Things might get a bit kinky on Feb. 14 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. (Photo: Getty)
By Cupid, as told to the dsm staff
No pressure, but Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, giving you a full 24 hours to spark romance — or test its limits. So make some plans, Casanova. You’ve been warned.
For something steamy, try “50 Shades of Green” at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, where you can learn all sorts of kinky plant science before a stroll through the “Dome After Dark.”
Or would you prefer music? The Des Moines Symphony plays Tchaikovsky’s swooning “Romeo and Juliet” overture and one of Ravel’s jazzy piano concertos at the Des Moines Civic Center. The Max Wellman Big Band plays at Noce, Braxton Keith leads a honky-tonk show at the Val Air Ballroom and the annual Winter Blues Fest heats up the downtown Marriott. There’s an Everly Brothers tribute at Prairie Meadows and something for everybody in Cupid’s Lounge at xBk Live.
Over at The Ingersoll, Kevin and Mollie Cooney perform a staged reading of “Love Letters,” which traces a relationship over the course of five decades. Plus, a dozen local leaders (including dsm Associate Editor Hailey Evans) will share a few words in the Favorite Poem Project at RDG Planning & Design.
For something more unconventional, the Iowa Wild plays Springfield in a heated rivalry at Casey’s Center, and the Drake women’s basketball team plays Indiana State at the Knapp Center.
Passionate emotions are aquiver at Archery Date Night at Jester Park, and someone is bound to get murdered in “The Mousetrap” at the Des Moines Playhouse.
Food-focused dates
A fancy dinner is great, but reservations go fast. So if you want to grab a bite to eat, consider choosing a genre to turn the date into an experience.
For rom-com sweetness
Register for the sugar cookie decorating class at Iowa Distilling Company on Feb. 11. You’ll each get six Valentine’s Day themed cookies to frost — hands-on, a little nostalgic and probably more fun than shouting over a crowded dining room. (Cue montage of adorable icing fight.)
For artistic inspiration
Nothing heightens romance quite like good art and better conversation. At the Feb. 12 edition of the Des Moines Art Center’s new “Dinner with Friends” series, a four-course prix fixe menu inspired by still-life paintings is designed to be shared. It’s thoughtful, elegant and just a bit indulgent.
For period drama
If your Valentine’s fantasy leans toward “Bridgerton,” Terrace Hill’s Valentine’s Day Tea on Feb. 14 serves up Victorian glamour, minus the corsets. Alternatively, you could gather some gal pals for some wine and cheese at the Galentine’s Party on Feb. 6 at the Rollins Mansion. Then head back the following weekend with your sweetheart for Valentine’s Dinner on Feb. 13 and 14.
And for something less scripted
- Go au naturel — that is, with natural wine — at The Cave DSM.
- Raise a toast to each other with martinis at The New Northwestern or The Lift, a hot spot for live music.
- Taste-test a favorite food at several different restaurants and rank them as you go. Try the onion rings at Maxie’s, Lucky Horse and Royal Mile.
- Share some late-night desserts at Crème or Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery.
- Nibble on charcuterie at Purveyor, sip a tiki cocktail or two at Bellhop, then finish the night with a drag show at The Garden.
But wait, there’s more! For bonus points, check out our ideas for 52 dates, one for every week of the year.
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