There is a LOT of pressure for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. But why just keep it to dinner, regular dates are an important part of keeping lit the flame of love for long-time couples, too. A majority of couples believe that pursuing romance on the regular can liven up any romance—whether just getting to know each other or celebrating milestones—we’ve got it all. Take a peek at some suggestions for an unusual Valentines date or keep those list handy for when you need a few tried-and-true date destinations in the future.

Quickie

Fitting in both dinner and a movie can be a challenge when you have to get home to relieve the babysitter—that is, unless you head to iPic in the River Oaks District, where a personal pod for two is plenty romantic, especially with severs delivering surprisingly delicious fare directly to your seat during the film.

If dinner and a dancing is more your speed, enjoy both at Prohibition, which turns into a sexy salsa party on the second Thursday of every month, when D’Cuba performs “A Night in Havana.” A prix-fixe dinner is available, or you could opt for a bite at the oyster bar after the show, which features classic cocktails, oysters, and a great gulf coast inspired menu.

The Best Of

If you are looking to highlight your strength, why not paint them against the best of Houston? Head south on I-45, where, depending on the season, you can either spend the day enjoying the sand on East Beach in Galveston or slurping up huge oysters at the legendary Gilhooley’s.

On your way back, stop and explore The Orange Show and the adjacent, fantastically romantic Smither Park, each a circus of artistic oddities. Definitely one of the most unusual date night options.

Finish out the day with margaritas and fajitas at the restaurant where the latter were invented, Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. This matriarch of Tex-Mex in Houston is still going strong in its original home, where Mama Ninfa Laurenzo started a 10-table restaurant in the front of her tortilla factory in 1973. The tortillas, naturally, are still made by hand here, although much else has changed. An expansion a few years ago created an attractive patio to the side of the restaurant, an updated cocktail menu, and a slate of new dishes round out the changes.

The Artsy Hipster

Start the night off at Tongue-Cut Sparrow for their dark and moody atmosphere. Housed in a nearly 120-year-old building and known for its formal cocktail bar which serves up perfectly crafted classic beverages. After you and you loved one are watered down, head over to MATCH for a visual art performance or take in an art show.

If you are the type that likes to see and be seen, then an opening night at a Montrose art gallery is your date night jam. Built in 2004 by internationally renowned architect Peter Zweig, 4411 houses the galleries of Barbara Davis, Anya Tish, Cindy Lisica, David Shelton, and Guerrero-Projects.

The Sporty Type

Looking to get your sweat on before the “main event”? Take your date to the indoor rock climbing at Momentum. Simply purchase admission to the gym and get started with a brief safety orientation, then you are on your way to great heights—well, 12-15 feet anyway.