Valentine’s Day is upon us! If you’re interested in doing something other than dining at a nice restaurant, we’ve got you. These Valentine’s Day date ideas are healthful, out-of-the ordinary, and local. Don’t worry: You can take all the credit. We won’t tell!
Picnic In Memorial Park Eastern Glades
Clay Family Eastern Glades reclaimed one hundred acres of inaccessible land and in doing so created an incredible site for picnicking. Spread out a comfortable blanket, snack on you and your partner’s favorite goodies, and enjoy the rejuvenating views of Hines Lake. Tip: If you plan on an evening picnic on a clear day, you can catch some beautiful sunsets here!
When you’re finished picnicking and want to stretch your legs, head on over to one of the park’s boardwalks to look out over the water and learn about the area’s ecology. There are also great trails to walk such as the Seymour Lieberman Trail and opportunities to learn about the rich military history of Memorial Park.
Some of Memorial Park Eastern Glades’ sites are free on a first-come, first-served basis, but others must be reserved.
Walk Through the Arboretum
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center provides miles of hiking trails with gorgeous scenic views. Learn about various habitats on a self-guided adventure, and feel free to bring Fido too! Although you can’t picnic at this location, it’s a great spot to go to enjoy a little time in nature with someone you care about. The Arboretum is open daily from 7 AM to dusk.
Rent a Houston BCycle
Houston’s premier bike share program really can get you all over the city! With 140 stations, it’s easy for riders to access events, parks, trendy restaurants, and scenic bike routes. In August, Houston BCycle added nine new stations including the Silos at Sawyer Yards, 19th and Rutland, the Exchange at Hardy Yards, MLK and Griggs, Louisiana and Walker, Deluxe Theater, the EaDo Stadium METRORail, Earl Henderson Park, and Meyerland JCC. Since the Heights is loaded with great parks, restaurants, and nightlife, Houston BCycle’s presence in the area has increased with growing demand.
How does it work? Find your pickup point on the map and grab a bike from that B-station. Pay at the kiosk or through the mobile app. Guest rides on standard bikes cost a flat rate of $3 per 30 minutes, while members get the first 60 minutes of every ride for free. To glide along on an e-bike, non-member customers can expect to pay $5 every 30 minutes. When you’re all set with the bike, simply dock it at the nearest B-station.
For Valentine’s Day, consider riding through a bike-friendly park like Memorial Park or Buffalo Bayou Park. Plan on a picnic for when you get hungry, or stop by your favorite Heights restaurant!
Painting at Painting with a Twist
Wine plus paint equals a seriously fun night out! Located at 728 West 19th Street, Painting with a Twist guides guests on how to craft creative works of art. No experience is needed to enjoy this activity. Paint nights are not only soothing and great for self-care but can give painters unique insights into how others perceive the world. How you imagine a shape or color may not be the same way your partner does. It’s a blast to compare the finished works! Sign up for a special “date night” class to work on a couple’s painting.
Craft a Candle at Manready Mercantile
All the crafty couples out there will love this activity! Manready Mercantile on West 19th Street offers a one-hour candle-making experience to remember. Sip on a wine or cocktail while you choose from a variety of scents to add to a lovely soy wax which will later be set in a trendy whiskey glass. A Candle Bar expert will help you every step of the way, so don’t worry about making a mess! The wax can take up to half an hour to solidify, giving you and your date plenty of time to peruse the shop and take fun vintage-inspired photos. Book your spot ahead of time – they go fast!
Massages at The Now
Couldn’t we all use a bit more relaxation? Rest and recharge together with massages at The NOW. Situated on West 19th Street alongside Heights Theater, beloved antique shops, and popular cafés, The NOW has a menu of soothing massages to help you unwind and bond with your partner. Table massages begin at $50 per person for 25 minutes. The NOW’s signature Swedish massage claims to help reduce anxiety and stress, and other popular massages such as the Stretch target athletes hoping to reduce sports recovery time, improve their range of motion, and stimulate their lymphatic and circulatory systems.
This location also offers a wide variety of extras to add on to your massages. Herbal heat packs can help reduce stress, and the Scalp Renewal enhancement includes a nourishing coconut oil scalp massage aimed at hydrating roots and increasing circulation. Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese method that uses smooth rose quartz tools to soothe muscles, is also on the menu. Expectant moms will also appreciate the Prenatal Glow massage! No matter what you need, The NOW has a massage that’s right for you.
The minimalist, chic vibes at this location help to calm the mind and rid it of any nagging stressors so you can fully enjoy the experience. Exposed beams, natural wood surfaces, sheepskins and rawhides, crystals, plants, and other raw elements lend the environment a natural feel to help create the ultimate sanctuary.
Give your sweetie a gift card to enjoy a massage at a time of their choosing, or call to schedule a time to go together. The NOW is open on Monday through Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM.