Whether you’re single, dating, married, or anything in between, you can take the time to make Valentine’s Day a little extra special for the loved one(s) in your life. Buying a dozen red roses and rushing out the door for a fancy date night suits a lot of people’s fancy, but it can get both repetitive and expensive as the years go on. (Plus, there’s the whole pandemic we’re still living through.)
To keep those special relationships in your life both fresh and exciting, we’ve done the idea planning for you and crafted together a unique list of Valentine’s Day date options for every mood or vibe.
Go on a ghost walk
For all of you romantic goblins and ghouls, nothing says “I love you” quite like experiencing the supernatural together. Plus, if you get scared, it’s a great excuse to cozy up next to that special someone. Unseenpress is offering various guided ghost walks and tours around the city, such as the Westfield Haunted Underground Railroad and the Chilling Chatham Arch Lockerbie Ghost Walk. Be sure to snag your tickets before they’re gone.
Rent a cabin for the weekend
Swap out the hotel this year for a cozy, secluded, and sanitized cabin with your beloved or a couple of friends. After nearly a year of being cooped up inside, a vacation outdoors certainly sounds dreamy. A few options include Cozy Pines Cabin in Brown County; Candles & Candlelight in Montgomery County; Antler Log Cabins in Monroe County; and Cataract Lake Cabins in Putnam County.
Do a virtual escape room
A great way to switch up your Zoom calls with family and friends is by signing up for a virtual escape room. In essence, it’s everything a traditional, in-person escape room has—mystery, clues, and some good old fashion rivalry—all in a virtual environment that’s free of the possibility of spreading germs. A great option is The Escape Game, which offers various packages depending on your group size. Be forewarned, reservations need to be made in advance if you want to play.
Buy each other a new outfit for date night
Instead of spending hours primping for your big date, make getting dressed part of the date. Swing by your local thrift store (or department store, if that’s the way you roll) and pick out the other’s outfit for your date. Add to the fun by setting a price limit or theme. Might we suggest shopping at Broad Ripple Vintage or Unique Thrift Store? And if you’re feeling adventurous, try ordering for each other at dinner! For best results, double check if your date has any serious food allergies or aversions. And the bigger the menu, the better.
Go throw some axes
Round up some friends and relieve some stress this February 14 by throwing axes at the wall in a perfectly legal way. The concept is simple: you throw the axe at a wooden dart board and attempt to hit the bullseye as near as possible. There are a few ax throwing locations around Indianapolis, such as Bad Axe Throwing and Anarchy Axe Throwing. Just be sure you’re on good terms with the people you go throwing with.
Visit a psychic to have a tarot card reading
Is true love in the cards? Shake up date night (or a night out with some friends!) and schedule a tarot card reading . You know we love The Spellsisters around these parts! Or you can even pick up a deck of your own and start learning about the art of tarot.
Get a take-out date night kit from Nickel Plate Arts
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a creative and sanitized way from the comfort of your own home with takeout date-night kits from Nickel Plate Arts. They offer four different date-night package options: The Luxury Package, The SweethART Package, The Art Date Package, and the Family Fun Package. All kits include various arts and crafts supplies, and some even include a custom playlist to jam out to while you craft.
Samantha Kupiainen is a regular Indy Maven contributor.
