We love Valentines Day at Polka Dot Bride and today we’re rounding up ten ideas for feel good Valentines Day dates. From cheap and cheerful to heartfelt, to classic, to downright fun! I love that these ideas are jsut as suitable for you and your beloved as they are for a bunch of friends (ala galentines!) or really, just a random weekend of fun!
Photographer: Welsch Photography / Styling: Katherine Eleyce (Ms Filigree) for Polka Dot Bride / Venue: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel / Cakes: The Grounds of Alexandria / Flowers & Props: Oak & Linden / Flowers (Outdoor Picnic): Heiress Flowers / Flowers (In Gold Vase At Outdoor Picnic): Oak & Linden
Fish & Chips On The Beach
One of my favourite things to do is to grab a bottle of prosecco and sit by the water with hot fish and chips as the sun sets. Nothing quite says romance and relaxation to me than bubbles out of a plastic champagne glass and seagulls hawking for your food.
There’s an idea: If a ‘done for you’ option is up your alley, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel are offering packages for sunset picnics on the beach – they even include the picnic rug!
Brunch At Home
Years ago I made the most of my Valentines Day loving heart and purchased a fabulous heart shaped cake pan. Other years I’ve made heart cupcakes and quite fancy red velvet pancakes. So I love the idea of a special breakfast at home. Kick off with mimosas, whip up strawberry pancakes and have a decadent breakfast, before work mode kicks in for the day.
There’s an idea: Melbourne Zoo is hosting “Breakfast With The Gorillas” for those who prefer their breakfast cooked for their with a side of wildlife. A sumptuous buffet breakfast will be on your agenda before a day at the zoo
Stargaze
Years ago, Mr Polka and I took off to the planetarium on Valentines Day and it was rather magical. There was something special about learning and watching the history and a multitude of stars rushing by before we headed out after dark to celebrate.
There’s an idea: Scienceworks are offering an evening under the stars with a show in the planetarium, outdoor stargazing and of course wine and cheese!
Dinner For Two
I had to include the classic “dinner for two” in this roundup of feel good date ideas for Valentines Day. It’s always so much fun getting dressed in your finest attire for a special dinner and what better day to celebrate than Valentine’s Day? Mr Polka and I spent our first Valentine’s Day at our favourite restaurant and for lovers of dining out, it continues to be a favourite!
There’s an idea: Indiana is hosting a special Valentines Day dinner with a three-course menu and bubbles and for an evening with even more wow factor, Lake House Daylesford is offering an amazing eight course degustation menu.
Take A Ride
If adrenalin rushes are the thing that makes your heart sing, why not spend the day at your favourite theme park? Fill your bellies with popcorn and fairy floss and get your heart pumping and blood flowing with rollercoasters, and carousels.
There’s an idea: Luna Park Melbourne are hosting a special Valentines Day evening complete with unlimited rides as the sun goes down – also with added fairy floss!
Watch Your Favourites Under The Night Sky
If you’re a movie buff, why not take the silver screen to new heights with a night at an outdoor cinema? I love the idea of making the movies a special occasion and I am an extra big fan of stocking up on special occasions with special drinks and food packages (the less I have to worry about the better!)
There’s An Idea: Moonlight Cinema will be screening La La Land on Valentines Day across their five Australian locations.
Cook Up A Storm
We have a bit of a theme in our house – Mr Polka is great at cooking, whereas I’m handy at baking. We love to spend time pottering in the kitchen together, but I find I always do the same things. So I would love to spend the night at a cooking class learning a new cuisine, new techniques and trying new tastes that we could put into action at home.
There’s An Idea: Salt Meats Cheese offers various cooking classes and this Valentines Day will be serving up bubbles before teaching a class on how to create your own pasta and delicious bolognese sauce (which of course you then get to enjoy!)
Photo by Montalto Winery
Picnics Under A Tree
When Mr Polka and I first started dating, we would often grab a picnic rug on Valentines Day and head to the deli. We’d pick up mini bottles of bubbles (sensing a theme here?) and all of our favourite foods – amazing cheese, delicious prosciutto, dips and crackers and then find a shady spot in a beautiful park for a picnic. It was one of my favourite ways to spend a few hours.
There’s an idea: Montalto Winery is famous for its vineyard picnics. A table is set with white linen, crockery and glassware and you even get a map so you can amble along in the sunshine to the location.
Pitch A Tent
Get away from it all with a very special twist by glamping! Make your booking and arrive at a fully equipped campsite with fresh linens, lanterns, beds – even bubbles and food can be provided. Camping without the stress (and backache!) sounds like my idea of romance.
There’s an idea: Soul Camping are offering a Valentines Day special glamping package.
Row Row Your Boat
If you live in a place with a large body of water, chances are there’s a boat to hire somewhere! I must admit I am not good at the ‘moving the boats’ part. I am good at the laughing my head off while Mr Polka does all the work, though I think I manage a couple of rows! It’s a fun way to spend a day and work up an appetite.
There’s an idea: I have tried and tested Captain Jolleys Paddleboats in Adelaide, we also love hiring boats at Studley Park Boathouse in Melbourne.
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