Mushy Date
Set the mood with Lemon Creek Winery Tasting Room (327 North Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven), where you can sample one of Lemon Creek Winery's many wines and purchase one (or two, or three...) to take home. Once the wine warms your insides, intertwine your mittens and walk along Lake Michigan's eerily beautiful winter landscape. Experience the beach in a whole new romantic way. Wrap up the evening at Belvedere Inn (3656 63rd St., Saugatuck) and enjoy the Say I Love You Valentine's Package. Available with a two-night minimum stay, Belvedere ups the romance with a cheese board and sparkling wine on arrival and a five-course gourmet meal for Saturday night's dinner. Visit thebelvedereinn.com to reserve your stay.
Outdoorsy Date
For those looking to get some fresh air while trying to get fresh, the Second Annual Snow Jam in Grand Haven is the ticket. On Feb.15 from 4-9 p.m., you and your date can skate to your heart's content, listen to live music and watch hockey. Did we mention that it's absolutely free? More skating can be had at several arenas in the area, such as Riverview Park in downtown Holland, or the Winter Sports Complex (462 Scenic Dr., North Muskegon). The complex also offers plenty of other winter activities to try, such as sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and luge for the brave ones. For more information, visit msports.org.
DIY Date
The couple that crafts together, stays together. (That's how the saying goes, right?) Check out Paint a Pot (385 E. 8th St., Holland) for some feng shui pottery painting. Just pick out a pot and some paint, have a seat and create your masterpiece. Did you get flowers for your special lady or gent? Paint a vase to put them in. Cover it in hearts, unicorns, your own face—anything you want. If painting isn't your thing, head over to the Holland Area Arts Council (105 E. 8th St., Holland) on Feb. 15 for the White Line Woodcut Workshop, where you'll carve multicolor white-line woodblock prints. Start V-Day early on Feb. 4 at New Holland Brewing (66 E. 8th St., Holland) for the Art in Fermented Form Art Series. Indulge in appetizers and beer while the resident artist teaches you how to make a handcrafted coil bracelet.
Lonely Hearts Club
If you're lacking a date this Valentine's Day, grab your stag buddies and hit up Bam! (478 E. 16th, Holland) for some laser tag and late night rock and glow bowling. If you're looking for a ladies' night, Muskegon Civic Theatre (425 W. Western Ave. Suite 401, Muskegon) performs The Dixie Swim Club Feb. 21 through March 8. The play follows five women who met on their college swim team and showcases the power of female friendships. Don't dwell on your relationship status. Instead, get your aggression out at Lakeshore Sports Centre (4470 Airline Rd., Muskegon), where drop-in hockey games are offered all day.
Fan of the Arts Date
Show your date your cultured side by spending the day admiring the arts. Explore Muskegon Museum of Art (296 W. Webster Ave.) for the contemporary "Papercuts" exhibition, featuring more than 30 pieces from seven artists. Paper cutting, the unique art of creating intricate sculptures out of paper, will leave you both feeling inspired and crafty. Wander over to Frauenthal Theatre (425 W Western Ave., Muskegon) for What You Won't Do For Love? The live performance follows a love-struck couple through all of the trials and tribulations of their marriage.
