Couples and singles can enjoy Valentines Day at a nice restaurant or a night out in Indy. Photo courtesy of Gearys.
CAMILLE ARNETT | STAFF REPORTER | carnett@butler.edu
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’ll be spending it with your friends, your sweetheart or in a solipsistic coma of singledom like the rest of us, the Collegian has got your Valentine’s Day needs covered. Sit back and leave the planning to us.
Check out the Orchids at Newfields
Who wouldn’t love a whole museum full of flowers? You’ll get points for creativity for not falling back on a bouquet of red roses. Museum dates are more than just a gift, they’re something you can do together. Plus, if you’re really into botany, there are several classes available for learning orchid and bonsai care at various difficulty levels. Newfields memberships are free for Butler students, so there’s nothing holding you back. Orchids will be at Newfields from Feb. 8 through Mar. 3.
Pamper and Paint with Arthentic Fit
Arthentic Fit is an Indianapolis company that specializes in various types of creative events, from wine and canvas parties to body painting and specialty photography. Their Pamper and Paint event is open to singles, couples, lovers, homies, and friends, and will feature canvas painting, conversation and some self-care. The event starts at 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, and tickets are available for purchase online for $25. It will be held at Future Friends, 1043 Virginia Ave. in Fountain Square.
Sweets for your Sweetie at Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden
Take your sweetheart over to Garfield Park, a three-acre classical garden and conservatory south of downtown. The outdoor landscape is beautiful even in the winter and has some lovely fountains and romantic walkways inspired by 19th and 20th-century European styles. The indoor conservatory is lush and warm and filled with vibrant plant life that’ll warm your heart even on the coldest winter days. Their Sweets for your Sweetie event is Valentine’s Day evening in the conservatory with candlelight and exotic indulgences. There are two sessions of this event, one from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and another from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available online for $10 — get them while you can.
Nothing like a romantic dinner
If you go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to make it somewhere special. Indy is a wonderful city for inventive, unique restaurants. Here are a few romantic gems that you and your date will adore:
Mama Carolla’s is an Italian restaurant on the Monon Trail with a flexible menu for those who need special ingredients, and it was ranked one of USA Today’s 50 Most Romantic Restaurants. If you’re looking to splurge on great food and great atmosphere, this is the place to do it.
Petite Chou is another of the Patachou, Inc. locations. They have a huge selection for both lunch and dinner and are just around the corner in Broad Ripple. They will also be serving Valentine’s Day specials ranging from hefty entrees to cute shareable appetizers.
ThaiTanium is a fantastic and affordable Thai food restaurant located on Massachusetts Avenue. Their interiors are warm and cozy and have high-quality ingredients at unbeatable prices. Be sure to try their chrysanthemum tea.
Get your game on at Tappers Arcade Bar
No trip down to Fountain Square is complete without heading to Tappers, Indy’s biggest arcade bar. With a selection of over fifty arcade games and pinball machines, there’s plenty to keep you and your friends occupied. On Valentine’s Day they’ll be featuring a dessert bar by Confectioneiress Cupcakes and Sweets and tarot and palm readings by Third Eye Fortunes. Unfortunately, Tappers is 21-plus, but if you’re old enough to go, this is not a night you should pass up. Tappers is located at 501 Virginia Ave.
Conversations on Coffee at Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden
Another great event at Garfield Park, this time for all the coffee lovers around Butler. Saturday, Feb. 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. is the conservatory’s Conversations on Coffee, where they’ll teach you how coffee is made and roasted using beans from the coffee tree-in-residence. Plus, you’ll get to paint your own ceramic mug. Tickets for this event cost $10 and are available online.
Hit up Books and Brews with your crew
Be it for a Galentine’s Day celebration, a Single People’s Alliance or just a desire to get out and do something, Books and Brews is a perfect spot for everyone. With locations all over the Indianapolis area, including Massachusetts Avenue, Broad Ripple and Carmel, Books and Brews is a community staple. They have live music on Friday nights, trivia during the week and are always fully-stocked with board games. Every location is all-ages, but beer drinkers rejoice because their selection is replete with literary libations.
