Photo credit: Kimberly Smith
Valentine’s Day is a day for romance and fun, but all too often, people get stressed out about what to do. To take the pressure off so you can focus on what is truly important, Clause reporter Paige Lange has compiled a few options that will guarantee a memorable Valentine’s Day.
For the adventurous:
1. Hangar 18
If you and your valentine are an adventurous couple, a day with a stop at indoor rock-climbing gym Hangar 18 will offer both adventure and romance. The Upland location is offering a $40 couple rock-climbing pass that provides gear rentals, belay lessons and a day pass. It’s a great activity to help build trust and bond as you sweat and struggle up the wall together.
Phone: (909) 931-5991
Address: 256 E. Stowell Street in Upland
Distance: Approximately 22 minutes from campus
Cost: $40 (Feb. 10-19 for couples. Includes gear rentals, classes and day pass)
2. Bridge to Nowhere
Make sure to think ahead for this date. Pack some lunch, hiking shoes, a swimsuit and clothes you don’t mind getting wet for a 10-mile round trip hike at the Bridge to Nowhere. Be sure to dedicate around six hours to finish the hike. You may consider hiking first thing in the morning before moving on to rock climbing to stay a little cooler.
Address: Camp Bonita Road in the Angeles National Forest in Azusa
Distance: 50 minutes from Hangar 18
3. Relax on the 35-minute drive back to campus, then go your separate ways to shower before meeting up to cuddle in a two-person hammock outdoors. Pray for a clear night and talk beneath the starry skies.
For the full Google map, click here.
Approximate date cost: $52, including gas and a sack lunch
For the foodies:
1. Home-cooked breakfast
If you and your valentine are the “foodie couple,” wake up and spark romance in the kitchen by cooking breakfast together. Pancakes are an easy pick that offer versatility, and you can always add in fun ingredients like blueberries or chocolate chips to create the perfect breakfast.
Cost: Approximately $10
2. The Galleria
Take a drive out to Glendale to walk off your morning breakfast at The Galleria. This is a great opportunity to walk hand-in-hand while window shopping.
Address: 100 W. Broadway Street #700 in Glendale
Distance: Approximately 27 minutes from campus
3. Porto’s Bakery
When you work up a bit of an appetite, wander down to Porto’s Bakery, a Cuban eatery with a wide variety of savory and sweet treats at affordable prices. Try out the cheese rolls, a popular favorite. At 75 cents each, consider buying some extra rolls to take home.
Address: 315 North Brand Boulevard in Glendale
Distance: 9-minute walk from the Galleria
4. Kanpai Sushi Restaurant
Head back toward campus after a fun day of shopping to a delicious sushi place just minutes from APU. The variety platter comes with an assortment of favorites that will leave your pants fitting a little tighter.
Phone: (626) 815-1919
Address: 722 N Azusa Ave in Azusa
Cost: Variety platter is about $8 each
Distance: 30 minutes from Glendale
For the full Google map, click here.
Approximate date cost: $35 including gas
For the classic date:
1. Dana Point
If you are the “classic couple,” a walk on the beach is a fantastic way to start your day. Dana Point offers a secluded, intimate area to explore with rocks to climb. Walk holding hands while listening to the waves crash, and don’t forget to bring a blanket to sit on for cuddling up.
Address: 24921 Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point
Distance: Approximately 50 minutes from campus
2. Strickland’s
On your way back to campus, stop by a favorite custard location to cool off from a morning at the beach. Strickland’s offers college discounts and has a variety of flavors for any ice cream lover’s palette.
Phone: (949) 387-9955
Address: 4523 Campus Drive in Irvine
Distance: 30 minutes from Dana Point
Cost: An estimated $6 (additional 10 percent off if you show a college ID)
3. Dinner and a movie
Head home for a candlelit dinner (if you live on campus, replace the open flame with a candle warmer). An easy favorite is spaghetti with salad and bread to complete your romantic meal “Lady and the Tramp” style.
Show your sensitive side and stop by Redbox or pull up a movie on Netflix. Romantic comedies and chick flicks are great ways to wind down from a busy day. “A Walk to Remember” is a classic romantic favorite, and you can never go wrong with Nicholas Sparks. Add a blanket and cup of hot cocoa for a great way to end your night.
Distance: 50 minutes from Strickland
Cost: $17 including dinner supplies and a Redbox movie
For the full Google map, click here.
Approximate date cost: $40