V-day might have ended but the romance doesn’t have to
Illustration by Neha Saxena.
With Valentine’s Day over, it can be hard to keep the romantic spirit alive with your boo or even yourself. While you might have already taken cupid’s arrow out of your heart, there are still tons of ways to keep the love in the air.
Here are five things to do in Victoria to treat yourself, or your significant other, to accommodate a range in budgets.
Pottery night
This is undoubtedly one the most romantic activities to do, as cemented by that magical scene in Ghost.
Located downtown, Hands on Collective hosts multiple pottery nights a month. These classes include a make-a-mug, make-a-vase, and even date night wheel throwing. These classes are on the more expensive side, with prices starting at around $70, but if you’re looking to splurge for a special night, you won’t regret getting your hands a little dirty at one of these classes.
Paint a mug
If taking a pottery class is a little out of your price range but you still want to have the romantic pottery vibe, FiredUp! is a great alternative.
FiredUp! is a pottery painting studio offering mugs, bowls, plates, and even figurines to paint for a reasonable price, around $20 per item. If you would rather paint during a romantic picnic on the beach, they also have a take out option.
Cocktail night
My life changed the first time I tasted a speciality cocktail. I remember that experience vividly. The drink was based on a spa day; it smelt of sandalwood, tasted like cucumber and eucalyptus, and it blew my mind. If you have a few extra dollars to spare and would like to impress a special someone, Victoria has a wonderful selection of cocktail bars to choose from.
Wind Cries Mary is a classic go-to in Victoria and for a good reason. This bar has a rotating selection that showcases products from all across Vancouver Island in their cocktails and food menu. Plus they have a colourful selection of non-alcoholic drinks to choose from, if you’re not a fan of drinking.
If you’re looking for a new spot that is similar to Wind Cries Mary, then I would recommend checking out its sister restaurant, Rudi. Located on Douglas and Pandora, Rudi has the same ethos as Wind Cries Mary, focusing on a farm-to-table experience and showcasing what this island has to offer. What makes Rudi stand out from its sister is its focus on European-inspired dishes, while still serving a great collection of drinks.
Movie night
With the endless selection of streaming services at your fingertips, it can be easy to forget about actual movie theaters. Right now, Cineplex is offering a $5 movie deal every Tuesday of February. This deal includes a ticket and a small bag of popcorn.
Even though this deal is almost finished by the time this article is published, Cineplex still offers half price tickets every Tuesday. Though it’s easy to get in the habit of staying in, sometimes something as simple as going to the theatre to see a simple movie can keep that spark alive.
Picnic on the beach
This one seems basic, maybe even cheesy, but when was the last time someone took you on a picnic? Victoria has had a record-breaking warm February (which is a little worrying), but you might as well use it to your advantage.
We’re lucky to live in a city surrounded by beautiful beaches, all of which are a perfect destination to sit down and enjoy a basket of homemade snacks. While it sounds cheesy on paper, a date by the beach will definitely be one to remember.
