Date recommendations for all the important people in your life, including you
Valentine’s Day is a different box of chocolates for everyone. Whether you’re happily locked down, dealing with the aftermath of a breakup, contentedly single or somewhere in between — we’ve got you covered this Valentine’s Day with recommendations for everyone.
For a dinner date
While going out for dinner could be considered a foolproof date, it can lack creativity and put pressure on the one with the wallet (as college students, we don’t need anymore financial stress). Instead of picking the fanciest restaurant, try a place that holds sentimental value and brings up warm memories of your relationship. This could be where you had your first date, where an inside joke was born or simply an old favorite place to eat. Highly rated spots in Columbia include Endwell Taverna, Glenn’s Cafe and Kampai Sushi Bar and Restaurant, each of which serve unique cuisines and have a wide menu selection.
If you’re a self-proclaimed chef, you could make a meal for your partner rather than going out to eat. This could add an extra element of romance and lower costs for the evening.
After-dinner entertainment
Sitting in a dark, slightly sticky movie theater with scratchy chairs and the lingering smell of popcorn may not be ideal for every couple. If you prefer a more intimate setting, Ragtag Cinema is a great neighborhood spot for a unique and comfortable moviegoing experience. With plush chairs and couches to sit on, this already solves the stiff, years-old seat situation. The theater is showing the 1997 romcom “My Best Friend’s Wedding” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 14, so be sure to mark your calendars.
If you’re partial to a night in, curling up with your favorite brand of microwavable popcorn and a soft blanket is always an option. However, if you’re tired of watching movies altogether, planning a game night filled with board games, cards or even partner trivia is a good way to spice up the evening. For board game lovers, check out Hexagon Alley and choose from their collection of 650 games.
Galentine’s
While some may believe that Valentine’s Day is reserved for couples, showing love to your best friends is equally meaningful. There are endless possibilities for planning a cute, themed activity for you and your best friends. For example, bundling up and braving the cold for a picnic in Peace Park with charcuterie boards, pasta, personal pizzas, BYO dip or desserts is a great way for each guest to add something unique to the outing. Grabbing a hot drink from Shortwave or Acola Coffee Company, afterwards, will be essential for warming up.
Making a cute craft with friends is another fail-safe activity. I recommend you go retro and make actual Valentine’s Day cards with one another, just like elementary school. Take a trip to your local craft store together to stock up on construction and scrapbook paper, lace, jewels, markers and ribbon to ensure that each guest will have the opportunity to relive the joys of Valentine’s Day in elementary school. You could even decorate paper bags and instruct each guest to bring candy to share to truly recreate the essence of those classroom parties.
To please the animal lover in the group, scout out Bertha’s Beans Cat Cafe! The cafe is full of cute kittens that are sure to warm your heart. Although this is a more unique outing, showing the cats love and attention is worth it. After all, who can resist a cat purring contentedly in their lap?
Self-Love
To show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day, you can take your pick from the bouquet of ideas we’re presenting.
For satisfying your sweet tooth, Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream and Wynnsome Bakery are both local favorites. To kick back and have a relaxing afternoon, paint pottery at The Mud Room or book a massage or facial appointment at Vitality Day Spa. Either of these options are likely to give your brain and body a well-deserved break from the rigor of your daily routine. For a well-earned gift, buying yourself flowers from Tiger Garden and chocolate never hurts — after all, who doesn’t love that combination?
All in all, Valentine’s Day is about showing love to the ones you hold close, including yourself. With these recommendations, we hope your Valentine’s Day is sweeter than that box of chocolates.
Edited by Ava McCluer | amccluer@themaneater.com
Copyedited by Micah Shulman and Emma Short | eshort@themaneater.com
Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com