8 Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

1. Local Food, Manhattan Style at Onyx:
@DrewMooreNS and I had our very first date at Onyx and have wanted to go back ever since but the place is frequently packed!  We tried out their prix fixe dine-around menu last week.  The food was amazing with lots of local options and it still had that dim, sultry Manhattan-like atmosphere perfect for a first or 5,000th date.  You can read all about our recent onyx experience here: Date Night and Dine Around at Onyx

Two Martinis side by side Onyx Manhattan Style Drinks

2. Quiet Get-Away to a Stately Manor:
We talk about DesBarres Manor in A LOT, and with good reason.  It has the local travel trifecta: History, luxury and comfort.  It is also one hell of a romantic spot, with nice add-ins like a cooking class and a big wrap-around deck perfect for cozying up in the evenings. You can read all about our trip to DesBarres here: DesBarres Manor Inn – Guysborough

Desbarres Manor Inn

3. Sleigh Rides, Bull Rides and Steak Dinner
On February 14th Hatfield Farm will be kicking up the romance with candle lit dinner and a sleigh ride (and it’s BYOB) for $35.  You can also take your date for an afternoon sleigh ride complete with bull riding over the weekend.  We recently tried their daytime trip and had a blast together. You can read about our date at Hatfiled Farms here: Hatfield Farm – Hammonds Plains

Hatfield Farm Horses in a Field in Winter

4. Snowshoeing and Animal Watching in Shubenacadie
Looking for a fun date idea that won’t break the bank? Shubie Wildlife Park has free snowshoeing most weekends during the winter (call ahead to be safe).  We think that few things make for a better date than when you try something new together.  After a little hike through the woods, check out the residents of the wildlife park in their winter coats, a rare sight.  Read about our recent snowshoe adventure at Shubie here: Shubenacadie Wildlife Park

Two pairs of Canadian Made Snowshoes in the snow

5. Give Your Date Some GOLD:
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia just opened a great new exhibit chronicling the history of Gold in Nova Scotia.  It is the perfect blend of art and history, and a warm way to spend a few hours together. We reccommend pairing this with a bite to eat and some cocktails at Untitled Eats.  You can read about our trip to the exhibit here: AGNS Nova Scotia Gold

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6. Wine and…Ice Lugeing
In case you missed it, Nova Scotia’s Winter Wine festival was postponed to this weekend!  There are a ton of great events to check out, including a bar-be-cue and a Ice Luge trip down the center of the vineyard at Luckett’s.  Even if you can’t make it this weekend, a winter wine tour is an excellent way to spend the day.  You can read about one of our favourite adventures, our Walking Winery Tour, here: Annapolis Valley Wines

Tidalbay7. For the Eco-Friendly Lovers
We all complain about it but Metro Transit is a great, green and unique way to take your date on a day-trip.  There are some really cool places you can check out, restaurants, trails, beaches, lakes and more. I particularily reccommend taking a winter picnic by the heart-shaped pond (Route 80). We have a whole series of posts on day-trips available by bus here: Local Travel HRM

Heart Shaped Pond Hemlock Ravine Valentines Dates


8. A Local, Indoor Picnic:
We make so many great foods here in Nova Scotia, what better way to spend v-day than with an in-home culinary tour.  There are lots of local food and wine ideas here: Made In Nova Scotia – Food and Drink. We suggest adding candles from @Nytewicks for mood, and the sweet sounds of @CorbettKev, @XtinaMartin, @Feist, or one of your favourite NS artists.  Bonus points if you take your date to a local food hotspot like @HFXSeaportMrkt to help pick out your picnic.

Local_Wishlist_105_ Fruition

Image: Fruition Foods (Local, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, Raw!)

 

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The Local Traveler

Two travellers' tales of finding adventure on the East Coast. This blog is dedicated to the best parts of travel, and to discovering, celebrating and promoting things to do in our corner of the world, and sometimes beyond. We especially love craft beer, day trips, romantic escapes, local food & hidden gems. Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and share tips and photos of your favourite East Coast adventures.

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