Are you doing Valentine’s Day all wrong? Maybe you’ve hit a rut after a few years with your significant other, or maybe this is the first V-Day celebrating with a partner in … well, ever. Skip the cliché activities for something a bit more experiential that you and your partner will be able to enjoy together.
Courtesy of @discoverygreen on Instagram
Dining Out
Don’t: Make Reservations at a Fancy Restaurant
You can eat a nice meal out any time. Why fight the crowds, the noise and the pesky waiters at one of the most romantic restaurants in the city? Save that for another special occasion and do something different for Valentine’s Day dinner this year.
Do: Have an Intimate Picnic
Instead, we suggest packing a picnic and heading to one of Houston’s fabulous parks like Discovery Green, Buffalo Bayou Park or the newly renovated Memorial Park.Your significant other will be impressed you took the time to prepare a meal and y’all can enjoy the Houston scenery. And if you aren’t a chef, store bought is fine... we won’t tell.
Courtesy of @mfahouston on Instagram
For the Artsy Couple
Don’t: Go to the Movies
Sure, there are some great films out right now, but are you really expressing your affection by sitting side-by-side in silence for two hours? Plus, no one wants to kiss someone with stale popcorn breath.
Do: Visit a Museum
Houston is blessed with some amazing museums and taking in art is definitely something more meaningful to experience together. With an array of museums, from The Museum of Fine Arts to the enchanting Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Museum of Natural Science, you and your sweetheart will have a more culture-filled Valentine’s Day weekend.
Courtesy of @cbaldwinhotel on Instagram
Staycation, All I Ever Wanted
Don’t: Go out of Town
Valentine’s Day is about being with your loved one, not trapped in a car or on a plane.
Do: Stay in Houston
Why leave town when you can treat your significant other to romantic activities in Houston? Make this the opportunity to splurge and stay at one of Houston’s luxurious hotels. The C Baldwin Hotel offers a package for couples including rose petals on the bed, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne. You can even have a pizza delivered to your room the night of your arrival. Now, that’s amore!
Courtesy of @houstonzoo on Instagram
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Don’t: Buy a Cutesy, Stuffed Animal as a Gift
Just don’t, OK? You are not a child.
Do: Take a Day trip to the Zoo
Who doesn’t love seeing an exotic animal up close? The Houston Zoo offers a series of experiences that put you face-to-face with some of their residents. Go on a morning walk with the cheetahs, take a tour of the elephant barn with a chance to pet a pachyderm or help train a sea lion. All of the encounters include a special photo opportunity for you and your mate to document the experience.
Courtesy of @buffbrew on Instagram
Beer Me Up, Baby
Don’t: Go for Wine or Champagne at a Bar
Sure, wine and champagne are great, but you can have them any day.
Do: Visit One of Houston’s Breweries
The Houston craft brewery scene has exploded in the past few years with many breweries offering tours, outdoor beer gardens and picturesque views of downtown. Between Saint Arnold Brewing Co., Karbach Brewing Co. or Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.– which has a new location with an upstairs patio with a view of the Houston skyline – touring a brewery and having a pint is a great alternative for this Valentine’s Day.
