Tonight, there is a sense of serenity in my living room. While I type this I am on my couch cuddled up beneath a homemade quilt. There is a cup of steaming chicken soup on the end table beside me. Although January has now come to a close, the remnants of my Christmas decorations are casting a warming glow across the room. Many people are complaining about the frigid temperatures, tonight it is -39 with the wind chill, for me it is an opportunity for refuge. Nights like this are an opportunity to hole up, take a deep breath and reconnect.

Consider this your warning ladies and gentlemen, if you want to plan something a little extra special for Valentines Day do not, I repeat Do not leave it until the last-minute.

The idea of reconnecting got me thinking. Valentines Day is a short two-weeks away. Consider this your warning ladies and gentlemen, if you want to plan something a little extra special for Valentines Day do not, I repeat Do not leave it until the last-minute. There are just too many great alternatives to a box of chocolates hastily grabbed off of the grocery store shelf.

 1) Relax and Rejuvenate – Close to Home

I once had coffee with a couple that told me that they packed up the kids, took them to their parents, jumped into the car and drove 5 minutes through Swift Current to a hotel, checked in and enjoyed the perfect vacation. At that time I sputtered and nearly spit out my coffee. “They can’t be serious,” I thought to myself.
Now, it seems like the perfect idea.

Here are a couple different ideas for wooing your loved one while staying close to home.

Option 1: 

• Pick a night during Valentine’s week and arrive in Maple Creek in time for supper at the Star Café. I have just browsed their menu online and the coffee and spice rubbed pork tenderloin finished with a coffee barbecue sauce, mashed potatoes and corn salsa already has my taste buds awakening.
• 

  The Redmond House not only has great accommodations. They are spreading the love this V-day and taking 25% off of their menu price.

  Once you have enjoyed a leisurely meal, indulged in dessert, sipped your coffee and enjoyed a conversation that focuses on discovering something “new” about each other, head over to the Redmond House Bed & Breakfast. Do yourselves a favour, turn off your cell-phones and step back in time while staying in the heritage building.

• The next morning make your way to Bellezzimo Boutique for your pre-booked appointment. Couples massages aren’t an option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a quiet, relaxing manicure while your significant other enjoys a massage.Contact Details:
  • The Star Café – (306) 662-2202 – Make reservation if going on Feb. 14th.
  • Redmond House Bed and Breakfast – (306) 662-2717 –  Check availability online at www.redmondhouse.ca.
  • Bellizzimo Day Spa – (306) 662-3381 – Book appointment in advance

Option 2:

• Pack your bags and head in to Swift Current. Your destination is the newly opened Home Inn & Suites in Swift Current. They are offering a Valentines Day Special which is a 1 night stay in the Suite Retreat – Jacuzzi Room.
• Your significant other will think you have really gone all out when they learn they are also being treated to a full body massage and a pedicure for 2 within a private room at The SPA located within the hotel.
• Finish off (or start off) this option with a light meal at Miso House, Japanese/Korean Restaurant, on the North Service Road in Swift Current.Contact Details:
  
  • Home Inn & Suites, Swift Current – (306) 778-7788 – Ask for the Valentine’s Day Special.
  • Miso House – (306) 662-2717 – Reservation aren’t necessary, but it is comforting to know that a seat is waiting for you.

  Good to Know:
  

  • The Home Inn & Suites option is $399+taxes and may be booked anytime between February 6^th and 20^th, 2013.

 2) Paris on the Prairies

Option 1:

• Take advantage of what I believe will be a first class event. The crew at the Lyric Theatre have not let me down yet. They have promised that the Theatre will transport you to a chic, Parisian outdoor café.  “Patrons will enjoy fine dining, enchanting music and, of course, the perfect company,” according to the event organizers.
• Take your pick between the Parisian Valentine’s Breakfast on Sunday, February 10 or the Parisian Valentines’ Showcase on V-day.Contact Details:
  www.lyrictheatre.ca
  • Parisian Valentine’s Breakfast  – Gwen – 774-9866
  • Parisian Valentine’s Showcase – Gail – 773-2714

  Good to Know:
  The Breakfast is $25.00/person. Tables of 2, 4 and8 are available.
  The Valentines Day Showcase is $65.00/person. Tables of 2,4 and 8 are available.

Option 2:

• Reserve and afternoon for a road trip to Gravelbourg. Speak softly and pretend   you’re really are in Paris while you tour the Our Lady of Assumption Co-Cathedral, the Library and other facilities rich with French-Saskatchewan history heavily influenced by the artistic values and opulence of Paris. For a detailed overview of the Cathedral read our blog post, “Unsigned Masterpieces adorn the ‘Europe of the Prairies.’”
• Like any European travelers your feet will get weary. As soon as you feel the achy feet setting in, you know that is your cue to head to Café Paris and sip on one of their specialty coffees.  Because the Café is licensed, consider raising a glass to a day spent reconnecting. To read more about the Café check out our earlier post, “Little Paris on the Prairies.”Contact Details:
  Gravelbourg Museum – 1 (306) 648-2332 – Call ahead to book your guided tour of the Co-Cathedral.Good to Know:
  Café Paris closes by 5:00 p.m. during the winter months. So make sure you go there for lunch or afternoon tea.

  3) Big Heart for empty wallets

  

  Nixon is described as a beautiful, energetic and affectionate young man that loves going for walks. Photo shows Richard from the Broncos with Nixon. © Reproduced on the SPCA site by kind permission of Bobbi Jo/Artistic Expressions

  Sometimes the best way to enjoy Valentines Day is just by keeping it simple. Plan on spending your afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate in one hand and a dog leash in the other. There are so many dogs, such as Nixon, at the Swift Current SPCA that would love a little extra attention as well.

  Contact Details:
  Swift Current SPCA – (306) 773 – 1806. – It is a good idea to call ahead so that the Shelter workers will be expecting you and can answer any question or concerns you may have.

  Good to Know:
  The shelter is located at: 2101 Knight Crescent, in Swift Current.
  It is open from Tuesday – Saturday from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

How do you plan to spend Valentines Day Wooing in the West? We would love to add a few more options to this list.

OR:
Share a story with us of one of your “not-so-perfect” V-day excursions. Only if you can look back and laugh at it now. After all laughter is good for the soul.