Last minute Valentine’s Day ideas

By Sarah Contreras

Love is in the air.

Feb. 14, St. Valentine’s Day, is a day filled with flowers, candy and heart-shaped balloons.

Whether or not you have someone to call “sweetheart,” Feb. 14 is still a great day to celebrate love. Love has many forms–we love our friends, neighbors, family members and pets. So this Valentine’s Day, take time to share some affection with the special people in your life.

Unsure how to show your love? Relax. Here is a handy list of places to go and things to do for Valentine’s Day 2013.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

A delicious meal is a classic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Thankfully, DeKalb offers many options for those looking to change up their typical fast-food dinners.

Raise a glass of wine to love at Tapa La Luna, 226 E. Lincoln Highway, eat a gyro for friendship at Mediterraneo, 122 E. Lincoln Highway, or try sushi in the spirit of adventure at Fushi Yami, 822 W. Lincoln Highway. All of these cuisines are available for a local, affordable and memorable meal.

Take In A Show

Live entertainment is nice change from the usual movie theater fare.

Head to a play or concert with your date for a Valentine’s treat. The NIU School of Theatre and Dance Studio Series is currently presenting “Hamlet Redux” in the Corner Theater, and tickets are only $6.

Not in the mood for a play? Take in some live music at O’Leary’s Restaurant and Pub, 260 E. Lincoln Highway, which will feature lives tunes from Marc Hanson. Or stop by the House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, which will host an Anti-Violence, Anti-Hallmark concert for those looking to buck tradition.

Strike!

Often overlooked as something you did in high school, bowling is a great option for those who want to keep it simple.

Mardi Gras Lanes, 1730 Sycamore Road, and Four Seasons Sports, 1745 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore, offer multiple lanes as well as affordable games and shoe rentals. Challenge your honey to a bowl-off or grab your pals and knock down some pins in honor of your friendship.

Just Desserts

If your sweet tooth hasn’t been satisfied, seek out one of DeKalb’s many dessert options.

Sunshine Scoop Shoppe & Bakery, 818 W. Lincoln Highway, offers cookies, pie and ice cream concoctions for classic treats, while Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt, 1015 W. Lincoln Highway, is the stop for delicious and (mostly) nutritious cups of yumminess. Downtown DeKalb’s restaurants have delightful dessert menus, so sit at the bar for a simple treat of a drink and dessert – all the fun of a restaurant without the full price.