Valentine's Day can bring with it a lot of pressure to have the perfect date. So, let us take some of the pressure off and help you plan a downtown date night or day. And, get ready to celebrate your love urban-style.
Ballet with Your Valentine
Share a love story with your love. BalletMet performs the World Premiere of Giselle, February 9 - 11 and February 15 - 17 at the Davidson Theatre. Giselle tells the story of peasant girl's search for love. And, this dance interpretation by Edwaard Liang reimagines this captivating tale. So, come for the love story, but be awed by the grace and beauty of the dancers.
Play with Balls
If you and your Valentine prefer a little activity on date night, PINS Mechanical lets you and your love enjoy a little loving competition. So, grab some balls and have some fun. From duckpin bowling to ping pong to fusball, fun is found all around.Then, raise a glass of Winter Warmer Sangria or a Pinball Wizard, and nosh from the food trucks of the day (February 14 features Maanas: Authentic Indian Food and Aloha Streatery).
Russian Romance
This week, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra brings back the popular Russian Winter Festival, featuring works from Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff. Grammy Award-winning violinist, Augustin Hadelich, joins conductor Rossen Milanov and the CSO for this special event. If you're planning a Valentine's date the weekend before, purchase tickets for the Friday, February 9 or Saturday, February 10 8 p.m. shows at the Ohio Theatre. And, take your love for a pre-show dinner at Due Amici. But, be sure to start off with a Winter White Peach vodka cocktail and channel the romance of Dr. Zhivago.
Heart with Art
Head to the Discovery District for an art-filled Valentine's date. Indeed, the Columbus Museum of Art offers beauty all around, from the building's architecture to the permanent pieces to the special exhibitions. So, wander the galleries or plan ahead all that you don't want to miss (Botanical Wonders and Think Outside the Brick: the Creative Art of LEGO are two current favs). Or, head to CCAD's Byers Gallery for their new exhibit CCAD on Mars: The Planet Next Door, which features the work of CCAD Industrial Design students who partnered with a US Space & Rocket Center simulations specialist to create experiences that envision life on Mars. This out-of-this-word exhibit runs February 14 - 25. Once you've fed your creative side, head to Pat & Gracie's and feed your belly.
Wander Scioto Mile
Do you and your Valentine love the fresh air? Plan a stroll along the lovely Scioto Mile. Hold hands, swing on the swings and take in the beauty of the river and city lights. Aaaah, romance. Then, warm up over deliciousiness at Milestone 229 or M.
Valentine's CBUS Crawl
Or, go for a crawl on the CBUS. You can wind your way from German Village through the Brewery District, Downtown, the Convention District and the Short North. Indeed, you'll find fun and fabulous stops along the way like Arepazo Tapas Bar, Cafe Napolitana for a slice, the North Market, The Joseph for some art and The Guild House, or some shopping and gallery hopping in the Short North. There's too much fun to list here, so check out the Downtown Concierge to plan your route. And remember, you and your Valentine can hop on and off the CBUS for free.