PLAN YOUR VALENTINE'S DATE with REVUE

| by Revue Staff

It’s February, which means love is in the chilly winter air once again—Valentine’s Day is here. As life keeps moving forward and new distractions constantly arise, it’s easy to let romance slip through the cracks, which is why Valentine’s provides the perfect opportunity to give your significant other the attention they deserve. It’s not just about buying expensive jewelry, but doing something thoughtful and intentional to show you care. We’ll let you handle the gifts, but we’re here to help provide a few ideas for the perfect Valentine’s Day dates with your loved one, whether it’s going out to eat, cooking together, learning to dance or snapping some intimate photos.

swing dance. Bust out your new moves at the next dance party and all your friends will be jealous.

COUPLES MASSAGE

Design 1 Salon Spa

Multiple locations design1.com learn how, and doing so together is a great date on its own! Head somewhere like The Local Epicurean, where you can take basic cooking classes that require no background, like Pasta 101, making ribbons and ravioli. These classes also come with a cooked meal, and you can buy tasty drinks while there.

See The Gardens In A New Light

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

1000 E. Beltline Ave., Grand Rapids meijergardens.org

Just about everyone has been to Frederik Meijer Gardens at some point in the sunny seasons, but you might not know they’re just as beautiful in winter! Enjoy a nice warm time inside with cacti, big tropical plants and art galleries. Then head outside for sculptures and the Japanese Gardens, designed to be enjoyed in winter.

Go Out For Dinner

This is the classic, tried-and-true Valentine’s experience. It’s the perfect excuse to splurge on a nice dinner you wouldn’t typically have a Tuesday night. While absolutely any eatery can be a date spot as long as you treat it like one, here are just a few of our suggestions:

MDRD: Upscale and high up (27 floors). Get your reservation ASAP!

Reserve: Gourmet but not pretentious. Lots of wine = lots of love.

Grove: Experimental and forwardthinking, for the true blue foodies.

Principle: Modern deliciousness and craft cocktails in Kalamazoo.

San Chez: Tapas! Perfect for sharing, and sharing, and sharing.

Visit The Planetarium

Grand Rapids Public Museum

272 Pearl St., NW, Grand Rapids grpm.org

Nothing says romance like lying back in a dark room and soaring through the stars while holding hands. You could visit on Valentine’s Day itself for one of the fun cosmic movies like Under Starlit Skies and Big Astronomy, or wait for Concerts Under the Stars, featuring live local music and visuals. February has Phabies performing Feb. 23 and 24 with artist KB Brown.

Learn To Dance

Moveir Dance Studio

2483 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming moveirdancestudio.com

Dancing with your loved one is a bit of a lost art, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how to work and move together with a dance class at Moveir, teaching you whatever styles you want to learn, whether it’s a casual and social waltz to a more complex and physical

The only thing more relaxing than a massage is getting to see your partner relax along with you. There are a few places around West Michigan that offer side-byside massages, and at Design 1 you can even ramp up the experience with special touches like hot stones, warm bamboo or cupping. Head home blissed out and cozy up!

Love On Ice

Rosa Parks Circle

135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids

Rosa Parks Circle is back open and ready for all skaters, but the season ends February 26, so don’t wait! They’ve streamlined things with 90-minute skating sessions (and resurfacing in-between), which you can either reserve ahead of time or just show up and walk in. There’s nothing like holding hands, desperately trying to keep each other from falling on the ice while laughing the whole time. Head to a café nearby for hot cocoa afterward.

Book A Boudoir Shoot

Mertens Prime: French excellence in a gorgeously historic setting.

Divani: Sexy and sleek, but also fun. Cocktails you’ll remember.

Café Mamo: Cute and cozy, with an everchanging, always fantastic menu. ■

Learn How To Cook Together

The Local Epicurean

1440 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids thelocalepicurean.com

Cooking for your significant other can certainly be romantic, but first you should

We have an incredible amount of quality photographers in West Michigan who are highly skilled at boudoir shoots—the perfect gift to spice things up with your significant other, or even just to help yourself feel empowered and sexy! A great boudoir photographer will help you pose, hype you up and do everything possible to make you comfortable. Boudoir X Alyssa, K. Suzanne Photography, and Mod Bettie Portrait are just a few local choices.