Best Unique Ways To Celebrate Valentine's Day
It's lurking right around the corner. Have you made your plans yet? If not, here are a few suggestions -- and keep in mind that, recession or no recession, many of these may book up, so reserve ahead. There are plenty of choices for nearly any budget, from the opulent to the -- well -- not so much. Or maybe you'd rather not dine out, but are looking for other activities.
Forepaugh's
276 South Exchange St., St. Paul
(651) 224-5606
http://www.forepaughs.com/
For sheer romance of surroundings, it's hard to beat Forepaugh's, which offers a special menu for Valentine's Day. Enjoy piquillo pepper pasta with chevre and a bacon-wrapped beef filet, or, if you're vegetarian, you can savor the piquillo pepper pasta followed by chilli relleno with cumin-cheese souffle. Dessert is Lover's Petit Fours.
White Castle
Various Locations
http://www.whitecastle.com/
If you really want something out of the ordinary, White Castle may still have openings for its sit-down Valentine's dinner, where you can share the Sweetheart Meal Deal.
James J. Hill House
240 Summit Avenue, St. Paul
(651) 297-2555
http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/jjhh/
It's also time for that annual tradition over at the James J. Hill House: the Victorian Poetry Slam. Come to enjoy costumed actors reciting poems by Dickinson, Browning and Longfellow, followed by refreshments and house tours. Or you could kick off the Valentine's weekend at the Hill House by attending the Romance and Relaxation program -- a house tour focused on romance and the long Hill marriage, followed by a relaxation class with coach Beth Freschi.
Wild Mountain
37200 Wild Mountain Rd., Taylors Falls
(651) 465-6315
http://www.wildmountain.com/
Maybe you'd like to get outdoors. In that case, grab your skis and head to Wild Mountain for their Feb. 12th event, which includes lift tickets and a candlelight dinner for two.
Minnesota DNR Cabins
1-866-857-2757
Minnesota DNR Valentine's Day
Another nature-oriented option is to reserve one of the Minnesota DNR's camper cabins, located in various state parks. All cabins are heated, and most have electricity. Best of all, they're peaceful and private -- perfect for Valentine's Day.
Richardson Nature Center
8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington
(763) 694-7676
Richardson Nature Center
Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington offers Candlelight and Chocolate all through Valentine's weekend. Take a romantic stroll through candlelit woods before enjoying chocolate treats, live acoustic music and the warmth in front of the fireplace. Reservations must be made by Feb. 9.
The Landing
2187 Highway 101 East, Shakopee
(763) 694-7784
The Landing
Over at The Landing in Shakopee, a family Valentine's event is taking place on Feb. 12. A Victorian Valentine's Day offers everyone the chance to try snowshoeing or kicksledding, plus making your own Valentine, learning about Valentine's Day in the Victorian age—and what the heck, learn a little about Abe Lincoln too.
Bryant Lake Bowl
810 West Lake Street, Minneapolis
(612) 825-3737
Bryant Lake Bowl
If you'd prefer something indoors and more adult, Bryant Lake Bowl can fill the need with its Erotic Valentines puppet show on Feb. 12 and 14. In between, on Feb. 13, enjoy the Romantic Fun Time Sexy Naughty Show.
