There are many ways to say “I love you.” Sure, you can give chocolates and flowers, but you can also solve mysteries with your special friend, take a cruise, give the gift of laughter. You might even learn a thing or two. Here are some options:
Peak Experiences Indoor Rock Climbing Center has a pre-Valentine’s Day party on Feb. 10, 6-10 p.m., featuring two-for-one classes and live music by the Rachel Leyco Band. Climb with the one you love. 897-6800.
Maggiano’s chef Paolo Pineda hosts a Men’s Only Valentine’s Day Cooking Class at Short Pump Town Center, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. Learn the arts of sweets and wine and then get in that kitchen. And it’s free! 253-0900.
The Tell Tale Hearts Storytellers Theater hosts “Fools for Love” at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. With desserts! 560-5567.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts Valentine’s Day Dinners and Brunch on Feb. 13-14 at the Robins Tea House, with a view of the Conservatory’s Valentine’s flowers. It’s spring somewhere. 262-9887.
Eagle Cruises offers a Valentine’s Day Cruise with dinner and dancing on the James River, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. No skinny-dipping. 222-0223.
Comedy Alley hosts the ComedySportz Battle of the Sexes to determine which gender is funnier, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. 266-9377.
The Richmond Symphony hosts Tango and Temptation, a black-tie affair celebrating the culture and cuisine of South America, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. 788-1212.
Mystery Dinner Playhouse presents a Valentine’s Day performance of dinner theater mystery with “Murder Came From Outer Space,” Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $36.95. Fear + dinner = love. 649-2583.
Café Gutenberg plays both sides of the fence with a Valentine’s dinner for the couples and a Valentine-Shmalentine Singles Whine Party for the unattached but eager. Both are Feb. 14. And yes, both will have wine. 497-5000.
For those interested in the serious side of romance, VCU’s School of World Studies presents a lecture by Katherine Frank on “Love, Sex and Monogamy in Modern American Marriages” at the Student Commons, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Maybe a little much for a first date. 827-3402. — Brandon Reynolds
