As the winter time settles in and New Years has passed, Valentine’s Day is the next holiday up. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14 and lands on a Friday this year.
The purpose of this holiday is to show and celebrate admiration for friends and loved ones. Some sources say Valentine’s Day originally started because two men named Valentine were executed and Pope Gelasius I marked Feb. 14 as a day of remembrance. During the men’s lifetimes, they showed multiple loving acts of kindness, which is why people decided to turn the day into a holiday focused on celebrating admiration.
Brooke Williams, a University Academy junior, said, “Usually I either spend Valentine’s Day with my mom or my boyfriend. With my boyfriend, we exchange gifts and just show appreciation towards each other. I also exchange gifts with my mom. This year, I will be spending my Valentine’s Day with my best friend, so we’re having a ‘Galentine’s Day.’”
Coming up with new and creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day can get tricky, but Kansas City is known to always offer new opportunities. There are many fun and exciting options to do with that special someone.
Williams said, “Fun date night activities would be watching movies at home or a drive-in theater, going skating, and a really good one is going to the candlelight concerts to just listen to music and bond better.”
Candlelight concerts are events where only candles light up the stage, and the rest of the theater sits in dim lighting. Musicians play music focused on that particular concert’s theme with different types of instruments at various Kansas City venues.
Tickets usually start around $33 depending on the artist’s music being featured.
There’s also nothing wrong with taking an inexpensive route and staying at home to watch popular romantic comedies.
Ms. Katy Kenyon, an Upper School math teacher said, “We usually spend Valentine’s Day at home; I like to cook and will make [my husband] a special dinner, and we can watch a romantic movie at home.”
For those who prefer to eat out, Kansas City has lots of romantic dinner spots. Ms. Kenyon recommended several fancy dining options including Corvino, Plate, Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar and Scratch Gourmet Kitchen.
There are two locations for Plate that offer a romantic candlelit dinner. One is in Brookside, and one is in Leawood. Meals start at $14.
Since many restaurants may be busy, it’s a good idea to make reservations at least three weeks in advance. If you can’t book those reservations in time, you can always celebrate early.
“Usually restaurants have limited menus on Feb. 14, and restaurants are busier. Feb. 13 or even Feb. 12 can be just as nice but more options on the menu,” Ms. Kenyon said.
Hopefully these tips help as Valentine’s Day nears!
