzling views of the arch and the city will make your dining experience a romantic night to remember.
12. Coffee and Desserts at the Map Room
    The Map Room is a cozy, romantic coffeehouse in Benton Park that serves drinks spiked and otherwise. It is a true neighborhood coffeehouse. Internationally themed from décor, to the music, to the drinks, to the beautiful desserts and pastries they serve, it all adds to the romantic ambience of the place. Share a carafe of house made Sangria and a few delicacies from the dessert counter for a sweet date with your sweetie.
13. Jazz at the Bistro
    Jazz at the Bistro, one of St. Louis’ premiere jazz clubs, is romantic on any night, but with the Erin Bode Group at center stage on Valentine’s night, cupid’s arrow is sure to hit every lover in the house as the enchanting Erin Bode hits every sweet, sophisticated note. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 a person.
14. Bailey’s Chocolate Bar
    Located in Lafayette Square, Bailey’s Chocolate Bar has a menu made for romance. It is chocolate themed. They are known for their decadent desserts and chocolate martini’s, chocolate vodkas, and hot chocolates, but that is not all they serve. Share a cheese plate or pizzetta. The food is fabulous, and so is the warm, romantic atmosphere. If you are looking for a cozy place for a date, look no further.