Different Date Nights: Ten Unique Ways to Share the Love

By Marianne Hamilton

Valentine’s Day may be long gone, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use a little romance in our lives, right? Whether your relationship is in its early stages or you’ve celebrated decades together, you and your significant other can always benefit from some extra special togetherness time.

Fortunately, the Greater St. George area offers abundant, diverse opportunities to supercharge your spark, both indoors and out. Best news: Each will help you connect (or reconnect) safely and without busting your budget.

1] Movie Night

Nothing beats genuine movie theater popcorn while you’re watching your favorite film (or TV show). Did you know that most cinemas offer popcorn (and virtually every other snack item) to go for your at-home enjoyment? Download the Megaplex app and preorder your goodies for in-theater or off-site consumption (a large bucket runs roughly $8). Bonus tip: Season two of Bridgerton bows on Netflix March 25.

2] Pleasure Afoot

A quick YouTube search of “foot massage videos” will bring up scores of clips ranging from a sixty-second instruction video to a half-hour tutorial. Light some candles, dial up your spa playlist, bring out the massage oil (or any super-rich body lotion/cream), and share this treat. Bonus tip: If you’re skittish about your (or your partner’s) tootsies, consider a communal soak in warm water beforehand.

3] Happy Trails

There’s a reason why St. George is a must-see destination for travelers across the globe; our hiking trails and vistas are practically unparalleled. Take a day hike in Snow Canyon, traverse the two-mile Turtle Wall loop, or stroll along the Bearclaw Poppy Trail. There are dozens of routes to match your skill-levels. Bonus tip: The Greater Zion’s interactive trails map (https://trails.greaterzion.com) lists all the best-known and off-the-beaten-path routes.

4] Go for a Spin

You may not be Tour de France ready, but you can still rock two wheels. Just grab one of the bright orange Spin scooters available everywhere, and go. Each has a tag with a scannable QR code that allows you to unlock it and turn on the motor. Download the app ahead of time, and you can authorize payment and begin your spin in seconds. Bonus tip: It’s $1 to unlock the scooter and 15¢ per mile to ride, making the average afternoon cruise as cost effective as it is fun.

5] Be a Swinger

You may never have held a golf club, but the act of swatting a small ball with a hunk of metal can be therapeutic in the extreme. With eight driving ranges open to the public in Washington County and a minimal cost to get started ($3 for a small bucket of balls and $6 for large), you can flail away in the fresh air without breaking the bank. Bonus tip: A used club (available in generous supply at thrift outlets such as ReStore) will only set you back a couple of bucks, so you can try before you buy.

6] Grow Your Love

Even if your garden consists of three pots on your windowsill, a stroll through your local nursery with your loved one is a decided treat. Once you’ve selected your flora, set aside time to plant and feed; the sensory satisfaction of getting your hands dirty (not to mention watching your new babies flourish) cannot be overstated. Bonus tip: The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers events and classes that promote wise water-usage. Visit https://www. wcwcd.org/events/ for details.

7] Digital Declaration

Does your beloved always know how you feel? Thanks to your smartphone, he or she always can. It’s as simple as making a tensecond video or audio clip explaining what you love about your special someone and then sharing. Make date-night plans, fire up your phones, and hit record. Once you get past the nervous giggles, you’ll come away with a lifelong treasure. Bonus tip: Special filters and effects are fun but unnecessary; the message is most important.

8] Cook up Some Romance

Ever hankered to get some coaching from a world-class chef? With just a few clicks on your keyboard, hundreds of culinary craftspeople will spill their secrets right in your own kitchen. Good Housekeeping has curated some of the best online cooking classes (including a few freebies) at https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/ life/g32291613/best-online-cooking. Google will serve up many more. Bonus tip: After class, you and your S.O. can sit down to a romantic meal for two.

9] Art with Heart

In April, the new outdoor sculpture galleries (installed annually by the Art Around the Corner Foundation) will debut. Pack a picnic, take a walking tour of this year’s collection (located in Town Square and along Main Street), and then share a leisurely lunch al fresco. From kids bouncing on pogo sticks to a reclining dragon to a “bioluminescent mermaid,” there’s sure to be a piece that captures your fancy. Bonus tip: All sculptures are available for sale or lease. Visit https://artaroundthecorner.org for details.

10] Pass It On

Few experiences are more bonding (and satisfying) than those that make a positive impact on a fellow human being. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; the act of purging pantry or closet and passing along what you really don’t need can yield that effect. Take an hour or two with your partner, pack up any clothing items you haven’t worn in the past couple of years, and collect those extra bags of pasta or cans of soup you put aside “just in case.” Then make deliveries at Switchpoint, the Utah Food Bank, or your favorite charitable organization. Bonus tip: Your payback will be instantaneous joy, and it’s tax-deductible.

About the Author

Marianne L. Hamilton is a veteran journalist and marketing writer whose work appears in regional and national publications. When not race walking, hiking, or teaching water aerobics, she is the past Board Chair of Art Around the Corner and the Special Events Manager for DOCUTAH. She and her husband, Doug, are also co-administrators of the St. George Wine Club and race directors for the Huntsman World Senior Games and National Senior Games. Marianne was crowned Ms. Senior Universe 2021-2022 and is the Senior Pageants Group’s Senior Games Ambassador. She is a proud breast cancer survivor.

Marianne Hamilton