Celebrating Love On The Run

Valentine’s Day is often a stressor for many people. Rushing to the store to snag some last-minute bouquets, hunting down the last heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, or trying to score that impossible-to-get reservation for dinner can be exhausting. Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way to celebrate with those you love this Valentine’s Day that doesn’t involve a hard-to-acquire reservation or expensive dinner? Well, here are some ideas for you!

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Valentine’s Day is not simply a celebration of romantic relationships. Celebrating with a favorite Galentine or Palentine can be equally as special. For those friends who are runners or bikers, one fun way to celebrate is to dress up in your most festive outfit and run or bike to a new brunch or coffee spot. For runners or walkers in your life, you could design a 2.14-mile route to/or around your desired destination, or even a 21.40-mile route for bikers. Want to extend that route to a longer distance? Try mapping a Strava route in the shape of a heart or spelling out the word "LOVE".

Do you want to make it more of a friendly competition? Try doing a photo scavenger hunt to see who can take the most pictures with any heart-shaped things you find, anything "LOVE"- inspired, or red-and-pink color-inspired murals along your route. Get creative!

Unsure of what to wear for a fun and festive outfit? Think Valentine’s colors and as heavy on heart-shaped accessories as your personality desires. (Glasses, headbands, temporary tattoos, themed shirts, dressing in red, pink, and white, etc.) Sometimes, being silly and taking pictures in your outfits along the way to your destination is half of the fun. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you bring joy and smiles to those you pass along the way.

For those looking for a more romantic but active opportunity for Valentine’s Day, we’ve got you covered. A picnic pickup or a bakery crawl is a perfect low-key way to have an adventure and an opportunity for meaningful conversations and connection. For a picnic pickup, you simply need a backpack or bag with ice pack(s), a blanket, plates, and utensils. You then create a route based on what you want for your picnic, either from a single store or multiple stores along the way to your picnic destination. For example, you could stop for bread or pastries at a local bakery, grab some produce at the farmer’s market or local grocery store, and your favorite beverages from your local bottle shop. The experience creates opportunities to make decisions together and try new things along the way.

If you are looking for a more unique date, a bakery crawl might be the perfect way to try some new treats with your sweet. Simply seek out a few bakeries within walking distance and pick out a treat or two at each bakery to try. Not only will you get to try new places and things, but there is ample time along the journey to connect.

All of these ideas can be tailored to fit any budget and activity level, so hopefully one of them helps you celebrate in your own special way. Wishing you all a wonderful Valentine’s Day!