Dear Life Section,
I have been trying to plan this year’s Valentine’s Day with my partner, and so far, I feel like a failure. I need a quick fix to figure out what to do this Valentine’s Day.
Do you have any suggestions?
Sincerely,
Cougar Valentine
Dear Cougar Valentine,
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a good date when you don’t have many options. But here’s my list of the simplest and coziest date ideas for this year’s Valentine’s Day.
If you don’t want to go out in the snow and would rather have a date at home, this should be perfect for you. Cook something together as a couple—try making a dish you haven’t made before. If you want to surprise your partner, try cooking or baking for them. Making someone dinner is one of the best ways to make them feel special. Continue your night with board games or video games.
Set up a movie night by making homemade hot chocolate with extra toppings—whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon or even a splash of peppermint. Pick a movie that matches the mood, whether it’s a romantic comedy, a suspense film, true crime, a nostalgic Disney movie or a spooky thriller to keep things exciting. Snuggle under a big blanket and let the snow fall outside while you stay warm together.
If you prefer an affordable outdoor date, go bowling at Zeppoz. A bowling and arcade date with a little competition is always exciting.
Visit the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art together—it remains open on Valentine’s Day from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and is free for students. Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is an art center in Uniontown, Washington, open from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
For a full-day trip, go for a long drive to a winery. Wawawai Canyon Winery and Jovinea Cellars Tasting Room are good options.
If you’d rather have a good dinner nearby, The Black Cypress is a well-known restaurant that serves Italian food and wine, while Foundry Kitchen and Cocktails, La Casa Lopez and Maialina Pizzeria Napoletana are great options as well. Some of these restaurants may have special menus for the evening.
Get some hot mac and cheese from Grub Truck and end your night with a drive to a stargazing spot around town.
The Lumberyard is hosting a speed dating event at 7 p.m. Feb. 14, followed by trivia. It could be an interesting way to spice things up for Valentine’s Day.
Get some hot cocoa and walk to the WSU Arboretum at sunset, hike Kamiak Butte for a sunrise view or ride a bike on the Chipman Trail to Moscow.
Ice skating at the Palouse Ice Rink is a perfect date for the season. Try sip-and-paint or a class at Terracotta Pullman—pottery or painting together can be a fun experience.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the best Valentine’s Day dates are the ones filled with warmth, laughter and genuine connection. Whether you’re cuddled up at home with your partner or doing a fun activity with friends, what truly matters is spending quality time with your loved ones. So embrace the snow, make the most of the day and create memories that will last beyond the weekend.
Sincerely,
The Life Section
