The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6 last-minute date ideas for couples or singles
It’s not too late to plan something fun, festive and even free this Valentine’s Day. Looking to do something snuggle-worthy with a significant other? Check. Single and celebrating with your girlfriends? Check. Ready to rev up and ride out with the guys? Yes, that’s included in the list, too.
With a roundup of six awesome activities, it’s easy to enjoy your time together.
Girlfriends’ getaway
For girls who just want to have fun, the special “Girls Pamper” package at the Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta is the perfect pick for a weekend getaway. Love luxury? Each eve- ning, accommodations are offered in the Superior Room, which features twice-daily housekeeping, double sinks (one for you, one for bestie), a walk-in shower, deep, soaking tub and a myriad of techy things like Wi-Fi and an iPod dock.
Famished? In the morning, join the breakfast club and indulge in the hearty American breakfast. Want to beautify?
Relax with a mani-pedi appointment at the hotel’s spa. Going somewhere? A chauffeured vehicle will take guests to GlowDry, a lavish hair and beauty bar dedicated to making you “head-turningly beautiful” for a beauty service and a glass of bubbly. The chauffeur service will also take guests just about anywhere within a 2-mile radius. The cost? $525 for two people, which includes all the aforementioned plus two $50 gift cards to Glow Dry. 3376 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-995-7500, www.mandarinoriental.com/atlanta.
Tantalize your taste buds
On Valentine’s Day as well as every weekend throughout February, Three Sisters Vineyards, the oldest and first of Dahlonega’s vineyards and wineries, is hosting a special event called the Annual Wine & Chocolate Lovers Celebration.
Couples can indulge in delectable local artisan chocolate perfectly paired with estate-grown wine. When the festivities end at the estate, keep the party going in private; all attendees take home a keepsake wineglass.
Prices range from $20-$40 per couple. Note that the tasting will be at 11 a.m. Saturday; time varies on other days. 439 Vineyard Way, Dahlonega. 706-865- 9463, www.threesistersvineyards.com.
Want to get dirty?
Mud. Engines. Racing. Round up the guys (ladies are welcome, too!) and head to Durhamtown Plantation Sportsman’s Resort for a day of ATV-riding.
With over 150 miles of trails, 11 tracks, a mud drag pit and side-by-side racecourse with double lanes, it may inspire a little friendly competition and satisfy the need for speed.
The ATV rental costs $190 for the day — 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — and includes fees, fuel, a helmet and chest protector.
Note that there is also a $700 deposit, which is fully refundable upon return of an undamaged vehicle. 2350 Randolph Church Road, Union Point. 706-486-4603, www.durhamtown.com.
Get physical
Here’s another reason to hold hands: ice skating. In an activity doubling as fun and fitness, couples can lace up and glide on the ice at The Cooler, the ice skating arena at Alpharetta Family Skate Center. Open to the public at 1, 3: 15 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, couples can skate during their date then heat up things off the ice with oh-so-hot chocolate at The Cooler Café.
To make things a little more enticing, The Cooler created a special package just for Valentine’s Day. Mention “Valentine’s skate date special” upon arrival or bring a copy of this article to receive the promotional cost of $20 per couple, which includes skate rentals and a free hot chocolate or fountain drink. 10800 Davis Drive, Alpharetta. 770-6496600, www.coolerathletics.com.
Explore the outdoors
Vickery Creek, part of the Old Mill Park area, epitomizes outdoor adventure. With a 3-mile trail, this national park features a brick plaza, picnic area, overlook deck and connections to national park trails. If that doesn’t make you want to walk, run or hike, then the possibility of proposing near the beautiful spillway waterfall or covered bridge might.
For others, it is utterly romantic for an outdoor picnic; bring a basket and a blanket and enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful setting. Since visiting Vickery Creek is free and open to the public, love doesn’t cost a thing there. 1 Mill St., Roswell. 678-5381200, www.friendsoftheroswellparks.com.
Snow and snuggle
After a day of adventure like snow tubing, building a snowman, or making an igloo, couples can snuggle up and make s’mores at the picturesque Stone Mountain Park.
Officially called the S’mores Stop, the mix of snow and roasting marshmallows with a significant other creates the ideal setting for a personal winter wonderland.
Participation in the S’mores Stop requires a Snow Mountain pass, which is $28 per person; the s’mores kit is $4.50. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407, www.stonemountainpark.com.