There’s a lot of pressure to find the perfect date idea for Valentine’s Day. Luckily, I think about fun dates to go on all year long. After dating for 8 years, you have to make sure you don’t fall into a boring rut. Every once in a while Danny and I have to make sure we have a night that doesn’t include Netflix. The following dates range from casual to formal and I have even included a few ideas for my single friends. Most of these dates are interchangeable between your lovers and your friends. ENJOY!
Brunch and Coffee
Who says your date has to happen at night? Getting brunch and sipping on coffee is one of my favorite things to do with Danny, so much that we go to our favorite spot every weekend. Danny usually works nights, so sometimes our only time to go out together is the morning. Our favorite everyday brunch spots are Overeasy, Early Bird and First Watch.
Galentines
If you don’t have a significant other, you can still celebrate the love and special bond between you and your girlfriends. Wednesday nights are for the girls anyway. Have a girls night in with wine and a charcuterie (assorted meats and cheeses) setup. Then make a fun dessert together, like strawberry shortcake, s’mores or decorate some heart cookies together.
Put on the 50 shades movies while you have your pre-game for the main event: 50 Shades Freed. Danny is definitely not going to take me to this, so I have to rely on my girls to go with me. And if my girls are reading this…where ya at, I still haven’t seen it?? And if any guys are reading this, you should probably take your girl to see it. You’d win major points.
Spa Day and Fireside Picnic
Sometimes we just need to slow down and take a moment to relax, to enjoy your love. Stash your phones for the day and head to a full-service spa. Oasis Spa in Omaha offers packages with facials, massages, mani pedis, wraps and body polishes. Leave feeling rested and relaxed.
After the spa, cuddle up in front of the fireplace (if you have one) with a pre-prepared picnic and a bottle of wine. Spend your meal talking and enjoying each others company, with your phones still away.
Ideas for a romantic picnic: lemonade, wine, charcuterie (if you can’t tell I’m a big charcuterie girl), hummus and pita bread, caprese salad, croissants, sandwiches, chicken skewers, pasta salad, grapes and raspberries, yogurt parfaits and chocolate covered strawberries.
Make sure you lay out a comfy blanket and tons of pillows.
IMPORTANT I just want to stress taking the time to eliminate screens during this date. Social media and technology can get in the way of togetherness and cause stress and anxiety in general. This date is all about relaxation. Put the phones away.
District Hopping
Lately, I have been inspired by the entertainment districts in Omaha. I kind of just let them speak to me and plan dates for us.
For example, we have gone to Midtown and eaten dinner, played life-sized chess, walked around, got ice cream at Coldstone and then saw a movie. In Midtown, you could also go ice skating or head over to Spielbound to play some board games.
Blackstone is quickly becoming a poppin’ place to hang out in Omaha. There are so many great restaurants and bars to take you through the whole night. The other night we went on a date and had Mula for dinner, Coneflower ice cream {amazing btw} and then drinks at Sullivan’s. We cut the night short because of morning obligations, but bar hopping around Blackstone can be a fun time.
Just head over to any district or shopping center and let it speak to you.
Dancing and Dinner
Last year for Valentine’s Day, Danny and I went to Omaha Ballroom for a Valentine’s dance class. We learned the basics of salsa, tango and waltz….aaaand forgot everything. It was really fun to learn new things and dance together. Then we headed to dinner at The Grey Plume {they had a Prix Fixe dinner special for Valentine’s Day}. Prix Fixe is a three to four course dinner that is set at a fixed price for special occasions. The Grey Plume has amazing food and is a very intimate setting for a romantic dinner. There are a lot of places that offer these kind of specials {find a few here, here, here and here}.
Staycation
Finally, this is what Danny and I will be doing this Valentine’s Day. Hotel Deco in the Old Market just opened a brand new restaurant called Monarch Prime and Bar in late-October and I have been wanting to try it out. Monarch Prime is a modern steakhouse, decorated with the same eclectic and colorful art deco style of the hotel it’s nestled in. The restaurant is also offering a Prix Fixe menu special for Valentine’s Day ($70 per person with a $45 wine pairing).
We decided just to turn the night into a staycation and stay at the Hotel Deco after dinner. You can do this with any combination of restaurant/hotel.
Whatever your plans are for Valentine’s Day, make sure to remember what this day is about. Savor your moments together and express your love.
xoxo Jess
photos by Caitlin Manley
IG: @caitlinmanleyphotography
