A Strike Magazine Valentine Guide: Date Ideas for Lovers and friends
It's time to gush your heart out, whether it is valentines or galentines, spend the fourteenth with the people you love. Take the day to explore something new you’ve been wanting to try or cozy up at home. Miami has so many events to offer, this list consists of everything from the classics to DIY bonding events you’ll want to try year after year.
P.S. The top Valentine's Day plans this year are our very own (we might be biased) at The Anderson, on February 9th! Test your couples trivia and try out speed dating…who knows you might find your perfect match.
1. Keep It Traditional
Flowers, chocolate, and good food, what more does someone need? There's no problem keeping it simple for Valentine’s, so try out these tips to make it even more special.
Find a new food spot!
While everyone might be making a reservation to Hell’s Kitchen, the best restaurants might be just around the corner.
Smorgasburg Miami- is a giant food truck that offers food from all around the world. From savory to sweet, if you're not sure what your date likes to eat, you won't have a problem here.
For Vegans/Vegetarians:
Aguacate Sanctuary of Love- is a great healthy fully vegan spot. Not only is their food amazing, take the time to feed the animals roaming around, sign up for a volunteer class, and don’t forget to visit the koi pond.
Have a sweet tooth?
Order locally this year from Miami's best bakers, no more edible arrangements that just sit in the fridge.
Fireman Dereks- crazy good pies and sweets, honestly anything around Wynwood wins for best desserts.
Pop-Up/Made To Order:
Pink Elephant Coffee
LL Bites
Jasilienn Baked Goods?
GG’s Cookies
2. Get a new look
Take a stroll and make your date buy you a thing…or two. Gifting for valentines doesn’t have to be stressful, letting the person pick something out might be a better choice. With these ideas, you’ll be able to surprise them with something that you might never see again.
Vintage markets/stores
Have fun together searching for hours for the perfect outfits, you’ll never know what you can find.
Thrift vintage outlet- is a warehouse-style thrift store filled with all kinds of second-hand goodies. You’ll be able to find something unique in either the $1 bins or the vintage grail room.
Angels Only Market- happening on February 17 at 1-800 Lucky, this queer femme-led market is filled with Miami creatives and foodies for all your handmade finds.
Let's Get Together at Lot 11- happening on February 18, this skatepark market won't disappoint with local vintage clothing curators and food trucks. Meet new people and listen to live music.
Antique Mall Y’all- one of the best authentic antique stores offering everything from clothing, jewelry, furniture, and every knick-knack you can think of.
Tattoo/Piercing
Show your love permanently with some ink, but please no couples name tattoos.
Easy Peasy- an all-inclusive tattoo parlor with amazing machines and hand poke artists.
Great Oak- Offers piercings and beauty services, as well as a range of different style tattoo artists.
3. Novelty stores
We all know that each person has a certain interest that they love. Fill your date's heart with a new addition to their collection, whichever it might be.
Blackjack Anime Store- the best figurines and manga from not just the mainstream shows.
Dale Zine- an indie magazine and book store, featuring local Miami artists.
A and M Comics & Books- the most packed-filled comic book store, you’ll find almost anything.
Sweat Records, Technique Records, Yesterday and Today Records- all great record stores with new and old vinyl and CDs.
4. Relax in nature
Do something outside and visit the most beautiful nature spots, other than the typical beach trip.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida Lighthouse- offers multiple park attractions such as tours of the lighthouse, beaches, fishing, and cycling including quad bikes for groups.
Picnic and art- go to your favorite local park, set up a picnic, and some canvas for painting. My favorite thing to do is switch canvases with your date every 5 minutes to create a collaborative piece of art. Sewing, screen-printing, or making mixtapes are other great DIY activities.
Of Course, I Still Love You Ceramics- a music-filled pottery class featuring workshops and community events.
5. Cuddle up for the night
Who said staying at home would be boring?
Movie Night- pick up a movie you’ve never watched or always rewatch, rom-coms are always a classic for this holiday. Whatever you do, don't watch something like 500 Days of Summer.
Cook dinner together- go grocery shopping for ingredients together for a homemade recipe. (My personal V-day plans, I’ll be learning how to make sushi!)
No matter what you choose, have fun with loved ones on Valentine's Day! Focus on love languages and pick something you and your date will remember for years.
Strike Out,
Writer: Ailish Fontanez
Editor: Alejandra Soriano
Strike Magazine Miami
