Need some inspiration on how to spend the perfect pandemic valentine’s day? No worries, I have put together 7 perfect ideas to celebrate no matter what the COVID situation is in your area.
Pandemic Valentine’s Day: 7 Perfect Ideas to Celebrate in 2021
Book a Romantic Cottage Nearby
If you live close to a forest, lake, or an ocean for instance, then take a look at some of the local Airbnbs in the area. For example, here is an incredible Airbnb I found with a quick search for February 13-15th near Cape Cod. If you aren’t in the area, I would look at cabins in the woods or if you are on a budget, no frills cottages by local rivers. You will be sure to have a romantic time no matter where you are. There’s just something about being in the woods or by water.
Sonny by the Sea is a charming cottage in the Barnstable area of Cape Cod. You can take a romantic walk on the beach, get takeout from local restaurants, or even cook a romantic meal together in the cute kitchen.
Discount: Don’t pay full price! Get $65.00 off of your first Airbnb stay with my referral link. (janellel51)
Note: Since we are in a pandemic, I’d recommend booking an entire place, ideally with a self check-in. Also look at the post for their cleaning process. The best practice is to find a place with the phrase “enhanced clean.” You want to make things as safe as possible for your stay.
Take a Virtual Cooking Class for Valentine’s Day
Whole Foods is currently offering Gourmet Date for Good which is a series of virtual cooking class/charity events. All donations go towards the Independent Restaurant Coalition which is a nonprofit advocating for restaurants impacted by COVID-19.
Once you sign up, you will receive a list of ingredients to pick up before the event. There are currently three events being offered with incredible hosts. Even if you are single, don’t hesitate to sign up! They have special days for single awareness and galentine’s day.
Gourmet for Good Events:
- Sat, Feb 13th, 2021 – 8 pm EST, Galentine’s Day with with Heather McMahan, Eventbrite
- Sun, Feb 14th, 2021 – 8 pm EST, Valentine’s Day with with Tabitha Brown, Eventbrite
- Mon, Feb 15th, 2021 – 8 pm EST, Singles Awareness Day with with Matt Bellassai, Eventbrite
Embrace Your Inner Child and Build a Blanket Fort
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a serious evening of romance. Have a little fun and build a blanket fort with your significant other or even just your friends. Add some string lights, enjoy some takeout, and watch a funny movie! This is perfect for those of us in New England or in other cold climates. If you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate, then take advantage and do this outdoors!
Get Outside for a Winter Walk
If you live in New England, then you know February is typically a bitter cold month to be outdoors. Yet, we all need fresh air. Valentine’s Day is a good opportunity to bundle up and take a romantic walk. When in Boston, I love walking through the Boston Public Garden. Check out my post about 7 Beautiful Outdoor Spaces in Boston.
Once you get back inside, you can make some hot chocolate, play some board games, and watch your favorite movies. There’s nothing quite like warming up with your valentine.
Have a Cozy Night by the Fire
If you are fortunate enough to have some access to some outdoor space, then a great valentine’s day idea is to surprise your valentine with a night of cozying up by the fire. Make some s’mores and cuddle under the stars.
Question: What do you call sandwiches made over the fire? This may be a regionalism for where I grow up, but we call them mountain pies. Comment below!
Do you live in Boston and lack an outdoor space? No problem! You can now book an outdoor fire pit at Alcove Boston by calling (617) 248-0050. Check out their menu. They even have a valentine’s day takeout menu if you aren’t comfortable sitting outdoors.
Learn How to Make Some Valentine’s Day Drinks Together
We can always learn how to do something new. Check out The Domestic Geek’s video on 5 Valentine’s Day Drinks. You can create some adorable themed drinks with your sweetheart or even your friends. With your new skills you will be certain to impress!
Have a Virtual Game Night
Are you single and fabulous? You DO NOT have to skip valentine’s day or feel bummed. Get your friends together online and have a fun game night!
Backyard.co is a FREE and awesome online chat that allows you and your friends to play games together. While you currently need a computer to use the site, their mobile app is coming very soon. You can find the following games and functions: Doodle, Wordplay (Cards Against Humanity), Camp Werewolf (Mafia), Codewords, Tanx, Fake Artist, Bonfire, Figure Drawing, Fishbowl, Whiteboard, YouTube Watch Party, Screen-share, Lipoker, Bloxors, Chess, Crossword Puzzles, Letter Tile, Word Scramble, Bingo, Marbles, White Elephant, and Secret Dictator.
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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas:
Hello everyone! I am a Boston based blogger that loves all things travel and lifestyle. You can usually find me working away at my university job, snapping pictures, thrifting, or trying out some new recipes.
Adriana says
Janelle, I absolutely love the idea of taking a virtual cooking class together! It’s always fun to cook together – and very romantic too. More importantly, you’re rewarded with some very yummy food at the end lol
Thanks for sharing these suggestions! Definitely food for thought (get it?)
Janelle (Simply Nel Belle) says
Thanks so much for your comment! The tasty meal at the end of any cooking class is always the best part. Being in the pandemic, most are mostly opting for takeout so it’s a great way to step outside of our comfort zones while still supporting local businesses.
Jade Page says
Thanks for these ideas we usually go out for a meal so I love the idea of the cook along or learning new drinks together. Thanks for the suggestions.
Janelle (Simply Nel Belle) says
Glad you found them helpful! Yes, this year things are so different due to the pandemic. I hope you have a nice valentine’s day!
Allison says
I absolutely love all your ideas. And some can be done anytime throughout the year. I will certainly be making romantic plans with my Hugger!
Niraj says
All of your ideas are amazing and doable. I will definitely try them with hubby.
Siobhan Gale says
A cosy night by the fire with good food and drinks sounds amazing to me! Siobhan ♡ | Vegan Babe Life
Janelle (Simply Nel Belle) says
Seriously! I wish I had a fireplace in my home. It would be perfect. The Alcove Boston will have to do!
Candace says
That fort looks amazing! These are great ideas!