February 14, the one day each year set aside for romance and love. Although Valentine’s Day itself is hard to miss, thanks to the explosion of all things hearts and flowers beginning just after the new year, it can be a bit challenging to come up with romantic Valentine’s Day date ideas. Along with our normal daily responsibilities, once a year we are tasked with coming up with the perfect evening. An evening of ambiance and enchantment that will sweep our loved one off their feet. An evening of grandeur that will show our special someone just how much they mean to us. If this is sounding more like the set up for a romantic comedy than real life, then you are in the right place!
Valentine’s Day dates don’t have to be extravagant to be full of romance and enchantment. Here are some ideas we’ve put together to help even the most novice cupid pull off a Valentine’s Day to remember!
First-Drop the Kids Off
It can be difficult to find a babysitter on popular date nights like Valentine’s Day. But have no fear, your romantic date night does not have to be filled with juice boxes and crayons! With year-round schooling here, we have something unique in Holly Springs. There are A LOT of options for “parents night out.” Most of the track-out camps have designated nights that you can drop your little darlings off for a few hours. It’s less money than a babysitter, and they will keep the kids busy with games and activities while they’re there. Drop times are usually around 6pm-10pm. Many of the families will even feed the kids.
Romance-Holly Springs Style!
Holly Springs is full of romance, you just have to know where to look. Why not start your evening with some pre-dinner drinks at Niche Wine Lounge on Main Street in Holly Springs. With its warm and inviting setting, Niche is the perfect place to start the night. Grab a seat on one of their comfy chairs or snuggle on the couch while you enjoy a glass of your favorite wine or beer. Niche has the largest selection of wines by the glass in North Carolina and serves an assortment of meats and cheeses, perfect for a pre-dinner appetizer.
After your cozy glass of wine, you can head over to Osteria G at Sunset Lake Road and Holly Springs Road for an authentic Italian dish prepared by their Culinary Institute of America chef. For February 14, they will be offering a four-course dinner for $49 per person. The courses include an appetizer, salad, pasta and entrée. They will be featuring filet mignon, salmon and chicken parmigiana as entrees, cacio e pepe, carbonara or bolognese for pasta, arugula or mixed green salad, and truffled mushroom brochette or provolone al forno for antipasti.
Chef’s Palette, just on the outskirts of town, is another option for the main course. Chef’s Palette is located on Ten Ten and Kildaire Farm Rd. Chef’s Palette is an ideal location for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Local artwork adorns the walls creating an atmosphere perfect for conversation. Owner Kathie Clark notes that there will be a limited menu on Valentine’s Day, so be sure to check their website for details.
Just because your meal is through doesn’t mean the night has to end. What is more romantic than holding hands while both reaching for the popcorn at the movies? Head over to the theater and check out one of the new releases set to open on and around Valentine’s Day. Some options are What a Man Wants, set to be released on February 8. A flip of the script from the 2000 Mel Gibson movie, What Women Want, this new version is shown from the point of view of a woman who has suddenly become able to hear the thoughts of the men around her.
If you are looking for an even more “chick-flick” like movie, check out
Isn’t It Romantic, set to be released on February 13. In this quintessential date movie, the life of the main character, played by Rebel Wilson, is somehow transformed into a romantic comedy after a bump to the head.
Now, if both of these options are just a little too cliché for Valentine’s Day, you can always go the sci-fi/adventure route with Alita: Battle Angel. Set to be released on February 14, this action movie takes place centuries in the future and follows main character, Alita, as she attempts to recover her memory and uncover the truth to her identity after being abandoned and taken in by cyber doctor, Ido.
Holly Springs has so much to offer in the Romance department. Whether you decide to snuggle and sip wine, dine in an atmosphere of art and sophistication, or partake of a romantic comedy or sci-fi flick with your sweetie, this Valentine’s Day will be special not because of where you go, but because of who you go with. There will be a lot of local restaurants offering Valentine’s Day specials. Remember that you could be competing with over 15,000 other couples for a table, so be smart and plan ahead. Please consider booking a locally-owned facility first. Once they’re filled, then you can look at the chains.
A Quick Getaway
Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday this year, why not turn your date night into a date weekend? Send the kids to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for the weekend and head out of town. In just a few hours you can be in Asheville, NC where you can tour the Biltmore Estate before snuggling up in front of a fire at a cozy bed and breakfast. If warmer weather is more your style, two hours will take you to Wilmington where you can have a romantic dinner on the waterway before a walk on the beach. Take advantage of living in the heart of the state where the beach or the mountains are just a short drive away.
Nothing Says Love Like A Little Crime Solving
If you are looking for a Valentine’s date idea that is out of the box, check out The Dinner Detective at the Sheraton in Chapel Hill. Coupled with a four-course plated dinner, guests have the opportunity to become part of the show. Throughout the night, a crime will occur, and guests are given clues and evidence to help the “detectives” crack the case. Actors are seated among guests, and are dressed in “plain” clothes, so everyone is a suspect! General admission (which includes dinner) is $64.95. For more information go to www.thedinnerdetective.com.
Valentine’s Day is a day to show those you love just how much they mean to you. This can be done with extravagant gifts and romantic getaways, but it can just as easily be accomplished with a tender word or a long embrace. Valentine’s Day isn’t about spending and buying, it is about loving and appreciating those who are closest to you. So, whether it is a quick trip to the NC mountains or coast, or a good meal and a movie with the one you love, enjoy your time together and cherish the love between you.
