Inspiration for the Unimaginative
As someone who isn’t in a relationship and is an aspiring romance novelist, I honestly probably have the best perspective on Valentine’s date ideas. First, I as a single person am always in this delusional romantic mindset when it comes to love and dates, probably because no one has crushed my heart yet. Second, when writing a romance novel, I need to be able to come up with meet cutes and date ideas to stage my scene, so, I’ve given this some thought. I’ve even included outfit choices and little details to include in the date to amplify the rom-com vibes. Remember, before doing any of these, research if it’s within your budget, and if you can participate in these activities.
- Not-So-Academic Day Out
Between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, we are very fortunate to live in an area that has access to so many great museums. Museums don’t have to be tedious or boring. Dress up, go to a museum, and play “I Spy.” Get creative with specific objects to search for, and bring a fun snack to top off the day. Don’t forget to take sickly sweet photos of you and your partner posing with the art. If museums aren’t your thing, there are plenty of zoos and aquariums in the DMV area that are fun and generally cheap.
- Chilly Day Out in the World
Put on a comfy winter outfit and walk around a new public place like a park or a garden. Talk while you walk to get to know your partner on a personal level. Possible conversation starters are easy to find and making up backstories for every stranger that goes by can be an interesting and humorous activity. You can stop for lunch or assemble a makeshift picnic in the cold. Remember, the most important cliche to do is to offer your jacket. It’s romantic no matter what your gender and shows just how much you care.
- Speedy Date
Indoor karting is an activity not often thought of but it can be an exhilarating date to engage in. Embrace your competitive side and make it a game of back-and-forth racing. Not risky enough? Whoever loses the most races buys lunch! Clothing-wise, wear whatever is comfortable and maybe your favorite racing merch. And remember, do your research to find the right track to race. There are a couple of places all around the DMV area that are full of indoor karting fun, including a very close location in Jessup.
- Underground Comedy DC
For those who love to laugh together, Underground Comedy in D.C. would be a great experience. Many famous comedians have performed in the little comedy club and you might even find your newest comedian to watch on the daily. Underground Comedy has free shows almost every week and oftentimes the shows are broadcast on Comedy Central. If you were to bring your partner, get food beforehand because who knows if you’ll ever want to leave! Don’t be afraid to participate in the show if a chance occurs, and make some memories together.
- Dancing the Night Away
9:30, a club located in D.C., is an all-ages-inclusive place where people dance to the niche music of their favorite artists or even musicals. For instance, if you were to go to the 9:30 club on February 14th, you would be celebrating Valentine’s Day in a neon get-up, raving to Broadway classics. If you want to get in the spirit of Broadway, maybe paint your face a classy green and force your friends and partner to indulge themselves in the glamor of Wicked. The 9:30 Club is a safe and great place to go on a date with a significant other or even friends.
- Crafty Memory Making
Pottery shops, candle-making classes, and DIY kits from Target can be a fun and chill activity to do on your Valentine’s date. Have coffee together beforehand and maybe even pick out each other’s drinks. Try something new that you both haven’t tried before, maybe this can be your and your partner’s new hobby! Plus, you’ll be able to create each other a Valentine’s Day gift.
- Puppy Love
There are many animals left in shelters, devoid of affection and stir-crazy in cages. The Canine Humane Network in Highland, MD does its best to entertain the dogs in their care, but occasionally are short-handed. They offer an activity where they let you take one of the dogs on a fun day out. You can take them for a pup cup, on a hike, or even just a nice play day at home. Doing it with your partner would be such a sweet, memorable Valentine’s Day and even benefit the dog’s mental health (and your own!). You could also take photos of the dog for the Canine Humane Network to post on social media, boosting the dog’s story and helping the cute dog get adopted. If you choose to do this, you do need an adult to pick the dog up, but the rest of the day can just be you and your partner playing with the dog.
- Escape Room
As a huge fan of comedy and romantic comedies, I love the scenes where the main character is stuck in an escape room with their crush. This secluded setting is a great opportunity to bond and flirt and feel like it’s just the two of you in the world. Themed escape rooms in Maryland are a lot of fun and there are plenty to go around. Bring a date or a friend and dress up according to the theme. You may end up solving the mystery, or you can pretend to be solving it and just talk the whole time. Sometimes the fun of activities like escape rooms is that you’re stuck there together.
- Classic Arcade Date
The romantic in me cannot leave this date idea out! The competition and the many activities to do at an arcade are endless, which is especially useful if you have a short attention span like I do. The fits you could choose are endless – gamer girl or just casual wear would both be appropriate. The place I would recommend for familiarity and comfort is Main Event. It’s close and you’ve probably already been there; plus, it’s in the mall so you can always go somewhere else if you get bored.
- Book Worms
Reading isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, yet there’s something weirdly intimate about reading to each other or even just pretending to read while chatting about random things. With each book comes new conversation topics and props to hold so as not to feel awkward. You can do it anywhere, anyplace, and actually maybe even show your partner the deeper side of you. You could also buy your partner coffee and a book and call it a date.
Whatever you decide to do this Valentine’s Day, just make sure it makes your significant other or friend feel special. After all, that’s what Valentine’s Day is all about.
The Scroll 