Southport Magazine

Southport’s waterfront is scenic and cozy, the perfect spot for a free Valentine’s Day date. Photo by Bethany Turner

We recognize that while some of our readers may be the ultimate Romeos and Juliets (What lucky loved ones they have!), others may need a bit of a push in the right romantic direction for the annual celebration of love, Valentine’s Day. We urge you: Don’t settle for the same ol’ box of chocolates—we’re here to help. Browse our list of fun, spontaneous, and sweet suggestions for V-Day dates, and one may just strike you as the perfect fit.

• Scatter rose petals throughout the house, leading to a handmade invitation to a fancy candlelit dinner.

• Charter a private fishing trip for just the two of you (and the captain, of course!)

• Rent a DVD from Redbox (either one you can agree on as a couple or one your significant other would prefer), grab some take-out pizza, and build a fort in your living room. What better way is there to feel young again?

• Check out a live concert at any of our local music venues (see page 15 for a few suggestions).

• Enjoy a picnic on the waterfront in Southport. Bonus points for those who can find a red gingham blanket or tablecloth!

• Visit a local wine shop for a fun and informative wine tasting.

• Go on a kayak excursion. Don’t own one? Visit Southport’s The Adventure Company, and either rent a kayak or take a guide-led tour.

Making fondue at home is a unique way to enjoy a romantic dinner without having to fight for reservations out. Try steak and even scallops for an entrée. Photo by Bethany Turner

• Make a special fondue dinner at home. Recipes for appetizers, entrees and desserts are available online, and fondue pots can be found for as low as $22.

• Take the ferry to Bald Head Island and share a kiss at the top of the lighthouse, Old Baldy.

• Collect some Frank Sinatra tunes and dance in your living room.

• Go for a walk on the beach and “discover” a planted message in a bottle.

• Skydiving, anyone? A sure fire way to wow your honey! Skydive Coastal Carolinas on Long Beach Rd. offers tandem skydiving plus videos and stills of the thrill for an extra charge.

• Shop for lavish gems together at a local jeweler.

• The Cape Fear may not be swarming with pirates these days, but we can still hunt for buried treasure with a metal detector. A sweet idea would be to take your special someone out detecting on the beach—but plant a surprise treat with a note attached for them to find! Check out Ken’s Detector Sales in Oak Island (127 NE 31st St.).

• Make s’mores in the oven or in a small bonfire outside. You can up the campfire ante but having hot dogs and hot chocolate—and you can even try adding Frangelico or Kahlua to your drink.

• Carve your initials into the trunk of a tree in your yard.

• Watch as the sun slips away from a blanket on the beach. Share a bottle of wine to really set the mood.

• Purchase seeds from a garden store and cultivate an herb, veggie, or flower garden together.