Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Have you made dinner plans yet? Have you picked out a gift yet? I am going to assume your answer is NO and you have that grimace on your face that says “Darn it, I forgot about Valentine’s Day!”
Have no fear Theresa is here to help (picture me wearing a red cape and superhero music is playing in the background)!
If you want to wow your significant other and get away from the same ole, same ole, I have a few suggestions for you.
1.) Houmas House Estate and Gardens
This is probably one of my favorite places in Louisiana. The gardens are stunningly beautiful, and you can easily get lost in a romantic magical world that takes you away from the day to day mundane. On-site they have 3 restaurants, the historic home from the 1800s, 38 acres of beautiful and unique gardens, and a bed and breakfast for overnight guests. Houmas House is a short 25-minute drive from Baton Rouge and 45 minutes from New Orleans. With the three restaurant options to choose from you can have a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend on any budget, go casual at The Carriage House restaurant or dress it up at the fine dining, award-winning restaurant Latil’s Landing.
COST: $$ – $$$
This option is completely opposite to the “regular” Valentine’s Day thing. Ladies if you are rolling your eyes at me right now just give me a moment to explain. I am in NO WAY a golfer, my skills are laughable at best and I am surprised I haven’t hit anyone with a club yet. However, it is a lot of fun! You and your honey can whack balls, have cocktails, eat some pretty good casual food and laugh hysterically at each other. No need to put on the sky-high stilettos and force your husband into a suit and tie. Sometimes it is nice to just do something fun together.
COST: $$
Do you like animals, specifically the cute pink flamingos? Then this date option may be right up your alley. The New Orleans Audubon Zoo is offering a chance to have cocktails with the flamingos followed by an intimate Valentine’s Dinner in the Audubon Tea Room, entertainment will be provided by Javier Orlando and AsheSon and Berdole Flamenco Productions. When is the last time you and your significant other went to the zoo without the kids? And alcohol was involved? This is another FUN option for Valentine’s Day, but also romantic and a good excuse to dress up.
COST: $$$
4.) Dinner and a Movie
If you want to drive or Uber to ONE place and spend the night stopping in a few different places then I suggest Perkins Rowe.
Hungry? That is an easy fix, Rouj Creole is new to the Rowe and it is my personal favorite. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is vibrant, fun and filled with Baton Rouge love. I suggest making a reservation for Valentine’s Day, as they are sure to book up quickly. Other dining options also include California Pizza Kitchen, Texas de Brazil, and Jinya Ramen Bar.
Cocktail? If you want to pop in somewhere and have a cocktail before dinner or after the movie then Bin 77 and Rouj Creole are your best options. They both have great wine selections and locally crafted cocktails that are deliciously decadent.
Movie? Cinemark at Perkins Rowe has upgraded their seats and my posterior thanks them. Enjoy reclinable chairs with a cocktail from their on-site bar, I recommend the strawberry daiquiri, it is pretty good. Currently, the only movie listed on their website for Valentine’s Day is Sonic the Hedgehog, but that will update as we get closer to the date.
COST: $$-$$$
If you do not like any of my options above or you just realized it is February 13th and you might be in trouble, then here is one more option for you:
Go to your local grocery store and pick up pancake mix, bacon, eggs, coffee, fruit, the whole nine yards. Wake up an hour earlier than usual and cook your significant other breakfast. I know it seems simple and not fancy, but let me assure you that this right here is a big thing. It shows that you went out of your way to think about him/her, you are changing the day to day routine and showing your SO what they mean to you. Not every show of affection has to cost a million dollars; sometimes simple and out of the ordinary can be more meaningful.
Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone! <3
Remember to love hard, love often, and love openly!
