For more than a year now, life, as we know it, has changed dramatically. Holidays, unfortunately, have been no exception, and the pandemic has forced us to rethink how we celebrate.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and a pandemic shouldn’t stop you from celebrating your love, whether it’s brand new or long-established. But, that doesn’t mean that you should throw caution to the wind and give up all of the precautions you’ve taken to stay safe.
There are lots of ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day and celebrate it with the one you love while also minimizing your risk and staying safe.
How to plan a safe, romantic Valentine’s Day during a pandemic
#1. Order in
During a normal year, Valentine’s day is the perfect day to reserve a table at your favorite romantic spot and enjoy the hustle and bustle of dining out. But, this year, consider celebrating in a more intimate setting — your own home!
Eating at home means that you and your partner can enjoy each other’s company in a setting where you can actually hear each other talk! But, just because you’re eating at home doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your favorite dishes.
Support a restaurant near you by ordering carry-out or delivery. You’ll enjoy a delicious, one-on-one meal with your partner while also supporting a hard-working local restaurant.
#2. Treat your special someone
We could all use a little rest and relaxation about now, and if you’re looking for something great to give your special someone this year, why not pamper them a little this year? Or, better yet, why not pamper you both?
Here are a few ideas:
- Schedule an in-home couple’s massage with your local massage therapist
- Book an appointment at your local nail or hair salon for a spruce up
- Take a relaxing yoga class together online
- Support your local florist and fill your home with fresh flowers
- Order something sweet from your community bakery
Indulging in a little pampering will leave you both feeling rejuvenated and help you make the most of your Valentine’s Day.
#3. Do something new
Our shared experiences are what bring us together, and if you’re looking for a great way to get close to your partner this Valentine’s Day, trying something new together can work wonders.
Here are a few ideas:
- Take an online cooking class and learn how to make something new
- Take an online fitness class you’ve never done before
- Try a new hobby that you’re both interested in, like building a diorama or baking
- Play a board game or video game you’ve never played before
Doing something new together will help to make this Valentine’s Day memorable. Plus, it gives you something new to talk about, which can be a challenge for couples who have been staying home together!
#4. Rekindle the flame
If you’re looking to turn up the heat this Valentine’s Day, why not take the literal approach by cozying up next to a fire?
Sitting by a fire is the perfect way to relax, unwind and get warm, and it has the added benefit of being a great outdoor activity. This is ideal if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with someone who isn’t in your bubble.
Whether you’re lighting the fire in your fireplace or outdoor fire pit, bring the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers for a fun, cozy evening getting toasty by the fire.
#5. Go one a romantic retreat
Need to get out of the house for a while? I don’t blame you. I think we could all use a vacation these days. But, vacation doesn’t have to mean flying across the world and laying on a beach.
There are plenty of places nearby where you could enjoy a romantic retreat with your partner, even if it’s just for a day or two. Personal vacation rentals are a fun, affordable way to get away from it all.
Alternatively, you could book a stay at a local bed and breakfast or hotel in the next town over. You don’t need to go far to feel like you’re getting a vacation!
#6. Connect in the great outdoors
Indoor activities can be a little riskier when you’re spending Valentine’s Day with someone who isn’t in your bubble, Luckily, there are plenty of great outdoor activities you can do that will help you get to know each other better and enjoy each other’s company.
It’s cold out, but as long as it’s not too cold (i.e. if you’re in one of the many places hit by a giant snowstorm, it’s probably best to stay in!), you could bundle up and enjoy lots of great outdoor activities. Here are a few cold-weather ideas:
Visit an outdoor ice skating rink
- Go snowshoeing
- Ride down a nearby hill on sleds
- Build a snowman or have a snowball fight
If it’s warm enough where you are, you could:
- Go on a hike or a long walk
- Grab takeout from your favorite local restaurant and have a picnic
- Play a round or two of mini-golf or hit the batting cages
- Ride bikes or go rollerskating
Whether your plan for this Valentine’s Day is to get carry-out from a romantic restaurant, schedule an at-home couple’s massage or surprise your partner with jewelry or flowers, start your local business search with Top Rated Local®.
With Top Rated Local, you can compare the highest-rated local businesses in your area side by side, read a local business’s reviews from across the web, get a glimpse of a business’s overall online reputation and more.
Make the most of Valentine’s Day 2021, and support the amazing local businesses near you!
