All too often, long-standing couples seem to lose their romantic ways. From “significant other” to “silver anniversaries” romance should never be out of season. Yet for far too many, Valentines Day has become a day of run-of-the-mill cards and boxes of chocolates. In fact, recent statistics from the U.S. Greeting Card Association say more than 160 million valentine cards are sent each year in the US alone. Of course we all appreciate the heartfelt expression of devotion set aside for 160 million other people, but we say it is time to think outside the box - of chocolates.
Whether you are looking for the perfect place to pop the question, celebrate a special anniversary, milestone birthday, or just enjoy some quality time with your loved one, we've compiled this list of romantic gestures ranging everywhere from costly to considerate as we try to spark your inner Cupid.
Romantic Rendezvous
Step off the elevator after ascending 50 stories toward the stars and you find yourself in the center of Five Sixty atop Reunion Tower, Master Chef Wolfgang Puck’s fine dining restaurant in the heart of Dallas. A fabulous dinner for two in a spectacular restaurant offers an opportunity for romance as well as an evening of divine dining. Named for the height of Reunion Tower, Five Sixty offers a constantly changing 360-degree view of the gorgeous Dallas skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows as the restaurant slowly revolves. The hard lines of the structure itself are tempered by the luxurious, contemporary interior that gives the room an urbane sophistication. The menu reflects Puck’s personal interpretations of Asian dishes and with an extensive wine list of more than 400 labels and over a dozen sake by-the-glass selections you’re sure to discover a new personal favorite. Start the evening off with the Sautéed Crab Cakes, with Red Thai Vinaigrette, and Mango-Cucumber Relish. Then spend the evening gazing into each other’s eyes with an occasion look at the beauty of the night skyline.
Reata Fort Worth is nestled in downtown’s Sundance Square and with 4 stories and nearly 20,000 square feet the restaurant has something to offer everyone. The rooftop bar and dining patio is a perfect spot for a rendezvous on a perfect Texas spring evening. Stake out a little corner for you and your loved one to try the Tenderloin Tamales with Pecan Mash or the Chile dusted Jumbo Scallops with a pecan cream sauce.
If something more secluded is your idea of the perfect romantic rendezvous a couples massage getaway to the Gaylord Texan and its If something more secluded is your idea of the perfect romantic rendezvous a couples massage getaway to the Gaylord Texan and its Relache Spa. With twelve treatment rooms and two spa suites you can share blissful downtime and world-class pampering in your very own lush and inviting spa suite. With the Couples Harmony Massage you relax side-by-side with your loved for a heart-melting treatment where tensions are washed away as you reconnect with one another.
Want to venture a little further away from home? Try the Rosewood Crescent Hotel for a weekend stay. The luxurious home-away-from-home is located in Dallas’ Uptown district minutes from the music, art, and theatre of the Dallas Arts District. An evening at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the American Airlines Center could be music to your ears. While The Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center are beautiful sights to behold. Even with all there is to do downtown, you may never want to leave the Crescent where the chic European-style guest rooms paired with the sumptuous amenities combine to provide a serene yet sophisticated setting for the perfect romantic rendezvous. From the Great Hall with its spectacular vaulted ceilings, marble floors imported from Europe, limestone walls and floor-to-ceiling windows to the fine dining at Nobu or the 17th floor Crescent Club, the Rosewood Crescent Hotel stands ready to offer you a romantic weekend to remember.
A night to remember can also begin with box seats at the AT&T Performing Arts Center - Winspear Opera House. Rising from the sidewalk next to the beauty of the reflecting pool in Sammons Park, the Winspear offers the perfect setting for a night of romance with the arts. You can listen to a favorite performer, enjoy the latest in the Lexus Broadway series with shows like The Heights or Green Day’s American Idiot, spend the evening experiencing the magic of dance; the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. There is no bad seat at the Winspear but suspended above the Orchestra level sits the Mary Anne and Richard Cree Box Circle where the seats offer a truly spectacular vantage point and the illusion of privacy presents a stage for your own romantic love story.
You don't necessarily have to go to great lengths to share a romantic rendezvous with your special someone. Someone once said, “The simple things in life are the best.” We salute those seeking to simplify their lives and offer this suggestion. Make a romantic playlist, pack a picnic lunch, and drive to Founders' Plaza at DFW Airport. The observation area was dedicated more than fifteen years ago and offers a magnificent runway view of airplanes taking off and landing, complete with parking and picnic tables. Make plans to spend a beautiful Texas spring day together contemplating where each plane is coming from or headed to and share your own romantic travel destination dreams.
A Thousand Words
For those who love has left speechless, remember, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” For those who love has left speechless, remember, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” The Dallas Arboretum is one of many priceless places that offer a picture perfect setting for those romantic shots of togetherness. Nestled on the southeast side of White Rock Lake the Dallas Arboretum offers 66 acres of natural beauty, filled with gardens suited for anything from picnics to poetry. Full of display gardens that showcase colorful seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, gorgeous trees and plant collections, you are sure to find just the right serene setting like the arboretum’s McCasland Sunken Garden.
