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date night, family, gina koerner, marriage, romance, st louis by gina, st louis entertainment, st louis homes by gina, stlouisbygina, stlouishomesbygina
By Jeffrey Konkel
Date-night doldrums got you down? Stuck in a romance rut? No worries; we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our picks for a romantic date with the one that you love.
St. Louis Symphony
Looking to add a touch of class to your romantic evening? The St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall may be just the ticket. The theater’s dazzling architecture oozes European elegance, promising to elevate your night from ordinary to extraordinary. And then there’s the symphony itself, one of the most celebrated in the Midwest.
St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63103, 314-534-1700
Grafton Zipline Adventures
Sometimes balancing a career, parenthood and marriage can seem like a high-wire act. Why not try the real thing? Grafton Zipline Adventures in nearby Grafton, IL, is a great choice for couples looking to add a little adventure to their relationship. The venue’s nine zip lines cover nearly two miles, and set participants soaring from treetop to treetop at heart-pounding speeds while safely secured to a harness. The entire loop takes about two hours and can be worked into a daytrip to Grafton. Those with serious height phobias may want to try one of our other recommendations, but most participants walk away from the experience exhilarated rather than traumatized. Reservations are recommended. The course is currently closed for seasonal maintenance but is scheduled to reopen in spring 2015.
Grafton Zipline Adventures, 800 Timber Ridge Drive, Grafton, Ill., 62037, 618-786-8439
Great Rivers Greenway
Let’s face it: The hardest part about a date night is finding time in our schedules to go out. Sometimes the best solution is to turn “date night” into “date afternoon.” Next time grandma and grandpa offer to watch the kids on a Saturday afternoon, grab your spouse and your bikes and head out for a long, leisurely ride on the Great Rivers Greenway. It’s a great way to spend a little quality time together while improving your health. The greenway currently offers more than 100 miles of trails spread throughout the St. Louis region. Some are tucked away in quiet, wooded environs, while others embrace the hustle and bustle of urban life. Find the one that suits your style, and ride off into the sunset with your mate. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch or choose a trail near a charming cafe.
Great River Greenways, trails throughout the St. Louis area
Date Night Cooking Classes at Kitchen Conservatory
OK, maybe going back to school doesn’t sound particularly romantic, but bear with us for a minute. We all know that the key to any great date is quality one-on-one time, and there’s no denying the sensual aspect of food. Combine the two and you have instant date night success. The Kitchen Conservatory in Clayton offers more than 800 cooking classes each year, and many of them are aimed at couples looking for a special date night. Upcoming date night classes include cooking lessons on cuisines ranging from Chinese to Cajun. A number of Valentine’s Day classes also are offered, but act fast as they book up quickly.
Kitchen Conservatory, 8021 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, 63117, 314-862-2665
Wine Merchant
Yes, we know. We already sent you back to school for the aforementioned cooking classes, but the same arguments apply here. Plus you get to add alcohol to the mix. The Wine Merchant has been one of the leading – if not the leading – source for wine and fine spirits in St. Louis for more than two decades. Their Clayton store stocks thousands of different wines, from low-cost values to wallet-busting rarities. But “The Merch” (as they like to be called) also hosts dozens of informative and fun classes every year. Whether you’re looking for a basic primer on vino or an in-depth analysis of wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy or Barolo, the Wine Merchant has you covered. They also offer classes on wine and food pairings, and spirits, as well.
The Wine Merchant, 20 S. Hanley Road, Clayton, MO, 63105, 314-863-6282
Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park
When the wintertime blues get you down, there’s only one thing to do: Embrace the chill. Grab your partner, head down to Forest Park and lace up your skates for an evening on ice at the Steinberg Skating Rink. The rink is open daily through the end of February, with evening hours until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. When your toes get numb, warm up in the Snowflake Cafe with a warm snack or a cup of hot cocoa. Beer and wine are also available.
Steinberg Skating Rink, 400 Jefferson Drive in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO, 63110, 314-367-RINK
Three Sixty
There are plenty of outstanding local restaurants to savor with the one you love, but few can boast the views available at Three Sixty. Located atop the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, Three Sixty offers stunning views in all directions – hence the name. Take in all of the downtown sites while enjoying a glass of wine and a cheese plate. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, try the rib-eye steak or Maine lobster. Thanks to its proximity to Busch Stadium, Three Sixty tends to get packed when the Cardinals have a home game, so plan your romantic night out accordingly.
Three Sixty, 1 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO, 63102, 314-241-8439
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