With rising coronavirus numbers across the country, it's hard to get in the spirit of the holidays. Yes, even Valentine's Day. But just because you're stuck at home, it doesn't mean that you can't plan a romantic coronavirus Valentine's Day for you and your partner to enjoy.
Dating apps saw growth in popularity during the quarantine. Match.com saw an increase of 21 percent in-app usage, for example. That means there are more people who are looking for ideas of how to celebrate Valentine's Day in the midst of a pandemic.
While Valentine's Day will most likely look different than years past, you can still have fun with your significant other and make it memorable and safe.
So, whether you're paired up or have something in the works, here are 20 ideas to safely celebrate Valentine's Day during coronavirus.
Once coronavirus took all travel off the table, Airbnb brought a lot of their in-person experiences online. Creators worldwide teach languages, baking classes, wine tastings and even history lessons through Zoom.
The virtual experiences remain affordable and you get to experience something new with your partner. Pick one that aligns with your interests. All you need is your Airbnb account and access to an internet connection.
Sadly, we haven't gone back to indoor entertainment in most places due to the coronavirus. But that doesn't mean you can't support your favorite comedy club. Lots of comedy and improv theaters have brought the laughter online. Pay a small fee for virtual access and get to see the show from the comfort of your couch with your favorite snacks.
Museums closed abruptly early in 2020 and while some have started to open in a limited capacity, it's still hard to visit if they're across the pond. The Louvre in Paris has brought some of their exhibitions online, so you can even tour the museum from afar.
Or, if you're more into the outdoors several national parks are offering virtual tours of their most popular attractions like Yellowstone.
The pandemic has created many challenges for people around the country, putting them in difficult times. Reach out to local organizations doing mutual aid through free food fridge locations. You can buy or make prepared food together according to their guidelines and safely drop it off with a mask on. Check if they're available in your city.
Or, use an app like Be My Eyes and volunteer to help the visually-impaired complete tasks through a live video call.
Are you the kind of couple that takes over the microphone at karaoke night? Just because you're inside, it doesn't mean that you have to break tradition. Buy a karaoke set from Amazon, curate the perfect playlist (points if the songs mean something) and get ready to belt out together all night long.
Many experienced bartenders have brought their skills online due to the pandemic and are now teaching cocktails online. Look at your favorite restaurant or bar and see if they're offering a virtual cocktail class. Buy the ingredients before the class and get to mixing. You're supporting a local business and making your partner happy — win-win.
Whether you're more of a board game or video game couple, competitiveness can make for a fun afternoon. Pick an oldie video game that you're both experts at (Mario Kart, anyone?) or get a good line up of board games to keep it going all afternoon. Think cards, checkers, Monopoly, Twister and others. This one is enjoyable if you have the kids with you. Do it all in your pajamas for ultimate comfort.
Pack up a basket with a charcuterie board, cheeses, crackers and a good bottle of wine and head to your local park with a blanket. If it's cold, bring a few blankets to bundle up with. If you don't have time to plan it, many catering services have popped up during the pandemic to plan more glam picnics like Pop Up Picnic or Gather Picnic.
We all get busy, and things fall through the cracks. What better way to delight your significant other than say, "I'm free to do things around the house." Make a day of it where you work together to get tasks done around the house and cross out your to-do list. Then, reward yourselves with some couch time.
If you're lucky to have a little outdoor space, make a bonfire just for the two of you. Bring out a bottle of wine, s'mores and a big blanket to cuddle up with. It's a great way to spend a little quiet time together, catching up on things and thinking about the future.
Who said you couldn't salsa at home? Don't let the pandemic ruin your two-step. Book a virtual dance class at your local dance studio and start your lessons on Valentine's Day. Extra points if you get dressed to the nines for the class.
Pick a handful of cheesy Rom-Coms and make fun of them together. Get comfy on the couch with your favorite snacks, candy and a big tub of popcorn. Press play and make a game out of it — try to predict how they end up together or what the conflict is. Whoever wins gets to challenge the other to a dare.
Put on your hiking boots, get the dog in the car and head to your favorite hiking trail in your city. Make a day of it by packing a lunch and a picnic blanket. It's a fun activity to do regardless of the weather — just make sure to bundle up and check the weather before heading out.
Why mess with a classic Valentine's Day activity? This one is with a twist — do it together. Prepare a breakfast feast together — think waffles, Dutch babies, eggs and fruit. Then, bring that hot coffee and food back to bed and enjoy it while under the covers.
Whether it's lasagna or coq-au-vin, a multi-hour recipe is a great way to spend time together in the kitchen. Find your favorite dinner recipe — the fancier, the better — and set the table for a romantic dinner for two. Top it off with a great bottle of wine and a chocolate dessert.
Grab your mask and go to your local park to spend a few hours ice skating together. Prioritize an outdoor rink to stay safe from coronavirus if you can. Grab a hot chocolate and hold hands as you stroll through the rink.
Escape rooms in person are really fun, but you can take your challenge online due to the pandemic. Escape rooms like Expedition Escape and Puzzle Break took the fun online so you can solve the mystery from your own home.
If you have a beach nearby, there's nothing more romantic than a sunset stroll at the beach. Arrange for a neighbor to watch the kids. Then, head to the beach to talk about the future and enjoy the view.
Support your local bottle shop and get a few recommendations from the local owner on what you would like. Then take it home, set up a few glasses and print out a quick scorecard. Sip each one and score it on taste. See what the results are.
Many cities around the U.S. still have drive-in theaters, which are perfect for a romantic evening with your favorite takeout and a good flick. If your city doesn't have one, check your local cinema as many of them are offering outdoor films to help residents stay safe during the pandemic.
While coronavirus numbers continue to climb and we eagerly wait for our turn to take the vaccine, it doesn't mean romance is dead. Take a couple of hours to make a plan for this coronavirus Valentine's Day.
Whether you spend it bundled up around a bonfire or take a (masked) hike nearby, take a minute to show your appreciation for your significant other.
Muriel Vega is an Atlanta-based journalist and editor who writes mostly about technology and its intersection with food and culture. She’s the managing editor of tech news publication Hypepotamus, and has contributed to The Guardian, Atlanta magazine, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, VICE and more. She spends her time eating her way through Buford Highway and exploring Atlanta's arts scene.