DATE NIGHT DATE NIGHT DATE NIGHT

I love dinner and a movie, but if you’re stuck in a dating rut and need some fun date night ideas, step out of the box with these easy and fun options to give you some inspiration!

February is typically the month of hearts and flowers, chocolate and cupids and many grand gestures of wining and dining with day-long outings of intricately planned details. Most reading may agree: sometimes less is more and grand gestures, although appreciated, aren’t always what they're cracked up to be; sometimes we’re just looking for a little something different for a fun night out. If you’re looking to plan a date night or just a night out with friends, there are lots of options you may not have realized are available. Whether you’re looking for a new culinary experience, something a bit adventurous, a little art and culture or something completely different, check out what might be your next night out.

Want to keep it simple with a nice dinner out? Why not try something new like the Brazilian inspired dishes at Fogo de Chão, scratch-made Italian at Portofinos, or maybe the Greek fare at Opa Grill?

Feeling a bit daring? Maybe look into exploring the Denver area a little differently with BigCity Hunt (www.scavengerhunt. com). See some of the best sites through photo challenges and fun activities to do with a group of friends. Maybe take a drive around town or even to the mountains, but in your DREAM car (denverluxurycarrental.com or exoticdrivesdenver. com). Rather take a spin on the dance floor instead of the highway? Many dance schools offer classes for adults from ballroom to hip hop. Check out Fred Astaire (www.fredastaire. com) for some toe tapping options. Perhaps you’d like to do something out of the ordinary, but make it a night in? Check out www.nightofmystery.com for a variety of Murder Mystery party plots and ideas.

Those looking for a sportier night out may want to try some fun straight out of the pages of gym class. Check out Ultimate Dodgeball at Skyzone, book the climbing wall at Parker Recreation or lace up your skates at the Ice Trail at Discovery Park. Maybe drive a few miles out of town and try your hand at any one of the activities at Family Sports Center (laser tag, climbing wall, ice arena, or the two-tiered, heated driving range) www.ssprd.org/Family-Sports-Center. Instead of a battle on the turf, maybe a battle of wits is in order - check out Try’n Escape. See if you can beat the clock against Ghostly Mayhem, Money Madness or the Sinking Ship room. (trynescapeco.com)

Looking to up the culture factor? The PACE Center and Schoolhouse Theater have schedules packed with shows (parkerarts.org). You could also take the things into your own hands, literally, by checking out Uncorked Kitchen. You’ve most likely seen this: professional chefs guide and work sideby-side with guests to help them transform some of the world’s finest ingredients into a soulful meal that’s ultimately enjoyed sitting down, together.

Exploring the city or staying close to home, the next time you get a date night on the calendar or you’re able to get the guys/ girls together, think outside the box a bit and try something new on for size. Don’t save the original ideas for once a year on Valentine’s - make every night out a new adventure!

Winter Vibes

Those long winter months can play havoc with our heads. Stuck inside, patience on its last nerve, sometimes all we need is an outlet. Here are a few suggestions to beat those winter blues.

Snowshoeing Tubing

Rocky Mountain National Park has various levels of trails that are available for snowshoeing. Also, they offer ranger-led snowshoe walks for beginners on weekends through March 31 on the east side and beginner and intermediate snowshoers through March 11 on the west side. Entrance fees to the park apply, however there is no additional fee for the walks. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/romo and search for snowshoe information.

A great place to enjoy some exciting, fast-paced tubing with the family is Fraser Tubing Hill, which is located two miles west of Winter Park. They charge $27 per hour. For more information, they can be reached at 970-726-5954.

Take a trip over to Glenwood Springs and enjoy a dip in their hot springs pool. For more information, call 970-947-2955.

Hot Tub

Beat those winter blues without ever leaving your back yard. Visit our friends at Spas of Parker to get a hot tub! Not only will this get you out of the house, the health benefits are amazing. Get more information by going to www.spasofparker.com

Neighborhood

Let’s not forget a great day spent sledding or tubing down the neighborhood hill! Also under this category we have building a snowman, erecting a snow fort, making snow art, etc. This year the kids are able to climb their very own tall mountain of snow in the comfort of their own yard!

Camping

For an entire weekend of winter family fun, a great place to visit is the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch. You can make reservations to stay in a room, in a lodge, or reserve your own cabin. There are many winter activities to keep you busy during your stay. For more information or to make reservations, call 970-887-2152 or visit www.ymcarockies.org.

Hot Springs Ice Skating

What better way to enjoy the winter air than ice skating! The Ice Trail at Discovery Park is a great option. For a fun mountain experience, try Evergreen Lake. Get more information at www. evergreenrecreation.com