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“Sorry, we’re out of tables.”
Unable to find a reservation on Valentine’s Day?
Forget about dinner with a rose,
There’s romance under your nose.
Here, in London, Ontario,
Where love beautifully grows!
VALENTINE’S DATE IDEAS
“Do you believe in love at first glide, or should I skate by again?”
Storybook Gardens outdoor skate trail. Courtesy of the City of London.
Storybrook Gardens has the perfect outdoor skate trail to glide hand-in-hand with your Valentine. Open from 1:15 PM to 9:00 PM on February 14th, you’ll have plenty of time to fall head over heels for your partner, figuratively or literally. At only $5 per ticket and $7 for skate rentals, you can enjoy 250-metre loops at 1958 Storybrook Lane while your wallet rests assured.
“Forget about flexibility, let’s stretch this conversation into something more.”
Crochet Roses. Courtesy of Loopara
If being outside isn’t your cup of tea, consider joining Everflow Yoga for a cozy Valentine’s day with a yoga session and a crochet workshop. If you haven’t gotten your partner a gift yet, $49.26 is a small price to pay for customized crochet flowers. Mark your calendar: 111 Mount Pleasant Avenue from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
“You must be a classic film because you get better every time I see you.”
Hyland Cinema entrance. Courtesy of Global News.
Tired of waiting in line for popcorn, sitting beside a stranger, and falling asleep on reclining seats? Check out Hyland Cinema, located on 240 Wharncliffe Road South, a retro theatre that has been around since the 1930s. Titanic will be playing at 6:00 PM and My Bloody Valentine will be playing at 9:45 PM. If you ever feel like the ship is sinking, jump ship into a horror movie and sail away.
“I like you a latte, mocha it a date?”
Black Walnut Bakery items. Courtesy of the City of London.
If Valentine’s Day marks the first date, you may want to go somewhere more casual like a local cafe. Asmara Coffee Roasting (700 York Street) is one of few cafes that intentionally don’t have WiFi to promote an intimate atmosphere where customers can have face-to-face conversations. Black Walnut Bakery Cafe (724 Richmond Street) offers delicious homemade baked goods to enjoy in their cozy dining atmosphere. If you’re indecisive, you can never go wrong with their daily special. Finally, Saga Board Games & Coffee (105 King Street) offers a unique two-in-one experience, where you get to chat over coffee and combat over victory.
For those who didn’t get shot by Cupid’s arrow, who cares about couples, anyway?
Whether you just want to celebrate with your friends, or whether they only see you as a friend…
GALENTINE’S/PALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS
“You must be a comedian, because every time you smile, my heart does a little stand-up routine.”
Yuk Yuk’s Stand-Up Comedy Club. Courtesy of Tripadvisor.
What better way to bond than over a good laugh? For $25 tickets, see Lianne Mauladin at Yuk Yuk’s Stand-Up Comedy Club (300 King Street) at 8:00 pm on February 14th. Lianne is known for her comfortable, straight shooting, style of comedy, with appearances on CBC, Rogers TV, and more.
“60 minutes was all it took to tell me you were perfect.”
Escapology’s ‘Antidote’ room. Courtesy of Escapology.
Can your group escape in 60 minutes? Will your friendship crack under pressure? Is $37-$41 per person worth testing your friendship? Escapology on 604 Oxford Street East is the place to find out. Be careful, you might not get out.
“The first time I saw your hiking boots, I knew we were sole-mates.”
Westminster Ponds Loop trail. Courtesy of Tripadvisor
Westminster Ponds Loop is an easy 5.6 km trail, popular for hiking, running, and walking. For a more challenging route, Meadowlily Trail is 3.2 km long, perfect for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing. If you plan on being out for longer, White Trail Outer Loop loops around Kikoma Provincial Park for 8.4 km.
“Are you a mountain climber? Because you peaked my interest.”
The Junction Climbing Centre. Courtesy of Junction Climbing Centre.
Last but not least–and my personal favourite–rock climbing at Junction Climbing Centre (1030 Elias Street), followed by the gold medal winner cream ale from Anderson Craft Ales next door. If you’re afraid of heights like me, try bouldering at J2 Bouldering (1828 Blue Heron Drive). Both climbing gyms offer a student discount day pass for $21 with a $7 shoe rental. For all friend-zone victims, falling off a wall is just as good as falling in love.
Whether you’re falling in love, falling on the ice, or just falling off a rock wall, take a break from midterms and explore London this Valentine’s Day. Partnered, friend-zoned, or flying solo — Cupid’s aim isn’t perfect, but your plans can be.