1. Something doubly sweet\nIf that small heart-shaped box of chocolates just won't do for the sweets lover in your life and a bottle of nice wine is just too expensive, a trip to Oliver Winery might be the perfect solution. This weekend and next, Oliver, along with several other Indiana wineries, is hosting the third annual "Wine and Chocolate Lover's Weekend." In addition to a tour of the winery, attendees can spend as much time as they'd like sampling various wines and chocolates. The various gourmet, locally hand-painted and "sipping" chocolate, which is meant to be enjoyed only while sipping a glass of wine, can also be purchased at the winery store. Even if you're not 21, you can still come for the chocolate. The best part? Admission is free. Visit www.oliverwinery.com/main.html.
2. Spatacular\nStressed about making fabulous Valentine's Day plans? Relax with your significant other during a day of side-by-side pampering at the spa. Spaah!, located at 565 N. Walnut St., offers three different "packages for two" for the couple who want to unwind together. In addition to a soothing massage or a rejuvenating body mask, those who purchase "Sweetheart" packages will enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries and a bouquet of fresh flowers. Call 339-8881 for pricing. \nBut who says that enjoying a day at the spa has to be an affair for two? Treating yourself to day of luxury and relaxation in celebration of your single status can be just as fun. Les Champs Elysees Day Spa and Salon, located in the 10th and College building, is offering Valentine's Day specials for both men and women, from all-day affairs, which include lunch, to short "express" packages. Prices start at $125.
3. Lessons in love \n(and cooking)\nFor the couple who have already wined and dined all over town, taking a Valentine's Day cooking class affords a refreshing twist on the classic night out. On Feb. 12, the Bloomington Cooking School is offering a "Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner and Dessert" course that will educate and titillate even the most worldly cooking connoisseurs. Participants will make a soup, salad, main dish and dessert. For more information, visit www.bloomingtoncookingschool.com/index.php.
4. Keeping with tradition\nIf a four-course candlelit meal sounds like a delicious date, make a reservation at Scholars Inn Gourmet Cafe and Wine Bar, located at 717 N. College Ave. Tailored specifically for Valentine's Day, its menu offers an array of food that promises you won't leave hungry or dissatisfied. Main course options range from filet mignon and lobster to an eggplant dish, so even the pickiest eater can feast happily. And save room for dessert because there's chocolate pate and assorted cheesecakes on the menu. A dinner like this doesn't come cheap, however. The cost is $65 per person, not including gratuity or beverages. Visit www.scholarsinn.com for more information.
5. The kind of 'ice' you can afford\nTo mix things up a bit, trade in the overdone classic dinner-and-a-movie date combo for a pair of ice skates and spend the night gliding around the rink with your sweetheart or just a friend. Frank Southern Ice Arena, at 1965 S. Henderson St., is hosting a "Sweetheart Skate," complete with romantic music and dim lighting to set the mood. There's even a fireplace to cozy up together after your skate date. Admission is $12 per couple. Call 349-3740 for more information.
6. Enjoy the blues\nCouples and groups of friends who want to relish their evening with great food and live music should head to Tutto Bene Wine Cafe from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 14 for "L'Aphrodisiaque Valentine's Day," featuring a jazz performance by the group Double Whiskey. Known for its Spanish tapas style cuisine, the restaurant offers unique fare in small portion sizes, a dessert menu and a vast array of wine and beer. For more information, visit www.bloomingtonwinecafe.com/menu.php.
7. If your heart is round and orange ...\nFor unattached Hoosiers who aren't feeling the Valentine's Day spirit, there's a better reason to wear red on Feb. 14. Deck yourself out in IU colors, round up a group of your best single friends and head to a local sports bar or restaurant to cheer on the men's basketball team as the Hoosiers play Purdue in West Lafayette.Restaurants like Scotty's and Buffalo Wild Wings are always local favorites, but more upscale restaurants like Malibu Grill and Grazie! also have game-ready big-screen TVs.
8. The 'Anti-Valentine's Day'\nIf you're 21 or older, listening to live music is an entertaining way to spend the night regardless of your relationship status. Local cover band and Bloomington bar regulars 40% Steve are performing at the Bluebird at 10 p.m. The Valentine's Day cynic might like the "Anti-Valentine's Day" show at Uncle Fester's, which will feature Totally Michael and Hard Candy Hearts. Visit the Bluebird's Web site at www.thebluebird.ws and the Uncle Fester's Web site at www.festered.net/shows.php for more information.
9. Music to your ears (and wallet)\nThe Jacobs School of Music will offer two opportunities for those who want a night of sit-down entertainment away from the movie theater. Attendees can escape to the equator during "A Brazilian Valentine," part of the Brazilian Music Festival. The concert will feature performances by solo artists and the Latin American Popular Music Ensemble. This event is at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 in Auer Hall. For a more traditional night on the town, check out the acclaimed University Orchestra's show at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Musical Arts Center. A world-class evening at either of these events comes free of charge.
10. Send something special\nA Hallmark study found that 188 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making it second only to Christmas as the most popular card-giving holiday. If you want to think outside the envelope this year when sending your love, a colorful balloon bouquet is a fabulous way to do it. Blast off Balloons on Kirkwood Avenue offers an array of custom-designed balloon arrangements that can be delivered to your Valentine. Go to www.blastoffballoons.com to place your order online.
11. Lights, camera, get some action!\nFor the movie lover who's seen it all, there are three new reasons to make a trip to the theater Feb. 14. Two big-screen romantic comedy/dramas -- "Music and Lyrics," starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant, and "Daddy's Little Girls," starring Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba -- are making their debut on the day of love. Those who want to take a step back in time can enjoy the 1950 Judy Holliday classic "Born Yesterday," an early romantic comedy, which will be shown at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Buskirk-Chumley Theater.
12. An alternative to sex\nWith the leading sex research institute right on campus, it's silly not to take advantage of what the Kinsey Institute has to offer. During the month of February, the institute's gallery is featuring the "Queer Projections" exhibit, which features visuals such as film posters, photographs and movie stills that highlight the contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in all facets of the film industry. Gallery hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
13. Creative escape\nIf the most of it you've seen is the enormous red sculpture on Seventh Street, use Valentine's Day as an excuse to check out the IU Art Museum, one of the foremost university museums in the country. It's a place with artwork from across the world, where local artists share the same space with Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet and exhibits on loan from famed international museums draw visitors. The museum is currently featuring works by faculty from IU's Henry Radford Hope School of Fine Arts.
14. Dance your heart out\nDancing the night away with your partner (or by yourself) doesn't have to mean complicated dance steps and fancy clothes. For some low-key boogying, sign yourself up for Contra dance, a group line dance that originated in England and was adapted by the French. The class takes place at the Harmony School on East Second Street from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Don't know how to Contra dance? Get there at 8:15 p.m. and you'll get a brief run-down before the callers start shouting out dance moves. The cost is $4 per person. For more information, go to www.visitbloomington.com.
