7 Non-traditional Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

1. Ditch Dinner for Brunch
Dinner reservations are hard to come by on Valentine’s Day if you don’t plan far in advance, so why not consider brunch? A foamy latte or a big buttery stack of pancakes at a cozy brunch spot can be just as, if not more, romantic than dinner.

Cafe Presse: Slip into the dimly lit back room of this French bar and cafe–open daily from 7 to 2 a.m.–along Capitol Hill’s 12th Avenue and nibble on housemade pastries like freshly baked buttered baguettes or almond coffee cakes. Or opt for something a little more filling like the oeufs plats, two eggs broiled with ham and gruyere cheese. 

Single Shot: This Capitol Hill eatery boasts a weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with everything from a hearty breakfast sandwich on a Macrina potato bun to a heaping serving of honey yogurt with basil pistou, pine nuts and quinoa granola. Grab a spot at the cozy bar, share a few plates and sip lattes with your sweetie. 

Ballard Annex Oyster House: Oysters are known aphrodisiacs, so consider slurping a few on the loviest day of the year at this Ballard outpost, which opens for brunch at 11 a.m. on weekends. A plate of oysters, shucked to order, and glass (or three) of bubbly will be just the ticket to get you in a feel-good mood.

2. Pike Place Market Giveaways
Each day through February 14, the Pike Place Market Facebook page is featuring locally-sourced and handmade Valentine’s Day gift ideas from vendors, merchants, farmers and crafts people that are almost entirely exclusive to the market. Expect goodies including a one-night stay and massage package at Inn at the Market (starting at $355), personalized Market charm ($180) in support of the forthcoming MarketFront development, fresh tulip bouquets ($15) and more.

3. Seattle Art Walks
On February 12 and 13, take a stroll with your sweetie at one of Seattle’s beloved art walks, where you can shop for local works, enjoy good food and listen to live music. 

February 12: Belltown Artwalk
February 12: Kirkland Art Walk
February 12: Art Up in PhinneyWood
February 13: Georgetown Art Attack
February 13: Madrona Art Walk
February 13: Central District Art Walk

4. Murder Mystery Dinner
Mix up the traditional Valentine’s Day dinner with a Murder Mystery Dinner on February 13 at the University District’s Hotel Deca. Hosted by The Dinner Detective, one of the largest mystery murder shows in the U.S., you’ll solve a hilarious murder case while enjoying a four-course plated dinner. A mystery prize package will be awarded to the audience detective who comes closest to solving the crime.

5. Dracula at The Broadway Center for Performing Arts
Spend the afternoon at the theater. On Sunday, February 14, L.A. Theatre Works presents a live radio play of Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula at Tacoma’s historic Pantages Theater at 3 p.m. Tickets start at just $19 and can be purchased here. 

6. Love at the Zoo
Animals are celebrating the holiday of love this year, too. Visit the Woodland Park Zoo on Sunday, February 14, and throughout the whole day watch lions, wolves and grizzly bears feast on Valentine’s Day treats like heart-shaped ice pops made of fruit juice, honey, strawberries and cranberries, herbal bouquets, heart-shaped steaks and more. A full schedule of zoo animals and their feeding times can be found here.  

7. Couples’ Massage
Spend the day relaxing and unwinding at Bellevue’s Recoop Spa. This year, it’s offering a Reservations for Two package, in which you and your loved one will enjoy side-by-side 90-minute massages and deluxe pedicures. A blissful escape from the daily grind will be a welcome treat.