Beauty doesn't just bloom in Dallas; Cowtown has its share of romance too. The Forth Worth Botanic Garden is a stunningly beautiful 109-acre tapestry woven from the greens of the trees and plants mixed with the vibrant colors of blooming flowers. Walk amongst the grandeur of the thousands of roses dancing in the famous Rose Garden drinking in the beauty and intoxicating scent. Then follow the winding paths to the heart of the garden where sheltered benches offer an enticing spot to relax and contemplate the meaning of love. To share the experience of stepping into an exotic world with your significant other visit the world-renowned Japanese Garden. The koi ponds are filled with the lazily swimming, brightly colored carp reminding us all to take time to drink in the beauty around us. Pause for a moment near one of the dramatic waterfalls and you have the picture-perfect proposal opportunity. Hold on to the ring though, if it ends up in the pond those koi will eat anything.
In our search for romance we saw photos of brave young men proposing to their beloved on the star in the middle of the field at Cowboy Stadium (during a tour, NOT during a game) and we think that's a fairly inventive way to propose for those in love with each other and the Dallas Cowboys. Certainly, another great photo opportunity where professionals are ready, willing and able to capture your special moment. One gentleman had a Cowboys jersey made for his darling fiancée (gotta love that Pro Shop) with his last name emblazoned on the back. A nice touch, we thought. Love is all about the little things.
A lazy day spent floating around on Lake Grapevine in a rented boat could afford multiple opportunities for romance and memorable photos. Give Silver Lake Marina or any number of boat rental facilities a call, they have boats available to rent and a little pre-planning could make a day on the lake especially romantic. Bring hats, the sunscreen, a little picnic of favorites and a snuggly blanket for the cooler evening hours and don't forget the music. A slow meander around the perimeter of the lake during the daylight hours ending with an unobstructed view of the riot of colors in a Texas sunset is the perfect back to nature romantic tryst.
Making Memories Together
Often an everyday activity can become romantic when you share it with the one you love. If you doubt us log on to YouTube and check out a video of Michael Buble singing “Sway” and if you don't want to run out and take dance lessons with your favorite partner we fear for your romantic soul. Line dancing at Billy Bob's is great fun, but here we’re talking about Dancing with the Stars kind of dancing. Learn to Salsa or Ballroom dance together at various places around the Metroplex, like Dance on the Vine in Grapevine, and then head to the latest dance club. Salsa clubs abound here in North Texas and a number of ballrooms host regular dance nights. Put on those dancing shoes, you won’t regret it.
Some of us are more about the food than the fun. If you and your love are true foodies take a couples cooking class at Central Market. Several types of cuisine are featured every month so if you've been hankering to learn pasta perfection or terrific Thai just pick a class online and register. After the two of you have completed your masterpiece you share the pleasure of savoring your cuisine creation. There is just something about eating off another's plate that makes the food taste even better.
Timeless Traditions
Go back to the days of dating and re-ignite that marvelous feeling of being newly in love. If you're short on time hop over to Cinema Suites at Grapevine Mills Mall and catch both dinner and a movie, literally. Adults can take in their favorite foods and the latest Oscar contender from reserved, luxury recliners. Here is a new and upscale take on the timeless tradition.
Maybe you remember the fun of spending an evening at the local bowling lanes, laughing at the splits and cheering the strikes. You don't have to be a pro to enjoy a night at the lanes and 300 in Dallas is so much more than just bowling. From the state-of-the Art lanes to the nightclub feel of plush seating, cozy tables and attractive lighting 300 is so not your Father’s bowling alley.
A date night at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar in Addison brings back memories of college nights out singing along to every song the band played. Just try to stump these performers; they know every song there is. We promise that a visit to Pete’s will result in a night of loud singing, clapping along, and laughing. Let go of your responsibilities when you walk through the door and you’ll definitely recapture a moment from your youth.
As we mentioned earlier, line dancing at Billy Bob's is great fun. Have a photo taken of you and your urban cowboy or cowgirl riding the enormous brahma bull for a memory you can look back and laugh about. A slow two-step can be a great excuse to dance close and twirl around the floor. Even sitting and people watching the tourists enjoying their visit can make you both feel like tourists yourself. So put on those cowboy boots and head to Billy Bob's.
Another blast from the past could be a trip to Six Flags over Texas where you can regain your youth riding every coaster in the park. A bone-rattling ride on the Texas Giant gives you a chance to sit close to your sweetie and scream your lungs out. There is nothing like a step plunge down that first hill for a thrill that brings back those daredevil weekends spent riding your favorite coaster over and over. Just a walk through Six Flags holding hands sharing a cotton candy can bring back the good old days.
Romance comes in all shapes and sizes, including a multitude of choices, price ranges, and geography, with no romantic gesture being too big or too small. No matter what your plan is to celebrate Valentine's Day this year; romance is still quite obviously alive and well in our everyday lives. Statistics also show over 2.2 million marriages take place in the United States each year. That's a lot of hearts and flowers.