Creative Ideas for a Sober Valentine’s Day (2020) in Halifax

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to consist of the classic wine, dine, then a movie and if you’re newly sober or looking to break away from the usual boozy date night, Valentine’s Day can seem almost impossible to enjoy sober.  While it is easy to pick up a bottle of wine and watch a rom-com with your lovely, if you’re requiring a sober evening, this isn’t an option.  So, what is there to do on this special day in and around Halifax?  Here’s a list of things you can do to make this year’s Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Go for a Hike

If the weather is nice go for a hike!  It feels great to get outside in the fresh air and move your body while experiencing nature.  Check out this link from Halifax Trails for a list of the best hikes within 30 minutes of downtown.  For a particularly love-themed hike, I’d suggest the walking trails at Hemlock Ravine as this is where you’ll find the heart-shaped pond.

Create Something Together

Learning a new skill and making something together is a bonding experience and one I highly recommend.  Learn how to make terrariums at Valentine’s Day Terrarium Class hosted by Audrey’s Little Shop of Plants, or make valentine coasters at this Macramé workshop hosted by Sparkles n’ Sawdust Art Centre.  Or if complimentary tea and chocolate combined with learning is more your jam, head over to Sawadee Tea House for the Learn to Make Raw Chocolate event hosted by Silvia Revenco.  If you’re strapped for cash this weekend, stay in and write each other love letters or create a scrapbook of photos, movie stubs, notes, and other trinkets collected throughout your relationship’s timeline.  Imagine looking through this book and adding to it with each passing year!

Dance

Serpentine Studios is offering a Valentine’s Day burlesque workshop open to all shapes, sizes, and genders on Saturday, February 15th for just $70.  Or experience a flamenco performance, Spanish desserts, and yummy refreshments at the Valentine Flamenco Show & Dance at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts hosted by Maria Osende Flamenco Co.

Move your Body

Give couples yoga a try!  Shanti Yoga is hosting a Valentine’s Partner Yoga class on February 14th or you both could attend Special Hips and Heart Class at Halifax Yoga for the evening.  You could also try out a VIXEN Workout at the Galentines Day Glow Party hosted by B.A.D Fitness (I hear there will be doughnuts!).  Want to move your body and help raise money at the same time?  Martha Purdy at Synergy Physiotherapy + Pilates is offering an all-levels PhysioPilates class on the 14^th where all money is donated to Hospice Halifax.  Or try something completely out of the ordinary and give archery a try at Nova Tactical.  If your bank account is hurtin’ this day of love head over to the Emera Oval for an afternoon of ice skating!

Treat Yourselves

Spas aren’t just for ladies night- spa services are literally for anyone with skin, a face, muscles, and a body.  Spirit Urban Spa offers a couples spa package and has amazing facials, Massage Experts offers a couples massage treatment, and Remedy Facial Bar & Spa has mani/pedi treatments, facials, and massage.  Or go the free route and give each other relaxing massages at home!

Feed your Brain

Who said expanding your mind isn’t sexy?  Shambhala Centre has a free public drop-in meditation session on the 14th from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.  You could also visit one of HRM’s many museums to maybe learn something you never knew.  I’d suggest you visit the Africville Museum as the community of Africville is the 2020 honouree of Nova Scotia Heritage Day.  If solving puzzles strikes your fancy give one of the many escape rooms in the city a try- there are lots of rooms available for just two people.  You could also see the Halifax screening of the amazingly epic documentary 63 Up showing at Carbon Arc Cinema.

Feed your Belly

There’s so much you can do around making food together and eating food together.  Breakfast in bed is a classic choice but how about a pancake or waffle breakfast?  Buy strawberries, blueberries, butter, syrup, chocolate chips, whipped cream, bananas, and some pancake or waffle mix and you have yourself a delicious morning.  Lucky Penny Coffee Co. is hosting an event on Valentine’s Day called Sweets with Your Sweeties where you can indulge in fancy drinks and desserts all day up until 9 PM.  Or stay in and bake heart-shaped cookies together with classic love songs serenading you.

Enjoying Valentine’s Day together where you’re both sober will probably be even more memorable than you imagine.  Removing the alcohol can actually bring you closer together because you won’t be clouded by impaired judgement, slower brain activity, and the risk of out-of-control emotions.  Plus you won’t be hungover the next day so watching the sunrise before heading over to the Farmer’s Market is a refreshing way to start your Saturday.