5 Ways to Make the Most of At-Home Valentine's

Despite being locked inside, love is still in the air.

While Valentine's Day might seem anti-climactic after almost a year in lockdown, it doesn't mean you can't show your special someone just how much you love them. Necessity often leads to invention, so if you make Valentine's 2021 extra special, you just may find a new love day tradition that you'll want to repeat year after year, quarantine notwithstanding.

You might not be able to take your sweetie out dancing on the down this February, but we've compiled some great ideas to make this Valentine's one to remember.

1. Get the Candlelight Dinner To-Go

2020 taught restaurateurs how to stay busy regardless of their ability to offer in-person dining, and 2021 is no different. Takeout and delivery are no longer the domain of pizza places. Just about every restaurant has shifted its menu to meet the ever-growing demand for tasty and adventurous at-home eats. Even if you're an excellent home chef, give yourself (or your honey) the night off and order something special. Whether it's from your favourite local place or a spot you have been meaning to try, pull out the nice plates, light some candles, and indulge in a delicious meal prepared by someone else. Many restaurants are even offering a special, curated Valentine's Day menu. Just make sure you order early.

2. Mix it Up 

What's date night without a few drinks? Bring the mixologist to your living room with a virtual cocktail class. Skilled bartenders will provide you with a shopping list ahead of time and guide you through an evening of self-serve libations impressive enough to be featured in any upscale cocktail lounge. Cheers!

3. Make Beautiful Music Together

Don't you miss concerts? It seems like a lifetime ago that we were able to gather in a crowd and sway and dance to our favourite bands. While it may be a while before we can cram into a venue for a night of live music, there are options available for music-loving lovers. The curly-haired crooner himself, Josh Groban, is hosting a live Valentine's Day concert this year. If your idea of the perfect date night is cuddling up on the couch and listening to romantic melodies, this may be the ticket for you.

4. Partake in a Battle of Wits

If you are looking for some friendly competition this Valentine's Day, consider a game night. Nothing gets the heart racing like a rousing evening of trivia or charades. If you are more inclined to express your love by battling it out with your darling over who knows the most about 19th-century Russian literature, then go ahead and do you. Whether you dust off that old version of Trivial Pursuit that's hiding away in a closet, or get digital with one of the many online game packs available, remember to play fair. No one likes a sore loser.

5. Get the Blood Pumping 

If sitting at home and staring into each other's eyes isn't your thing, throw on a coat and get outdoors. Skating, cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing are all excellent two-person activities for lovers of the great outdoors.

If you prefer to stick to an urban setting, make a self-guided walking tour of your city. Select your starting point, distance, and landmarks and the site will provide you with your very own lover's lane.