By Suzanne Corbett
Valentine’s Day has traditionally revolved around treating your love with flowers, candy and decadent dinners. All good. However, for some folks, it’s passé. That’s why this year I’m searching for something quirky and off-beat. Unusual locations you can treat your Valentine or BBF. Such off-center ideas took off years ago when White Castle decided to hold its white table Valentine dinners. Redefining the surf n turf dinner as its classic Castle slider and diminutive fish sammie.
If you’re craving an unusual valentine destination, or a sweet treat with a twist, I have a few suggestions ranging from delightfully decadent to simplistically fun, to the downright bizarre. Unique experiences designed for couples passionate for something new.
The Wheel at Union Station
Get cozy in a gondola on The Wheel at Union Station. The wheel is open during the day or night– but for Valentines day take a nighttime spin; it’s sure to spark love as The Wheel turns, its colorful lights adds ambiance to a romantic encounter.
Afterward go retro and share a Valentine Freak shake at The Soda Fountain with two spoons and straws. The Soda Fountain’s menu features the countertop classics you know and love with their own over-the-top twists.
Whether it’s grilled or chilled, every item is made by hand and crafted the old-fashioned way.
From Freak Shakes and sundaes to unique sodas, spirits, and sandwiches you can have your shake and eat it, too!
And speaking of “Freak” Shakes…
Freak Out your Valentine at The Darkness
Love a good scare? The Darkness haunted housewill feed that passion. The Darkness will open for one night only during the season of love for this special My Bloody Valentine event on Saturday, February 15. Tickets include Valentine’s candy treats, free photo ops with The Darkness monsters and the scariest date night in history. For an extra five bucks to the $25 admission, love birds can arrange for a five-minute coffin escape. So, take note, all you boo-tiful brides, gruesome grooms – the coffin escape will give new meaning to “till death do us part.”
Cupid’s Undie Run
Strip to your skivvies and take a run. Run hand in hand with the one you love for a great cause at the annual downtown Undie Run. A fundraiser with a mission to help find a cure for neurofibromatosis. Sponsored by Cupid’s Charity, the Undie Run is held at Ballpark Village. The pre-run party begins at noon. The “brief” run, which just a mile, begins at 2pm. Runners need to register at my.cupids.org.
Chocolate Indulgences
Russel Stover heart-shaped boxes may still be the go-to for some Valentine shoppers, but not me. I’m looking for something new. Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate has an alternative to chocolate covered strawberries. The Strawberry Champagne Truffle Bar. Sinfully rich, which elevates the candy bar to a work of art. with an infusion of fresh strawberries and Champagne into a fresh cream ganache truffle center. chocolatechocolate.com
Most guys love candy and beer. Hilliard’s, a Massachusetts chocolatier came up with a solution: put them both in one package. Order their craft beer collection of confections, which includes craft beer caramels flavored with Double IPA beer and topped with Langwater Farm hops and pretzel infused sea salt, and Craft Beer Brittle. Beer Brittle, based on a traditional peanut brittle recipe, uses brewed beer in the recipe. Available online, packaged as a pair, tied with twine, is a treat most any beer loving Valentines will love.
Need more chocolate? Keep celebrating Valentine’s Day the following weekend, February 22 -23 along the Hermann Wine Trail’s during its annual Chocolate Wine Trail. Sample wine and chocolate pairings from seven Hermann wineries. A standout among this year’s pairings, Dierberg Star Lane’s Triple Chocolate Espresso Brownies paired with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Missouri Wine Country
Bring your Valentine to Missouri Wine Country to raise a glass and celebrate at such locations as Cave Hollow West Winery’s Valentine’s night Lush N Brush in Hannibal, Missouri for a night of wine, dinner and art. Adam Puchta Winery host’s a Be Wine Valentine, a four-course wine dinner held in its 1855 Cellar Bistro.
Pucker for a Pint
Fall in love with what Oprah proclaimed as the “sexiest Ice cream” at Clementine’s St. Louis’ only micro-creamery. During February, the month of love, stop in and take a photo kissing someone you love at Clementine’s. Post the picture to social media and use the hashtag #puckerforapint to be entered to win a pint of ice cream each month for a year! Three lucky winners at the end of February.
You have time to make plans to spend a romantic– or fun– Valentines Day so go out and make some memories.
If you are in the market to send flowers, you still have time. Here’s the link to Flower’s Fast, a great online FTD Flower Shop– and sponsor of STLSportsPage.com
