Date Nights

Much like Cupid’s very own arrow, Valentine’s Day strikes fear in the hearts of many people. The panic over finding just the right gift, the dread of forgetting to make a dinner reservation, or the absolute terror of empty buckets in the Kroger floral department can all be too much.

But fear not, we have a few tips that will make Feb. 14 (or even the weekend before!) a little more fun and a whole lot easier.

First things first

Courtesy Hilton Netherland Plaza

Maybe you’ve Bumbled or Matched your way to finding someone online, and it’s time to meet IRL.

The pressure! You could probably use a drink.

The Bar at the Palm Court (Hilton Netherland Plaza, Fifth and Vine Streets) is just the place you need to meet a new love interest. The art deco setting is classic and romantic, plus offers plenty of fodder for conversation. Order a Martini or an Old Fashioned, nestle into a banquette, and settle into the rich history of the bar.

Once you’ve steeled your courage, head out to the next phase of your date. Just around the corner from the Palm Court is the Van Gogh Expo, (18 West Fourth St.) This immersive visual art experience allows you to walk through the paintings. It’s better than going to a movie – you can actually talk during it, getting to know each other better while you stroll through the light and music of Van Gogh’s work.

While that is certainly a lovely initial meeting, if you still want to spend a little more time together, take a trip to Graeter’s on Fountain Square. You can learn a lot about someone’s through their choice of ice cream flavor!

A Little Romance

Have you been dating for a while and need some new fun? Or maybe you’re newlyweds who feel all dated out? When life has become a bit more Netflix and Zzzz than party on, it’s time to act like a kid again!

Pick up those cool college vibes with a trip to Art Academy of Cincinnati’s (1212 Jackson St.) current exhibition, Minumental 33. The 2" x 2" works works of art in the Pearlman and McClure Galleries will spark big conversation. As a plus, the art is for sale, if you still need a gift!

Courtesy Pins Mechanical

It may not be the video arcade of your youth –  though there is pinball – but duckpin bowling is much more interactive. At Pins Mechanical (1124 Main St.) the bowling using smaller balls and smaller pins which makes it much more difficult. While not obviously romantic, the healthy competition, and a little trash talk, will certainly heat things up, in a good way.

Courtesy Pendleton Parlor

Keep the spirit of fun going by grabbing a slice at Goodfellas (1211 Main St.) Along with specialty pies and sandwiches, you’ll also find salads, since you’re not a kid anymore!

After the game and pizza, cap off the evening with a trip to Pendleton Parlor (1218 Broadway St.) While the initial appeal may be ice cream, sundaes, and shakes, the real draw is every kid’s fantasy, edible cookie dough.

Family Fun

If Valentine’s Day has become more of a family affair, share the love with kid-centric fun.

Celebrate a little early, as the Contemporary Arts Center (44 E. Sixth Street) holds their winter family festival, Ice Ice Baby, in the Creativity Center on Saturday, Feb. 11. This free drop-in program offers loads of art and science-themed projects plus a meet-and-greet with a penguin. The day also includes an indoor snowball fight.

The recently opened Creativity Center has exhibitions and art making every day, so it’s a fun way to reconnect through art on any day.

Across the street, Bru Burger (41 E. Sixth St.) has an expansive list of burgers available for all ages, but also offers a special kids menu along with root beer floats! Grown-ups can also choose from chef-driven salads and sandwiches, plus local craft beers and cocktails.

The ice rink at Fountain Square is still open, which includes both skating and bumper cars. To make the day even more dazzling, the Winter Wonder Light Show happens every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the evening.

From a chat over a cocktail to a turn on the ice, you’l find plenty of ways to make memories this Valentine’s Day, and isn’t that what love is all about.