Unexpected Date Night Ideas

No reservations for Valentine’s Day?

No problem. Because, really, let’s face it. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a Galentine’s night out with the girls, snagging a ressie on February 14th is basically akin to nabbing that gold medal in the ski jump—that is to say, odds are against you, my friends. (Unless, of course, you’re Carina Vogt.) This year, as has been our family Valentine’s Day tradition for the last four years, the Husb and I are taking our kids for a bona fide ‘Sliders and Shrimp’ Vday dinner… at White Castle—and would you believe that this reservation is always incredibly difficult to nab? I managed through a combined effort of other mom friends alerting me to the very MINUTE when White Castle opened up reservations (the date is marked in on my Google Calendar every year) and being snappy with my OpenTable skills. Making White Castle Valentine’s Day reservations is a bit like Hunger Games, let’s call it, shall we?

But does that mean you should let it stop you from enjoying the day of love? No way. Personally, I’ve always loved staying in on Valentine’s Day, and throwing on a cozy pair of pjs and watching rom coms, but I’m also a sucker for getting dolled up for a night out with someone special. Since we’ll be at WC with the kids on Valentine’s Day, tonight (a week before Vday) I have planned a spontaneous surprise dinner date with the Husb—the more unexpected the better, hence the inspiration below for unconventional Valentine’s Day ideas for today’s post. It’s all appropriate for a solo pampering party, party of 2, or party of as many girlfriends as you can round up!

1. Movie and game night // Pick out some favorite movies (or binge a Netflix series) and bring out your board games. Fun rom coms on my list are Hitch, Pretty Woman, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and When Harry Met Sally. Personally, my evening at home would consist of Schitt’s Creek and a few rounds of Cards Against Humanity.

2. Night at the museum or arts center // Check the schedule at your local museums and arts centers for any special Valentine’s Day programming. For example, a few planetariums in New Jersey have stargazing events for ages 18+ (Raritan Valley Community College here and Rowan University here). Or get crafty and have a community dance party at Paul Robeson Center for the Arts (Princeton).

3. Valentine’s Day dancing // Private lessons or open dance party, a Valentine’s day dance may be your jam. Check out your area dance studios for some sultry rumba or tango that may be on the calendar for February 14. Here’s a few jazzy Valentine’s Day happenings in New Jersey: Fred Astaire Dance Studio (Monclair) and Jersey Dance (West Windsor).

4. Rooftop picnic // Find out who has the best rooftop space in your city and it might just be easier to snag a spot at the bar or lounge than at a sit-down restaurant.