Valentine’s Day reservations are notoriously difficult to snag at the last minute, but all hope is not lost. Why not nix your dinner plans and opt for something different this year?
1. Go for brunch instead. If you’re looking for more than a traditional weekend brunch, there are several slots left in chef Drew Smith’s Valentine’s Mimosa Brunch cooking class at Wanderlust Delicato. Chef Drew will teach you how to make frittatas, fresh berry pancakes and a few other surprises. Cost: $40 per person. Info: wanderlustdelicato.com
2. Focus on dessert and cocktails. Skip dinner and head directly for dessert and cocktails. Local Valentine’s Day favorites like Luna have been booked for weeks, but you might just get lucky with walk-up space at the bar. Tip: Luna serves a killer Espresso Martini, and the desserts are stellar, too.
3. Do a wine tasting. Share a flight of wine at Whim Wine Bar and make each other laugh trying to decode the flavor profiles. The bar is decorated with chairs covered in pink velvet – very Valentine’s appropriate – and they serve a solid selection of charcuterie boards and humorously named, delicious pizzas (especially if you’re a fan of “Frasier”). Tip: If you are already going downtown to see a movie, bring your ticket stubs with you for Happy Hour prices at any time. Info: whimwinebar.com
4. Choose a winter activity. Go to the Skate Ribbon at Riverfront Park. Nothing brings a couple together quite like preventing each other from falling. Weather permitting, Riverfront Park will run its couple’s deal through Valentine’s Day. Info: visitspokane.com
5. Bring dessert home. Run to Trader Joe’s for a Chocolate Lava Cake, whipped cream and an assortment of seasonal berries for topping. That’s an easy, delicious dessert your wallet and your significant other will thank you for on Valentine’s Day.
6. Try couples’ yoga. BeYoutiful Hot Yoga is offering a couples’ yoga special this weekend at all of their locations. Led by Partner Yoga specialist Kelle Masterson and her partner, Donaye Smith, the two-hour workshop includes partner stretches, acro-yoga, partner dance (spins and dips) and partner meditation. Cost: $40 per person. Info: facebook.com
7. Treat yourselves to takeout. Splurge on a bottle of champagne, pick up a pizza from Veraci and settle in to watch something romantic like “Casablanca,” “Sleepless in Seattle” or the Los Angeles Opera’s 2007 production of Guiseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata.”
8. Make it a group date. With more than 30 beers on tap and an assortment of group games, Flatstick has something for everyone in your friend group. Challenge your friends to a round of mini-golf. To book a tee time, visit flatstickpub.com.
9. Forget about Friday. Who says you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Valentine’s Day? If dinner at your favorite spot is booked, try for lunch instead. If you must do dinner, go for Saturday or Sunday and fill the whole day with celebrating.
10. Cancel your plans. If all else fails, pat yourselves on the back, give up, and take a bath. To paraphrase comedian John Mulaney, canceling plans is recreational in itself.
