Five ways to celebrate Valentine's Day
Photo by Senior Photographer Morgan Kiehl
I get it. Valentine’s Day can be a stressful time. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, many of us are feeling the pressure to make the best of the holiday, one way or another. If you’re having a difficult time thinking of something to do on Valentine’s Day — either to enjoy with someone special or to help you forget the fact that you don’t have anyone — I’ve compiled a list of ideas specifically tailored to Lee students just like you!
1. Candlelit evening at Cleveland Coffee & Market
In Downtown Cleveland, just a few blocks off campus, Cleveland Coffee & Market will be hosting a romantic, candlelit event featuring live music on the evening of Valentine’s Day. Interested couples can make a reservation for a table between 6 - 8 p.m., and each $25 reservation will include two specialty coffee drinks and two desserts for you and your date to enjoy. With every reservation, CC&M will also provide two coupons for free drinks on your next visit to the shop– a nearly irresistible offer for college students.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://www.clevelandcoffeeandmarket.com/events.
2. Jazz music and dancing downtown
If a candlelit date isn’t really your style, you may be more interested in another downtown event taking place on Valentine’s Day. The Museum Center at 5ive Points on Inman Street will be hosting Music Under the Stars: La Vie en Rose on the evening of Feb. 14. The event will feature music by Chattanooga’s own Premiere Jazz Orchestra, and swing dance lessons provided by Unity Dance Studios. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and tickets for the event are $25 each.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.museumcenter.org/music-under-the-stars.
3. Couples’ Climb at Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
Do you consider yourself more of an outdoorsy couple? Hiwassee/ Ocoee Scenic River State Park has you covered. Join Park Ranger Jeremy Sorensen on Valentine’s Day evening for a couples-only hike up Chestnut Mountain. Hot chocolate and photo ops will be available at the summit, as couples enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset. Full disclosure — the trek up Chestnut Mountain is strenuous, so this date idea isn’t for everyone; however, if you’re looking for an adventure, Couples’ Climb may be the perfect ending to the most romantic holiday of the year. The hike is free to any couple but registration is necessary.
For more information, visit https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/hiwassee-ocoee/#/?event=couples-climb.
4. Send your Valentine a Sing-a-Gram
If grand, romantic gestures are more your speed, you can surprise your Valentine with flowers and a song performed by members of Lee’s Evangelistic Singers any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. You can have flowers hand-delivered to your Valentine for $3.50, send them a song for $5 or surprise them with both for $8. EVS will be accepting requests for flowers until Feb. 10 and you can request a song until Feb. 11. Not only is this a great way to publicly proclaim your appreciation for your Valentine, but it’s also an opportunity to support EVS as they raise funds for their club’s events throughout the semester.
For more information about the Evangelistic Singers’ Valentine’s Sing-a-Gram, visit https://www.evangelisticsingers.com/fundraiser/.
5. Singles’ movie night
So, maybe you don’t have a Valentine to celebrate with — no worries! Last year Parade compiled a list of the best romantic comedies for single people to watch on Valentine’s Day. The list includes films ranging from “Legally Blonde” to “He’s Just Not That Into You,” so there’s something for everyone. Invite your other single friends over to create a safe space away from all the couples and romance, or just spend the evening alone with your own thoughts and feelings. Make your movie selection based on how upset you are about being single, pop some popcorn and go to bed nice and early so you’ll be well-rested for your trip to Target on Feb. 15, when all the Valentine’s Day candy goes on sale.
Stay strong. Your time is coming.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of Valentine’s Day festivities. These are just a few of my humble suggestions for those of you who are still on the hunt for the perfect date. If none of these ideas appeal to you, feel free to follow your heart and plan the date that you feel really represents you — whether that means proposing to your long-time girlfriend, or crying yourself to sleep. The choice is yours.
