It's easy to get stuck in a date night rut. We all know the pattern: you the know the restaurants you like (and can recite each other's order), you know the bars you like (the bartender starts making your drinks as you walk through the door), so why rock the boat? Right? Wrong! This Valentine's Day why don't you put a little spark of fun into the mix and try something new?! To start you off, Chelsey, Kat and I have put together some of what we think would make great dates in the Triangle area...

Intimate Indulgence in Chapel Hill...

Start by bundling up and taking a romantic stroll through UNC's north campus - maybe even sit a spell on the Davie "Kissing bench" in McCorkle Place. Then, warm up with a hot toddy or Sazerac cocktail in a booth at The Crunkleton. Follow that with dinner for two at The Lantern. The extra cozy setting in the dimly, red-lit bar behind the restaurant is romance perfection! Like a little friendly competition? Meander over to The Baxter for some post-dinner drinks and challenge your sweetheart to a game of old-school Pacman, at this new, local barcade. Cap off the night with a bottle of red at a true speakeasy, peccadillo. Treat yourselves to a sweet "stay-cation" with an overnight at The Franklin Hotel. 

Laid-Back Luxury in Raleigh/Cary...

Luxuriate and unwind with a couple's massage at The Umstead Spa, and soak in the relaxing atmosphere and facilities. Then, enjoy a leisurely lunch while you come back down to Earth at Lucky 32. Take your sweetheart's hand and take an afternoon stroll around Umstead Park. Turn up the energy level a notch and watch Duke beat Syracuse over steak and wine in the Wild Turkey Lounge at Angus Barn. To end the night, head back to The Umstead for Grand Marnier nightcaps and a cozy overnight stay in one of their gorgeous suites.

Delightfully Different Date in Durham...

Durham County Wildlife Club offers private instruction to non-members in Skeet and Sport Clay Shooting. Ditch the crowds for the afternoon and do something different to surprise your honey! After a quick stop at home to put your fancy(er) pants on; head into Downtown Durham and enjoy an aperitif at Bar Lusconi. The dark, prohibition vibe will put you in the perfect cozy, romantic mood. Mix it up a little by walking up to Dame's Chicken and Waffles for a relaxed, down-home dinner. Don't judge; Dame's carried this humble food combo to delicious new heights and it'll feel extra fun eating sticky-finger food while dressed up! Another quick walk will bring you to Beyu Caffe, where you can snuggle up with a nightcap and listen to some great and local, live jazz music. 

However you celebrate it, we wish you and your significant other a very loved-up Valentine's season! 

Til we Gather Together again...

-Fay