10 Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day In Texas
No matter where you go, Texas inspires romance, from country dances held under the seemingly endless, starry night sky to the sumptuous smells of food grilling at the farmers market to the first cheerful flowers of spring. Love and adventure surround us — we have only to accept its hand.
Whether you’re happily coupled or single and loving it, there are numerous romantic ways to indulge your senses and ignite your passion for life this Valentine’s Day.
Dine With a View
The most romantic dinners are a feast for the eyes, too. Treat yourself, your friends, or your sweetie to a memorable dinner with a gorgeous backdrop. While there are plenty of restaurants across the state with famously good views (i.e., The Oasis on Lake Travis), you don’t need a reservation for a quiet beach or hillside picnic. For extra awe, schedule your picnic to coincide with the “magic hour” (the hour before sunset) when the afternoon light is soft and golden.
Horseback Riding
Adventuring into the wild on horseback may sound like pure fantasy, and thankfully, many Texas parks have horse-friendly campgrounds and miles of riding trails to explore and commune with nature. No pony? No problem. Most have ranches nearby that are happy to rent you a horse so you can saddle up and go for a ride.
Make a Bouquet
Wildflowers usually don’t crop up in Texas until March, but Texas tulips begin blooming in the latter half of February. Did you know you can pick your own florals at many farms across the state? Make it a date, or bring home a bunch and build a beautiful bouquet for your Valentine. Tulip gardens are also a popular spot for couples’ photography sessions — call in a professional or bring a selfie stick!
DIY Food Pairings
There are cheese shops and chocolatiers all over Texas. Some, like Scardello Cheese in Dallas, host classes focused on pairings (cheese and honey or cheese and chips, for example). However, you can have fun making your own creative pairings at home. Simply pick two foods you love (chocolate and fruit, for example). Then, assemble a bunch of varieties on a charcuterie board and sample the different flavors together. Name placards and a scorecard can help you keep them straight and track your favorite combinations.
Go Dancing
Dance halls have been a historic part of rural Texas social life since our state’s founding. The dance styles we have now — Texas country, western swing, Tejano, conjunto — reflect the melding of cultures of Texas’ early immigrants. A trip to a Texas dance hall is an exhilarating step back in time, as well as an opportunity to meet new faces and make memories with loved ones.
Sometimes Texas settlers didn’t have a dance hall, in which case they danced outdoors. Dances under the stars are still held today at some Texas state parks, where you’ll be serenaded by live music and the sound of nature at nightfall. Swoon.
Make a Farmers Market Dinner
The farmers market is a foodie’s paradise. Each stall is an opportunity to learn more about the origins of your produce and fall in love with new flavors and recipes. Not to mention, you get to take your bounty home to cook a romantic dinner that delights the senses. In-season produce for February in Texas includes beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, greens, herbs, kale, oranges, grapefruits, peppers, potatoes, and turnips.
Gaze at the Stars
Frankly, we could all do with a bit more marveling at the universe. Stargazing is a surefire way to infuse awe and wonder into your Valentine’s Day. All you need to stargaze is a dark place outdoors — move as far from light pollution as possible — and a blanket and some hot cocoa. Telescopes are great but not necessary. Go tech-free or look for apps on Google Play or the App Store to help spot constellations using augmented reality.
Earn Your Chocolates
This Valentine’s Day, do your heart a favor with exercise! Breaking a sweat is not only good for your body, but it always releases endorphins, nature’s feel-good chemicals that put you in a good mood. There are tons of obstacle races and fun runs on Valentine’s Day — many encourage festive pink and red costumes. Training with a loved one or a friend can bring you closer and give you an accomplishment to celebrate together!
Read
Take yourself on a date with a book! Texas is home to both legendary bookstores beloved by generations and new independent stores hosting author events, book groups, and even experimental theater. Big box retailers just can’t compete with the majestic feeling of finding “the one” in the stacks. This Valentine’s Day, swap streaming for the chance to fall hard for a good story. If you’re in a relationship, try taking turns reading chapters or short stories to one another and discussing the story as you go.
Make your Valentine’s Day dinner a homemade Texas feast, from aww-inspiring apps to tempting desserts!
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