Relationships that survived the “turkey drop” of the holiday season and the “new year, new you” purge face one more statistical spike of breakups. Consider it the spring cleaning that comes after less-than thoughtful Valentine’s Day plans go awry.
The first step toward surviving the carnage of cupid’s arrow going astray is to think about doing something fun and experiential. Little things can mean more if they come from the heart, and meaningful moments don’t have to rob your wallet.
Sure, higher-end dinner places like Pacific Grill, CI Shenanigans, Melting Pot and Stanley and Seaforts will hit the mark if you want to get all fancy with your sweet pea. These are safe and sure options where you can order oysters on the half shell or wild-raised salmon and dine in a fine atmosphere, but there are other options that don’t require mortgage refinancing to cover the bill.
One idea that could be fun and romantic as well as affordable is to hit the boutique section of Metropolitan Market, Stadium Thriftway or an Asian grocery store like Boo Han Market or East Asia Market, and make a day out of shopping and cooking exotic food on your own. Cap the night off with a last-call nightcap.
For sipping a hand-crafted libation while holding hands and chatting by candlelight, the coziness of 1022 South J has no rival. Try the Aviation, which is a Paris-crafted shout out to Charles Lindbergh’s famous flight 90 years ago. But it is not the only game in town. The Pink Orchid at Indochine sure hits the mark as does the Manhattan at Harbor Lights, Tacoma’s landmark watering hole for generations.
Any good meal needs a dessert, so landing a cheesecake at Corina Bakery or a mouthful of heaven from Hello Cupcake might just be in order as well.
But there is more to romance than just food, so maybe some art viewing might keep the love alive. Keep in mind that the city’s Third Thursday Art Mingle falls on February 16, so the museums and art spots will be free just two days after Cupid’s big day and will most certainly play of that quirk in the calendar with heart-themed motifs and snacks.
Love-themed performances in Tacoma include Tacoma Opera’s staging of “Eugene Onegin” by Pyotr Ilynch Tchaikovsky. The opera has a three-show run in mid-February that is certain to send love into the air since the story follows the life of a naive country girl who is madly in love with an aloof gentleman. More rock-and-roll minded love birds might want to check out the Emerald Queen Casino’s offering for Valentine’s Day, an Air Supply concert on February 14.
If you want something more social and active, Studio 6 Ballroom offers dance sessions and classes throughout the week for Salsa and Merengue styles, for example, that are certain to get hearts all aflutter under mood lighting. Tango in Tacoma offers a welcoming environment for couples to try their feet out on the dance floor every Wednesday night for just $10.
If dancing just isn’t in the cards, there is always a simple stroll through Wright Park or along Tacoma’s waterfront, where love birds can see sea birds, ships passing in the night and public art of all sorts. And while they are in the neighborhood, they can stop by the Tacoma Public Library’s Handforth Gallery to check out “The Art of Travel: Travel Posters of the 1920s, 30s and Beyond,” an exhibit of travel posters from the golden age of art deco. The 36 travel posters in this exhibit, curated by Robert Schuler, include works by Paul Aigner, Leonettto Cappiello and Dorothy Waugh.
Those views of far off lands from a bygone era could prompt thoughts of romantic getaways of your own. Well, there are options for that as well. Local options to do just that include places like the Browns Lighthouse, Thornewood Castle or the hip and artsy Hotel Murano, but more remote lodging options can be found on Anderson Island, which is a great spot for couple getaways.
