If you are stumped for what to do this weekend, here are some last-minute Valentine’s Day suggestions.
If you’re sick of fancy dinners and a cheesy rom-com, there are some fun alternatives available.
V-Day brunch at Blue Willow
Located on Campbell Avenue, this intimate cafe provides the perfect location for a brunch with family and friends. Guests have the choice of dining inside or on the popular patio, which has a lush garden and cozy atmosphere.
The owner of Blue Willow, Rebecca Ramey said that unlike many other restaurant patios, Blue Willow’s is quiet and secluded.
“The patio is kind of tucked away and hidden,” Ramey said. “The outdoor dining experience feels romantic.”
The most popular brunch item is the Blue Willow special, which comes with scrambled eggs, chicken, green chiles, tomatoes, chopped corn tortillas, cheddar cheese, salsa and sour cream.
Ramey said she recommends the fresh fruit crepe. It is served with strawberries, bananas, pineapple, blueberries, yogurt, whipped cream and cinnamon, and the portions are typically big enough to share.
Blue Willow is a popular destination, so there isn’t a time when it’s easy to avoid a crowd.,
“[It’s] really busy all day,” Ramey said. “We’re prepared for it.”
She estimates that the wait time to be seated is usually less than 15 minutes.
Ramey said that Blue Willow’s gift shop is full of eclectic items.
“[They make] great ice breakers or conversation starters,” she said.
There is also a Valentine’s Day section with a tiny fill-in-the-blank book titled “What I LOVE About You By Me,” which is a great gift for capturing old memories and creating new ones.
Other quirky and humorous presents include a pair of socks featuring a depiction of Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” mini beer-mug shot glasses and a book dedicated to pickup lines.
Snacks and a movie at The Loft
Attending The Loft Cinema’s Valentine’s Day showing of “Harold and Maude” at 7 p.m. could be a nice way to end the day.
Located on Speedway Boulevard, The Loft offers a unique movie-going experience with its laid-back vibe. It also has more to snack on than the usual popcorn and Butterfinger Minis.
A bar-style counter offers pizza, beer and wine — perfect for grabbing dinner beforehand or hanging out after to talk about the movie.
Jeff Yanc, Loft Cinema’s program director, said the movie “Harold and Maude” is a quirky romance about a 19-year-old man and a 79-year-old woman who fall in love.
“[The film] appeals to anyone who has ever been in love with anyone,” Yanc said.
Beyond the movie itself, The Loft Cinema strays from the traditional theater route with its Valentine’s Day events. These include a free prize raffle, a “Harold and Maude”-themed costume contest and a special prize for the audience couple with the largest age gap. Yanc said that during showings at The Loft, it’s common for people to recite lines and sing music from the film.
“This creates a more fun, interactive and memorable experience,” Yanc said.
