Young Again Date
There are some things that will never change. The sky is blue, ice melts and kids love dinosaurs. These long-extinct creatures indulge a child's sense of awe. Relive that awe at Dinosaurs Unearthed at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (272 Pearl St. NW). The exhibition features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, full-scale skeletons, fossils and interactive activities. After, head over to Sweet-Yo's (134 Monroe Center) to pile as many toppings as possible onto your frozen yogurt. Why keep it simple when you can dump gummy bears, Snickers, marshmallows, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Pop Rocks, cookie dough, brownies, cheesecake pieces and more on top of a myriad of yogurt flavors. Because according to kids, more is more.
Foodie Date
Put a little work into your date and take a pasta-making class at Local Epicurean (111 S. Division Ave.), where participants are taught to make pasta the ancient Roman style. The cost is $59 per person and the result is enough pasta to make four dinners at home (sauce and add-ins not included). For some education-based dessert, local foodie Mecca, Grand Rapids Downtown Market (435 Ionia Ave. SW) hosts History of Chocolate Tasting: Grocer's Daughter on Feb. 12. For $10 per person, learn about high-quality chocolate sent to Grocer's Daughter from Ecuadorian cacao growers. Not only learn, but sample these chocolates as well. Not interested in putting in as much effort? Take your date to Green Restaurant (2289 East Beltline Ave. NE Suite B), where everything is all-natural and organic. Order something that's good for your body and your taste buds.
Rock Date
Spend Valentine's Day rocking out to some of the area's best rock bands at The Intersection's Heavyweights 2014 Final. See which band will beat out 14 others as the 2014 Heavyweight Champion on Feb. 14. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 on show day. Before fully rocking out, get your pregame on at Stella's Lounge (53 Commerce Ave. SW) and load up the jukebox with your favorite rock jams. In true rock 'n' roll style, order a 24-oz. Mickey's or Colt 45 for $4, properly served in a paper sack.
Mushy Date
Get the VIP treatment with Bistro Bella Vita's Chef Tasting Menu (44 Grandville Ave. SW). In this intimate experience, you pick your favorite cuisine style and one of Bistro Bella Vita's chefs whip up a four-course meal for you and your date, complete with detailed descriptions of each dish. Cost is $60 per person for the four-course meal. Add on wine pairing for an additional $25 per person. To schedule your date night, call (616) 222-4600 or e-mail
Anti-Mush Date
If Valentine's Day is just like any other day to you, then opt for some take-out and stiff drinks. Order an entree from Erb Thai (950 Wealthy St. SE, Suite A) and bring it to Mulligan's Pub (1518 Wealthy St. SE), where outside food is welcome and the drinks are cheap and strong. Drown out the Valentine's Day mush with a free show: Lo Mobb plays Mully's Otherside on Feb. 15 at 10 p.m.
Classy Date
Experience rock 'n' roll in a new way when the Grand Rapids Symphony presents The Music of the Rolling Stones at DeVos Performance Hall (303 Monroe Ave. NW) on Feb. 15. Hear Mick, Keith, Ronnie and Charlie in a whole new way: enhanced by the Grand Rapids Symphony, giving the Stones' classic songs a new, classical twist. Tickets start at $32. Before the show, make a reservation at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse inside the Amway Grand Plaza. Dine in style and order a signature steak served on a 500-degree plate or opt for a specialty entree. Wash it down with a wine from the restaurant's award-winning list.
