Don’t look now, but Valentine’s Day is almost here! Whether you’re in the early, tentative days of a new relationship or you’ve been married for decades, it’s time to ratchet up the romance.
We’re talking about a little bit more than takeout and whatever’s playing on Netflix. If you’re short on ideas for fun, quirky ways to celebrate the holiday with your special someone, however, we’ve got plenty of suggestions.
Check them out today — while there’s still time to make reservations.
1. Get Campy with Rocky Horror
The Irving Theater is hosting a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Feb. 13. Audience participation is expected, so feel free to come dressed as your favorite character. Prop kits with rice for the wedding scene, newspaper for the rain scene, toilet paper, toast and noisemakers are available at the door for a mere $4.
The doors open at 11 p.m. and the show starts at midnight, so don’t be late!
2. Take a Helicopter Flight
If your partner makes your heart soar, why not take to the clouds? Freedom Helicopters is based at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport (UMP) and they offer scenic tours that will take you and your favorite person on a breathtaking tour over Indy and the surrounding area in a state-of-the-art Robinson R-44.
If that’s not thrilling enough, you can even book an introductory training flight that will actually let you put your hands on the helicopter’s controls (with supervision, of course). Their prices are surprisingly reasonable for such a cool experience — and it would definitely be a Valentine’s Day unlike any other!
3. Go the Anti-Valentine’s Day Route
Do all of the candy hearts, flowers and cute stuffed animals everywhere during this time of year make you roll your eyes and groan? If you find the holiday a touch too saccharine and basic for your tastes, head over to Necropolis Underground for something decidedly less sweet.
“Valentine’s Day SUCKS” is a special off-season show where the undead are free to roam and hunt. The show runs from Feb. 12-13 this year and it’s a morbidly delightful way to reconcile the sentiments of the day with your inner goth.
4. Reserve a Room for Two
Sometimes, the best way to kindle (or rekindle) a little romance is just to get away from your everyday surroundings and shut out the background noise that comes with your regular obligations. Get a sitter if you need one and book a room at one of Indy’s finer hotels or bed-and-breakfasts.
You have many options but some of the top hotspots for couples include the Conrad, the Ironworks Hotel, The Alexander, the Old Northside Bed and Breakfast Inn, and the newly opened Bottleworks Hotel. Make sure to call ahead to find out what sort of holiday specials they offer. The Conrad, for example, offers a “romance package” that includes scattered rose petals on the floor, chocolate-covered strawberries, and in-room drinks and dining.
5. Go for a Special Meal
Fine dining has long been a Valentine’s Day tradition in this country, so why not stick with the tried-and-true when you’re short on ideas? There’s something undeniably romantic about good food, fine wine and a candlelight dinner.
Whether your relationship is still fairly new or you’re an old married couple, you won’t go wrong. Indy’s not short on fine dining spots that are perfect for a special night. Some of the top spots include Seasons 52, which serves a rotating variety of culinary delights in an upscale atmosphere, and The Capital Grille, which specializes in American fare in a refined setting — but there are plenty of other places to explore, as well.
6. Take Dancing Lessons
Do you want to recreate the magic of your first dance at your wedding? Do you just want a chance to get a little closer to your partner? Well, Starlite Ballroom has Valentine’s Day gift certificates ready to go and they’ll happily teach you and your special someone a few dance steps.
Le Danse Ballroom Club is another great place to go for private lessons, especially if you’ve always wanted to learn to glide across the dance floor like a pro. Even if you have two left feet, their patient instructors will help you find your confidence.
7. Get Fit Together
Did you promise yourself you were going to get healthier this year? Does the thought of undoing all your hard work with an indulgent dinner and dessert sound utterly dismal? Well, why not sign up for a private training session with a fitness coach, instead?
The couple that sweats together, stays together, right? You can sign up for a 45-minute session at So.Be.Fit. on South Broad Ripple for just $35 a person and get one-on-one instruction on your form and technique for 45 minutes. This is a great way to do something non-traditional with your spouse that’s good for you and good for your relationship, too!
8. Take a Trip to Newfields
The Indianapolis Museum of Art is always a great spot for romance. This year, you can take part in their fifth annual pop-up wine exhibition on Valentine’s Day, or go to one of the special exhibits they have right now, like “Holes” or “Don’t Matter How Raggly the Flag, It Still Got to Tie Us Together.”
Once you’re done inside, of course, you can always stroll the grounds and take in the sights — or wander through the halls of the museum’s regular exhibits. If you like a low-key date with plenty of intellectual stimulation that can take the pressure off, this may be the perfect spot for you to spend Valentine’s Day.
Whatever you decide to do, we wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day, indeed — and many more years of blissful romance in your future!
