Opinion

Unique ways to spend your Valentine’s Day 

It’s that time of the year again when the day of love is almost upon us. Every Feb. 14 since the 8th Century has been deemed Valentine’s Day. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine and became a significant celebration of love and romance in the 14th and 15th Centuries. 

These celebrations have held strong since then and this year is no different. It can be a struggle to show love and celebrate with those closest to you. There are lots of activities around and outside of Kirkwood’s campus that are great for Valentines Day.

Downtown Cedar Rapids is filled with tons of restaurant options for a Valentine’s dinner. Some of these restaurants are even offering special food options for the holiday. The 350 First restaurant in the Hilton Hotel on 1st Ave NE is having a limited-time Valentine’s Day dinner menu on Saturday, Feb. 10, and Wednesday, Feb. 14 after 5 p.m. This is a more expensive option with multiple courses so if looking for something a little more fancy, this is the place to go.  

Another Valentine’s event would be at LP Street Food on 3rd Ave SW in Cedar Rapids. This event features a three-course dinner menu and drink pairing on the 14th of Feb. after 4 p.m. This is a cheaper option for those looking to have a meal with loved ones. For the restaurant events, it may be important to make a reservation for whatever restaurant is chosen. There are a few events that are love-themed and happening on or around Valentine’s Day. On Feb 13, at 10 a.m. At the Hiawatha Public Library, there will be songs, stories, and movement presented by an instructor from the Orchestra Iowa School. Families are encouraged to attend and make music together. This is a free event for people of all ages.  

SugarBare Sugar Spa on 1st Ave SE will be holding a ‘Galentine’s Sugaring Party’ at the spa on Valentine’s Day from 3 – 6 p.m. This is a fun and relaxing activity to do with friends and partners to celebrate the special day. The spa asks attendees to contact them ASAP to save a spot.  

Say yes to love and comedy by attending ‘The Valentine’s Show’ courtesy of Improv Incubator. The show will take place on Feb 14 at the Mirrorbox Theatre from 7 – 9 p.m. Improv Incubator is recognized as a safe place for anyone to experience improv through classes, workshops, and shows.

Cedar Rapids is known around Iowa as somewhere you can always find something to do. There are tons of cheap and fun ways to spend Valentine’s Day with friends, family, and loved ones. Spare Time Entertainment on 1st Ave SE has tons of things to do all in one building. Complete with an arcade, bowling alley, escape room, laser tag, and a restaurant, it’s hard to get bored. Their hours on Valentine’s Day will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.  

A beloved place in Cedar Rapids is The District of Czech Village & New Bohemia. This is a small area close to downtown with an abundance of cultural attractions, shops, and food and beverage options. The village’s attractions vary in business hours so it would be important to check what’s open before going. They offer free parking and have free district events planned year-round.  

Categories: Opinion