Top 10 Romantic Ways to Spend Valentine's Day

For the significant other that loves a bit of mystery, a good ol’ fashioned scavenger hunt can be the perfect experience. You can leave clues that send your lover on an adventure, whether it takes him or her through the house, or to the spots the two of you frequent as a couple. Creativity is key here: leave clues that’ll appeal to your partner, whether it’s messages that only the two of you would understand, or clues that pertain to something they’re into. And their reward for taking on this quest? Well... we’ll leave that part up to you.

Ah, the tried and true Valentine’s Day dinner date, where couples scramble to book reservations at their city’s swankiest restaurants... or decide to be adventurous and finally give in to that place Groupon keeps emailing about. To add a bit of flare to the date, why not dress the part and pretend, for one night, that money is no object? You can even arrive in a limo, as if the two of you are a celebrity duo that people should take notice of. And, as an added bonus, if the restaurant is attached to a hotel? Stay the night.

Most of us have fond memories of museum field trips as children, but when’s the last time you toured the halls without a teacher or chaperone? It’s not the first thing that comes to mind when you think romance, but museums are full of intriguing themes that delve into the rich history of our society. Be sure to check what exhibits are available, as there are travelling exhibits that tour cities for a limited time. You can even see if there are after-hours events for adults, as some places let you stay overnight for dinner, drinks, and less-crowded exploration.

If you’re looking for something more intimate than dinner in a fully booked restaurant, grab a blanket and a picnic basket. The food options are limitless when it comes to picnics since you’re in control of what goes into the basket. You can cook a meal, or you can buy prepared treats to enjoy with your sweetheart. A nice picnic at a beautiful park can be the perfect way to set the mood, but you can ignore the outdoor theme and just lay a blanket out on your living room floor or any alternative setting of your choosing. With a picnic, it’s the food and company that really counts.

Roses are red, violets are blue, but flowers as gifts is nothing new. That’s not to say we’re opposed to them, but much like boxes of chocolate, they’ve become a fail-safe present for Valentine’s Day. That doesn’t mean you can’t send your favorite person a bouquet, and please, keep those chocolates coming... but maybe it’s time to think outside the box when it comes to those dozen roses. The website “Family Life” came up with a brilliant way to execute rose delivery: instead of sending 12, send 11. Why? Because then you can deliver the last rose yourself.

It might not seem like it since you live there, especially if you’ve lived there all your life, but your city is probably brimming with possibilities. This can -- and should -- go beyond eateries you’ve never been to. What’s your city known for? Are there well-known landmarks? Maybe there’s a tour you can go on, a historical house to visit, shops you’ve never been to or gardens to photograph. Essentially, treat your city like a tourist destination, and if, by chance, you’ve already exhausted the “local tourist” approach and you need to venture to the next town over to get the same effect, go ahead and do that!

Valentine’s Day can be stressful. You have to come up with the perfect gift, decide what to wear and, most importantly, hope your affections will be returned. While it’s fun to cater to your significant other -- and vice versa -- how about letting other people take care you both? The two of you can indulge in full body massages, some time in a sauna, or a full day of beauty with facials and new hairstyles. And just like at the fancy restaurant... if the spa is attached to a glamorous hotel, stay the night as your new, relaxed selves.

While we did talk about enjoying the wonders of your hometown, there’s something positively exquisite about going off to a place you’ve never been before. It may take a lot of planning, but a Valentine’s Day that involves an extensive amount of travel can add an exotic flare to the occasion. Whether it’s a cabin up in the snowy mountains, a beach with perfectly clear waters, an international hot spot, or fast-paced cities where whatever happens there, stays there... it can be truly thrilling to pack a bag and hop on a flight to a destination that’s entirely foreign for the two of you.

Depending on what your first date was, this could be heartwarming... or absolutely hilarious. Still, there’s always something special about that very first date. Recreating it is a sweet gesture that’s sure to please your loved one... even if you include any laughable pitfalls. Depending on what that date was, it could take a lot of work, but the fact that you even remember what you did will resonate well with your significant other. If you can’t recreate the date itself, you can always focus on a pleasant memory the two of you share from that magical day.

Before we get to our number one pick, let’s dim the lights with these honorable mentions:
- Go Ice Skating
- Dance the Night Away
- Roleplay

Of course, no one says you have to go out to celebrate the love you have for your one and only. If you don’t feel like dealing with the inevitable crowds on February 14th, you can do quite a few things from our list right at home. You can cook a delicious meal or order in, snuggle up and watch a movie, play video games together, relax in each other’s arms, or do something else in each other’s arms. The possibilities are endless, because you know what they say: be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. Why not celebrate the fact that you have someone to share it with?

Do you agree with our list? How are you gonna spend Valentine’s Day this year? For more lovey dovey top tens published everyday, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.