Five Great Dates for the Day of Love

By Samantha Larson  

​The holiday of love is just around the bend, and creative date ideas can be hard to scrape up. Sure, the movie theater is nice every now and again, but your valentine deserves a nice change of pace. Don't stick to the cliches, they get old fast. No box of chocolates, no half dead roses. Try something new! Here are five fun date ideas to make your valentine feel truly special.
 
1. Take a Hike
Sure it may be a little chilly, but nothing beats bundling up in cozy sweaters and down coats. Maybe bring some thermoses of tea and hot soup. Enjoy nature right along side your loved one. And thankfully, here in Maryland, nature isn't too hard to find. There are wonderful little trails winding all through the state. So grab your winter gear, your valentine, and go trek through the beautiful Maryland forests.
 
2. Indoor Picnic
An adventurous hike in the cold is nice now and again, but sometimes it's just too chilly. Clear some space in your living room, spread a blanket, light a few candles, buy fresh flowers, and set up a picnic! Perhaps play some quiet nature noises in the corner to add to the affect. Get a basket, and pack some of your valentine’s favorite foods. Or maybe just traditional picnic foods like watermelon and peanut butter jelly sandwiches. Trust me, they will be thrilled.
 
3. Scavenger Hunt
Did you get your valentine a present? Well, maybe instead of just handing it to them, set up a scavenger hunt around the house that will eventually bring them to their gift! Write out clues that lead your valentine to their surprise. Try to make each clue creative, and perhaps something that relates to your relationship to add a nice twist. 
 
4. Karaoke Competition
What could be better than singing your heart out to cheesy 80s hits alongside your valentine? Nothing trumps that! And if you don't have one of those clunky karaoke machines, no worries! You can check out sites like thekaraokechannel.com or singsnap.com. You can compete with others, against each other, or just have fun! Online karaoke websites have a lot of older and newer music to choose from, so if you and your valentine don't have the same taste in music, no need to worry!
 
5. Road Trip
Plan a good ol’ fashioned road trip with your valentine. Get out of Maryland, cruise along route 70, and see the states! Indulge yourselves in fast food and gas station snacks. And don't forget to bring along some tunes! Road trips are always made better with your valentine by your side, and good music blasting over the stereo. Visit quirky little tourist traps, and don't forget to take a lot of pictures!