I have a personal belief that how you experienced Valentine’s Day in High School impacts the way you see the holiday for the rest of your life. If you were the person who always had a Valentine, got a lot a gifts or generally adored Valentine’s Day then you probably have everything in order. If you’re like the rest of the population, and you’re dating a person who wants you to celebrate, then you could probably use all the help you can get to outside of the box and really wow them.

Be Art Critics at the McNay

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Thursday this year you can take advantage of the extra hours the McNay is open and it’s also free after 5! Best of all while you’re looking at art; the crowds are also thinning out at the restaurants so when you’re done you can grab dinner with ease.

Plan a Date Night In

If you’re not a fan of the crowds then planning the perfect night in front of the TV should be right up your alley. Order some food in with Favor (use by promo code SALOVELIST for $5 off your delivery) and plan the ultimate netflix and chill at home. But if you want something more romantic then pick up some chocolates and patisserie from Chocollazo, order a sexy charcuterie board from The Board Couple (they’re creating a special Cupid’s Board for Valentine’s Day), and get couple bottles of wines and proceed to set the alarm just early enough for you to call into work the next day. Pro-tip: if you’re feeling extra saucy get a room downtown and plan a staycation and if you have the luxury to be disconnected for the weekend then put those phones away and forget about the world for a while.

Surprise Your Honey at Work

Want to make your babe the envy of all the office? Pre-order a bouquet from The Vintage Bouquet Bar to secure your flowers (when I say pre-order I mean it, they’re gonna sell out and you’ll have to get her a bouquet of baby’s breath). They were inspired by the Regency/ Victorian Era so think the Brontë Sisters and Jane Austen and are so romantic (they’re the ones on the cover image). Or maybe your babe is into donuts? Order some donuts from The Art of the Donut to satisfy their inner Homer Simpson. If you really wanna get the oooh and ahhhs from her coworkers get her set up with an “I Love You,” balloon arrangement from the Balloon Boutique. Get the romance started early, right?

Go Back in Time at the Witte

Bust out the vintage attire and prepare yourself to experience a night of cabaret, jazz, delicious food and an open bar. Make it a one stop shop at the Witte’s inaugural Vintage Valentine’s speakeasy event. Though I wonder if they have a password? Since it’s an open bar, please plan accordingly and order a Lyft, plz.

Meet Your Sweetheart at Dorćol

With two different seating times you’ll have the option to eat dessert before dinner or after dinner at Dorcol’s Dessert’s First event. Between you and me I’d say start with dessert and then go home for the… um… meal.

Have an Indecisive Partner…

and a lot of time on your hands? Then plan a progressive dinner and get a little bit of everything and satisfy your indecisiveness. Plan it around your faves from each restaurant and get the party started, just make sure everything is within walking distance for convenience. I’ll get you a cheat sheet so you can seem like a champ with the “plans.”

Southtown:

• Drinks at Hot Joy

• Dinner at Battalion

• Gelato at South a la Mode

The Rim:

• Drinks at The General Public

• Dinner at Yellow Fish Sushi

• Dessert at Steel City Pops

The Historic Pearl:

• Wine at High Street Wine

• Oyster’s at Southerleigh’s Outdoor Oyster Bar

• Charcuterie at Cured

• Ice Cream at Lick