Do you remember what it was like to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a kid in school? The holiday always felt so festive!
Classroom parties meant for trading carefully handmade cards, anonymous candygrams or carnations shared between friends, and all the chocolate and candy hearts your own young heart could desire. (If you’re like me, you’d painstakingly set aside the TRUE LUV and UR MINE hearts for the cutest kid in class, and they either never noticed or never said.)
This Valentine’s Day, we’re bringing nostalgia back. Just because you’re too old for class parties doesn’t mean you’re too old to shower your loved ones with affection this February! Whether you plan to celebrate with a new romantic interest, your lifelong love, your kids, or your gal pals, below is a list of things to do in Greeley, Colorado, to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day date.
Order Something Sweet for Your Sweetheart
An idea that’s tired? Snagging the same box of chocolates that you purchased for your valentine last year.
An idea that’s wired? Ordering a custom-made sweet treat from a local Greeley spot.
We’ve written before about Voulez-Vous BonBon, but it bears repeating. These handcrafted bonbons are made by filling tempered chocolate with ganache, caramel, and other sweet fillings. Creating them takes as many as three days! Talk about a special treat!
Award-winning chocolatier Anna Martinez makes the bonbons right here in Greeley, Colorado, and you can order them online for local pick-up or buy some in person at one of Anna's many pop-up events. In fact, she’ll be at Margie’s Java Joint (931 16th St.) February 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
If you prefer something with a bit more whimsy, we love the Balloon Boutique’s (924 8th Ave.) Candy Cups! Fill a cup with your valentine’s favorite vintage and modern treats, and they’ll top the cup with a custom balloon decoration geared toward your gift recipient! It’s a perfect valentine for little ones or teachers, especially.
Host a Whole-Family Celebration with a Trip to the Circus
Is there anything more magical than a surprise trip to the circus? Witness more than 2,000 years of tradition, perfection, and spectacle when The Peking Acrobats and The Shanghai Circus come to the Union Colony Civic Center on Saturday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m.
This Chinese acrobatic spectacle showcases fascinating traditions of East Asia through gymnastics, comedy, balancing feats, and much more. Plus, because the performance takes place the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, it’s an ideal early celebration if you want to schedule something special with your little ones, while still saving February 14 for the grown-ups.
Elevate the Traditional “Dinner and a Movie” Date
While we love cuddling up over a bowl of popcorn as much as the next person—the classics are classics for a reason—opt for a slightly fancier take on the dinner-and-a-movie date by visiting the Kress Cinema & Lounge (817 8th Ave.).
From their menu (A French 75 and charcuterie at the movies? Yes, please!), to the vintage atmosphere, to the speakeasy in the basement (Shhh! It’s the perfect place for a nightcap), the Kress makes this otherwise no-frills Valentine’s Day date feel elevated and especially romantic.
Make Your Life Partner Your Dance Partner
If you can finish the line “Heel-toe, do-si-do, come on, baby, let's go…” this is the date for you.
Give the gift of country swing classes from Greeley’s very own Country Kick Up. Whether you attend a drop-in class on a date or choose to register for private lessons or group courses, you and your partner will be a confident dancing duo in no time with the help of Country Kick Up’s instructors.
Bonus: You can feel good about spending your money on this date night! A portion of Country Kick Up’s admission costs go back into our community through charity donations and scholarships for local students.
Axe Your Ex (Or Rather, Their Photo)
If Valentine’s Day leaves you feeling unromantic, blow off some steam with (harmless) revenge at Greeley Hatchet House (820 9th St.). When you and your besties attend Hatchet House’s “Axe Your Ex” weekend, you're invited to use a photo of a former lover for target practice and receive a free drink in exchange.
A bit too dark for you and your pals? Head to After Hours Cocktail Bar (4111 Centerplace Dr.) on February 13 instead; they’re hosting a Galentine’s event featuring crafts (and craft cocktails!), tapas, and one-night-only discounts.
However you celebrate, we hope you take some time to laugh and let loose with the special people in your life this Valentine’s Day. Find even more community events and things to do in Greeley, Colorado, when you visit mygreeley.com/events.
