Ahhh… Love is in the air! Valentine’s day is quickly approaching and if you are anything like me you’ve waited until the last minute to plan your special day! Don’t fret my sweets, I have done the digging for you. All you need to do is take a look below and figure out what date idea would suit your desires for a night out, or night in!
Date #1: For The Love Of Food
I don’t know what it is, but something about showing your love and affection with food makes it extra special. Maybe it’s just me, or maybe my love language is just consumption of delicious food with the ones I love! Whatever it may be, if you find it romanticizing to share a couple drinks over a decadent meal, date number one is going to be your winner!
While I’ve grown up in Southwest Michigan, I’ve rarely ventured to South Haven. Shame on me, but about a year ago my fiancé took me to an elegant and unique restaurant right in the heart of downtown. Taste is the name of the restaurant, and to say I was blown away with the meal is an understatement. The food, drinks, atmosphere, and service are all five-star worthy in my book!
Chef Joel and Heidi Gesiakowski started Taste about 10 years ago and are doing a phenomenal job. Their menu features a wide variety of small plate (tapas style), sushi, and sandwiches. Not to mention an amazing martini selection. My personal favorite is the South Beach! And don’t forget to try Chef Joel’s famous Tiramisu, I can personally attest to its scrumptious flavor! My fiancé swears by the Korean Chicken Barbeque but you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. If you are looking for a night out on the town with some affordable upscale flare, stop into Taste or call 269-637-0010 to snag your reservation now! Joel, Heidi, and their staff will help make your night one to remember!
Date #2: Spicy Painting
Upscale flare not the type of spice you are looking for? That’s ok, I got you covered there too! *Wink Wink* Let’s be real for a minute, life is busy and crazy, sometimes we forget to make time to be spontaneous with your partner. That’s why Valentine’s Day is wonderful, it’s a reminder for us to set aside time to reconnect and share with your special someone.
If you are looking to reconnect by being silly and have fun with your partner, hop on over to a local craft store, pick up some body paint and a large canvas (a tarp will work as well if you do not want to save your masterpiece). Time to swap your clothes for a swimsuit… but no pool is needed for this next part! Begin painting your partner using nothing but your body, remember fingerpainting growing up? Get creative, spell your name on their back using only your toes, or take turns using your imagination and paint clues of your first date together! This is a great way to reconnect, laugh, and remind yourselves not to be so serious all the time. Channel your inner child and make some fun memories together!
Date #3: All Things Snacky
Lights, candles, SNACKS! Charcuterie boards have become all the rage in the past few years, and this Valentine’s Day should be no exception! The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan has everything you need. Their “Spread the Love” fundraiser features two different packages. Bundle number one ($55), the small board, includes 1 caramel apple, pastries and chocolates from local bakeries for 2 people, a bottle of wine, and a small bouquet of flowers. Bundle number 2 ($70), the large board, includes 2 caramel apples, pastries and chocolates from local bakeries for 4 people, a bottle of wine, a bottle of sparkling cider, and a small bouquet of flowers. What a great way to support a wonderful foundation and cover date night! This idea can be stand alone, simply dim the lights, light some candles, and stay in for the night. It can also be used as a romantic start to a long night, eat some delicious snacks with your loved one before heading out for a night on the town!
Date # 4: Shh... Don't Tell The Kids
Who doesn’t love a get-a-way! I know I do. Even if it’s one night, drop the kids of at grandma and grandpa’s and book a night away with your significant other! It is so important to remember how much you enjoy each other’s company. Looking for cozy and private for your romantic escape? Look no further! Willow Pond is the place to rekindle your love.
Located on the outskirts of Bangor, Willow Pond overlooks a beautiful pond on one side and a quite horse ranch on the other. Each villa has a full kitchen, a porch overlooking the pond, and an indoor fireplace. All the ingredients needed to create a cozy atmosphere! Liz and Alan Smaka are waiting to take your reservation at willowpondadventures.com!
Date #5: Let's Make It A Surprise
POP! Thats right, make sure to find a good bottle of champagne to pop after you have popped the big question! Looking to make the night one of the most memorable nights of your life by asking that special someone to be yours for a lifetime? Jewelfire Diamond Center may be just the place you’ve been searching for. Conveniently located right in downtown St. Joseph! Stop in and select from their variety of unique rings to ensure your significant other feels overwhelmed with joy when you get down on one knee! And just in case you forget to tag me in your engagement post afterwards… congratulations in advance! If you’re not ready to pop the big question, don’t worry, they have a great selection of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Ladies, if you’re looking to class up your man, they also carry cuff links and chains.
