Valentine’s day is coming, try to up your game this year and woo your valentine with something really special. Use this occasion for an especially creative, well-planned out evening or evenings to show your significant other just how much you care. If you decide to go the traditional route of dinner at a nice restaurant it’s important to, make reservations ahead of time. If you’re going out on the day of, be sure to make reservations now to avoid any last-minute hassles. Open table makes your reservations and dinner decisions easy with most restaurants participating all on the same platform.

Another option is to choose a weekend before or after to celebrate, you’ll avoid massive crowds, waiting lists and generally have a better, more relaxing and romantic dinner without rushed food and service. You can make it a special, yet low key evening and order in. There are so many delivery options available now there’s no reason to leave your wine glass and the glow of your own fireplace. Uber Eats and Door Dash are two delivery services that will pick up your order from any restaurant and deliver it to your front door.

For those of you looking for something a little unexpected, look into local classes, shows, stand-up comedy or a couple’s massage. Below is a list of ideas to surprise your special one with everything from high tea to musicals.

Bellevue

D.L. Hughley is playing at the Parlor Bellevue. He’s a political speaker and Def Comedy Jam veteran, now touring as a stand-up comedian, if you’re in the mood for political humor this is your act, he’ll be in Bellevue from February 14 – 16.

Bake’s Bar and Bistro come for dinner and a show on Valentine’s Day, featuring The Darelle Holden Quartet with their funky, soulful sound of classics that you already love. Enjoy Bake’s fresh seasonal, rotating menu with live music to boot.

Issaquah

River Valley Cheese, Learn to make Burrata or come on Valentine’s Day to a chocolate dipping party, this would be a fun group event to bring other couples. Go out for a glass of wine after at Vino Bella.

Village Theater, this highly rated, local favorite theater is playing I Do! I Do! A Musical About Marriage. The entire musical has only two characters, it spans their entire marriage of 50 years and all of the ups and downs they experience together. The musical is playing from January 16 – February 24.

Kirkland

Kirkland Wine Walk, February 8^th, Kirkland puts on a 21 and up, humans only wine walk only four times per year. Taking place in downtown Kirkland. Bring your own wine glass and tour around boutiques and galleries while tasting Washington State wines. This walk starts at The Heathman Hotel and tickets are required.

The Heathman Hotel Afternoon Tea, try something really unique and special. Bring the tradition of afternoon tea to the States. The Heathman does it well with a beautifully prepared spread for a special treat that she will not be expecting. Travel to England for the afternoon with a modern menu. The food is fantastic and there are a number of sweet and savory foods to taste, so come hungry and expect a lot of food. Reservations are required, and tea time is available Thursday – Sunday.

Sur La Table, offers dozens of cooking classes, with options from Valentine’s day macaroons, classic French croissants, hand-made pasta, date night dinners and cooking with wine. There’s something on the calendar for every type of eater. Bring your spouse for a date class or surprise him with your new skills creating a romantic breakfast or dinner at home.

Mercer Island

Oh Chocolate, get nice and messy learning how to temper chocolate while dipping and drizzling all of your favorite chocolate additions into it during this chocolate class. You’ll get to bring home your creations. The class is offered on February 23, leaving you and your Valentine something to look forward to, to enjoy together later in the month.

Renton

The Moon Over Buffalo, by Ken Ludwig, is a silly, farce comedy show playing at the Renton Civic Theater. With rave reviews from other cities, go check it out if you’re up for a night of rowdy thespians, shows are from Thursday – Sundays February 8 – 23.

Beginner Floral Arranging, wow the lady in your life by surprising her with a floral arranging class. You two can sip wine while learning to create beautiful floral displays just before the springtime. For the price, you might actually save money on buying her flowers for Valentine’s day. You’ll both bring home an arrangement and a skill that you can use over and over all year long.

Sammamish

Tanoor, for a different take on the traditional, high-end Valentine’s dinner give Tanoor a try. You won’t be skimping on the romance; the building has large windows with beautiful sunset views. Colorful, geometric lanterns hang from the ceiling casting a warm colorful glow on highbacked, leather booths. Traditional Lebanese food is delicious and interesting, it will not disappoint or break the bank. The best part about Tanoor is the fresh, endless pita cycling out of the kitchen’s wood-burning oven.

Bliss Massage, head on into Bliss for a 60 minute Swedish, couples massage with hot stones on your back, or choose from their extensive list of other massage services. Perfect for relaxation before dinner.

No matter what you decide to do, the most important thing is not to forget how much you love each other even on the days that aren’t Valentine’s Day.