Don't settle for a humdrum Valentine's Day. This year, treat your special someone to a unique date. There's plenty to do from Friday, Feb. 10, through Tuesday, Feb. 14, to celebrate the holiday.
Find quirky, romantic and one-of-a-kind date ideas in Philly in this go-to guide.
'Til Death Do Us Part: The Love Stories of Laurel Hill
Here's a date idea that definitely isn't cliché. Take a tour through Laurel Hill. Think of it as an upgrade to the standard scary movie date.
At this early Valentine's Day event, a little-known love story will be shared. Tales along the tour will range from heartwarming to entertaining.
The tour ends with a fireside reception, complete with wine, hot chocolate and hors d’oeuvres.
Saturday, Feb. 11
1 p.m. | $18-$20 per person
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Ave.
(215) 228-8200
Couples-Only Bowling Tournament
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with North Bowl, during a couples-only bowling tournament. The cost is $20 per couple for the three-game tournament.
Games:
1) Baker/9 Pin No-Tap - Couples will take turns bowling each frame. Nine pins count as a strike.
2) Scotch Double - It's a variation of the typical Scotch Double. Pairs must take turns bowling each ball.
3) Best Ball - Both bowlers bowl at the same time on a pair of lanes and the better score of the ball gets recorded. Highest score possible is 100.
Winners:
Highest combined score - A romantic night (hotel room for one night and gift card to a local restaurant)
2nd Place - Dinner (gift card for a local restaurant)
3rd Place - Drinks (bottle of champagne)
Also in store for you and your loved one, Valentine’s Day food & drink specials, complimentary chocolate fountain and complimentary roses.
Email leagues@northbowlphilly.com to RSVP.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
6-8 p.m. | $20 per couple
North Bowl
909 N. 2nd St.
(215) 238-2695
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Sweetheart Skate
The Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is offering a Valentine's Day deal. Buy one admission and get one admission free on Sunday, Feb. 12. Skate with your sweetheart to love songs from the past and present.
Remember the date with a rose and a keepsake photo. Plus, make-and-take valentines and special chocolate treats will be available inside the Rothman Institute Orthopaedics Cabin.
Sunday, Feb. 12
4-8 p.m. | $15 per person
Dilworth Park's Rothman Ice Rink
1 S. 15th St.
(215) 983-1291
Clay Studio Date Night
Don't just hand-make a valentine for your date. This year, take your loved one out to hand-make something together. The Clay Studio in Old City is offering multiple clay-throwing classes over Valentine's Day weekend.
There will be candles, chocolates, light bites, wine and Champagne to set the mood. Just remember to wear something you don't mind getting dirty with clay.
Friday, Feb. 10 through Tuesday, Feb. 14
$125-$135 per couple
The Clay Studio
139 N. Second St.
(215) 925-3453
Valentine's Day Concert
The Philadelphia Orchestra will help you express your feelings through music.
"We honor cupid and St. Valentine with music that whispers and sighs, sings and soars, and, above all, exalts the magic of love," the official event page states.
Conductor Cristian Macelaru will lead the romantic concert.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
8:30 p.m. | $36-$95 per person
Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall
300 S. Broad St.
RetroLove
Ever felt like you were born into the wrong decade? Craving the old-school charm of dating before the age of the internet? RetroLove is for all those who want to imagine a simpler time.
Take your date to World Café Live on Feb. 12 for a night of original poetry, songs, stories and jazz. You might just be inspired to kiss under a streetlamp afterward – or at least keep your phone on silent.
Sunday, Feb. 12
5 p.m. | $20-$25 per person
World Café Live
3025 Walnut St.
Wine & Chocolate for Lovers
If you love someone, say it with food and alcohol. Couples can enjoy a sweet Valentine's Day date at Crossing Vineyards & Winery.
Tickets for the pairing include wine tasting, a tour and a personal box of Pierre's Chocolates.
Sunday, Feb. 12
2 p.m. | $35 per person
Crossing Vineyards & Winery
1853 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, PA
(215) 493-6500
That's A-Moray: Love Below Sea Level
Adventure Aquarium will host its adults-only Valentine's Day event again. Attendees can learn about mating habits of favorite ocean animals and enjoy dinner and drinks after-hours.
Price includes:
• After-hours Aquarium experience
• Two drink tickets for wine or beer per couple
• Free parking
• Buffet dinner and dessert
• Behind-the-scenes look at Ocean Realm exhibit
• Animal up-close talks with penguins, porcupines and more
• Cash bar featuring a signature cocktail
Saturday, Feb. 11
7-11 p.m. | $175 per couple
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, N.J.
(856) 361-1025
Shakespeare in Love: Open Mic Night
Impress your date with this free event. The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia, will host an open mic night in the library's Skyline Room.
Get up and declare your love against a backdrop of sweeping views of the city at night. All are invited to perform a love poem, monologue or scene from a romantic literary work.
Not a fan of the spotlight? You can just sit back and watch others make declarations of love.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
6-8 p.m. | Free
The Free Library of Philadelphia's Parkway Central branch
1901 Vine St.