Easy Everyday Adventures

Everyone knows how much I love everyday adventures, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy and create one of your own.  Although you could go with the standard fancy dinner out, why not try something new this year – I bet you’ll remember it much longer than just another dinner at a restaurant. Looking for ideas? I’ve got you covered:

• Visit a winery. Enjoy a wine tasting and then a delicious glass of wine. You might even get lucky and stumble upon some live music. It’s fun to try different varieties and share what you think of each one. This is also a great choice if you are short on time or money. It would be very doable to sneak in a tasting and conversation on a busy school night for $20 or less.

Local suggestions: My two current favorite local wineries are Urban Vines and Sugar Creek Winery. Urban Vines has delicious charcuterie platters and they also serve beer, cider, and even sparkling wine, so if your partner doesn’t like wine they have alternatives. Sugar Creek Winery doesn’t carry food, but you are welcome to bring in whatever you want, so why not put together your own cheese plate and enjoy it with a glass of their delicious wine. Urban Vines, 303 E 161st Street, Westfield, IN 317-763-0678; Sugar Creek Winery, 1111 West Main Street; Carmel, IN

•  Check out a museum.  Although most museums might be closed in the evening, perhaps you can meet for lunch and walk through your local art museum? Or present tickets as a gift with plans to visit on the weekend. It’s fun to look at the exhibits, check out what is new and talk about what you like and don’t like. A museum visit will always make for great conversation. Looking for ways to save money? Check out my post on how to save money when visiting museums.

Local suggestions: I haven’t been to the Indianapolis Art Museum since it became Newfields, but I am dying to check it out. It was a place we always enjoyed strolling around and it definitely has a romantic vibe. The Indiana State Museum is another fun alternative. It’s right downtown and houses a number of interesting permanent and temporary exhibits. Right outside is the canal which is perfect for a short walk if the weather is agreeable. Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN; 317-923-1331; Indiana State Museum; 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN; 317-232-1637

• Get active. I love nights out that include doing something versus just sitting around. Bowling comes to mind, miniature golf if you live in a warmer weather climate or even taking a short hike in a nearby park. Or why not check out a class in your area – painting, cooking, whatever sounds interesting to you. All are fun ways to stay active and create a lovely memory.

Local suggestions: Duckpin bowling is the best, and Indy boasts several locations. Head down to Action Duckpin Bowling in Fountain Square or check out PinHeads in Fishers. A fun class I’ve got on my radar is Board & Brush in Westfield – learn a new technique and come home with art for your house. Another great class option is the boozy tea-infused alcohol tasting & pairing at HoiTea ToiTea. After trying their tea-infused cocktails I know that class would be a blast. Action Duckpin Bowling; 1105 Prospect Street, Indianapolis, IN; 317-685-1955; PinHeads; 13825 Britton Park Rd, Fishers, IN; 317-773-9988; Board & Brush; 100 N Union St. Westfield, IN; 317-753-5445; HoiTea ToiTea; 6283 N. College, Indianapolis, IN 317-910-9977

No date lined up? Most of these options would also be perfect for a Galentine’s or family Valentine’s Day celebration.

Any other suggestions for a fun and different way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share in the comments!

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