Valentine’s Day is a chance for you to show your special someone just how much they mean to you. On such an occasion, a little creativity goes a long way. That dinner-and-a-movie routine gets old after a while, and in a place like Seattle, there’s no excuse for boredom. If you’re in the mood for something that is romantic, but out of the ordinary, look no further. Here are a few ideas for a different take on Valentine’s Day in Seattle:
Seattle Aquarium Octopus Blind Date
The Seattle Aquarium has built a tradition of making Valentine’s Day all about the octopi, and they invite the public to join them. Aquarium biologists set the scene for love using roses and romantic music, but as cute as this sounds, it is actually something to take quite seriously.
An octopus usually mates only once in life, but because they can sometimes become aggressive against their own kind, those in captivity are isolated from others. At the Seattle Aquarium, those barriers are lifted for two lucky chosen ones per year: one male and one female. Onlookers sit at the edge of their seats waiting to see if there will be a love connection or plain aggression, and if you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day activity that is unlike any other, this is it.
The Octopus Blind Date is the official kickoff to the aquarium’s Octopus Week, so if you’re interested in learning more about these solitary cephalopods, be sure to take a peek at this year’s schedule.
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show
America’s largest murder mystery dinner show is right here in our own hometown, and if you’ve never experienced it before, Valentine’s Day weekend is the perfect time to give it a shot. On February 13th, bring your sweetheart to solve a hilarious murder case while you enjoy a delicious four-course meal prepared using all of the best locally-sourced ingredients Seattle has to offer. Book your tickets HERE at The Dinner Detective website, and use coupon code “sleuth101” for 10% off general admission.
This recurring event is hosted by the Deca Hotel in Seattle’s lively University District. While you’re there, take advantage of the hotel’s location by sharing panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, Space Needle, and Puget Sound with your other half. You may also be able to catch a glimpse of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.
Valentine’s Day Weekend Scavenger Hunt
Urban Adventure Quest is a company that offers interactive tours of the city in the form of a scavenger hunt. Using your smartphone as your “tour guide”, you will wander through Seattle at your own pace learning everything there is to know about our beautiful surroundings.
The scavenger hunt begins at the Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle) and requires about 2.0 miles of walking. If you’re double dating this Valentine’s Day, this is a great choice, because there is a flat rate charge per group of 2-5 people. Use coupon code “SeattleHeart” at checkout for a Valentine’s Day discount.
One of the best things about Seattle is that there is always something exciting to do, regardless of your personal tastes. If you’re not interested in any of the events listed here, consider a bit of Valentine ’s Day comedy improv or a burlesque show at Columbia City Theater. For something more traditional, your options include a Valentine’s Day wine walk, brunch or dinner cruise, live jazz performances, and classical music concerts.
Having so many excellent activities to choose from certainly makes it hard to decide, which is a problem that we are very familiar with in this city. Seattle is such a vibrant, exciting place to be. Just remember that Valentine’s Day is not about how you spend the time, but who you spend it with. All the rest is just a bonus.