Can you believe it’s already February? It’s Valentine’s Day month — the time of year to celebrate love and friendship — but that doesn’t mean it has to be in the form of chocolate, flowers and date nights. There are alternative ways to celebrate your love and that’s why I wanted to share a few of the not-so-traditional ways my hubby and I enjoy the holiday.
After nearly 15 years of marriage and two kids, life is hectic. Between running our businesses, juggling crazy work schedules and parenting duties, there’s little time left to enjoy each other’s company. So while many couples plan a big outing on February 14th, we prefer doing something a little more spontaneous and fun. Here are a few things we’ve done over the years that we’ve really enjoyed.
Take a day off from work and spend quality time together – without the kids.
Sometimes it’s hard for us to plan outings on the weekends because we need to find sitters and figure out what to do with the kids. A good alternative for us is to schedule a day off during the week and take off together. During the week the kids are in school and we can either arrange for someone else to pick them up in the afternoon or leave them in after-school care. Then we can really enjoy some quality time together. On these days, we usually go to the movies, plan a fancy lunch or dinner at a restaurant we’ve been wanting to try, take a stroll on Miami Beach or Key Biscayne, or visit an attraction where we can just relax and enjoy each other’s company. Some of the top places we’ve visited include Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, The Barnacle and The Kampong. Other days we’ve even gone to antique/vintage shops, which is something we both enjoy.
Attend a festival or event that interests you both.
There’s LOT going on throughout the month of February, so why not reserve a sitter and plan to attend one of these cool events with your honey? There’s Art Wynwood Feb 14-18; the Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Feb 14-18; Coconut Grove Arts Festival Feb 16-18; and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival Feb 20-24 (one of my personal favorites!).
If you cannot get away in February, don’t worry! March is also filled with some exciting events, such as Carnaval Miami Mar 2-10 and the Miami Open Mar 18-31 for tennis aficionados.
Go away for the weekend.
Plan a staycation weekend right here in Miami. There are so many top-notch hotels in this tropical paradise that we’re lucky enough to call home. Whether you’re looking for something affordable or luxurious, the options are plenty. If you prefer to leave Miami, drive a little while to the Keys, Captiva Island or Naples. Let the hotel know you’re celebrating a special occasion so they can help you plan some romantic events, such as a candlelit dinner or a couples’ massage. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and having reconnected with your spouse!
Go watch the sunrise on the beach.
While many people go to the Keys or to the west coast of Florida to catch spectacular sunsets, you can plan something totally different. Get up early and surprise your loved one with a trip to the beach to watch the sunrise! The weather is cool, there’s hardly nobody around and it’s super romantic. Have breakfast on the beach afterward and then you have the rest of the day to plan more amazing things with your Valentine.
Other options include recreating your first date, writing love notes to each other, taking a dance class together and playing tourist for the day (discovering new places together).
Although it’s important to set up date nights and time alone with your significant other all year round, it’s nice to do something a little different and go the extra mile this time of year. No matter what you plan for Valentine’s Day, the important thing is to spend quality time together and have some fun.
I’d love to hear some of the ways you celebrate your Valentine in the month of love!
