The Post's one stop shop for dates, dinner, activities and shopping for Valentine's Day.
A lively and Flocka-filled Sibs Weekend may have caused Valentine’s Day to spring up a little too quickly on Bobcats.
For those unprepared for Saturday, The Post compiled a full list of activities for you, your significant other, or your friends to do in Athens to celebrate the holiday.
FOR COUPLES
Local restaurants and businesses as well as Campus Recreation are geared up for those ready to celebrate the big day with their significant other.
For those in need of some last minute romantic date ideas, here are some options:
The Hampton Inn Athens, 986 E. State St., is offering a Valentine’s Day Package that includes a one-night stay in a room complete with treats such as a box of chocolates and a free hot breakfast. Whirlpool rooms are $159.00 plus tax, and a king study or double queen room is $149.00 plus tax. A 48-hour reservation is required.
The Athena, 20 S. Court St., will be taking a break from its regularly scheduled films to show Harold and Maude at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The standard admission price still applies at $6.50 per ticket.
The Aquatic Center is offering a candlelit “cruise” from 7 to 9 p.m. that involves a canoe ride in the pool, a photo booth and sweet treats. Cost is $2 per person.
Dinner reservations are almost full for some fine restaurants.
9 Tables Fine Dining, 11310 Jackson Dr., has no tables open for Saturday, but some still available for Friday. The restaurant will be serving all seven-meal courses with roses.
Owner Bill Justice says they will also be splitting tables to accommodate the large amount of guests.
“We normally don’t do that,” said Justice.
Lui Lui,Restaurant, 8 Station St., still has dinner openings around 5 and 7 o’clock on Saturday. Owner Andrea Molnar says they are able to accommodate a large amount of guests because of the size of the dining room and available upstairs seating. The restaurant will be doing a surf-and-turf Valentine’s special.
Some students are looking forward to spending the night alone.
Ricky Hakala, a freshman studying social criminology, said it’s his first Valentine’s Day in a while where he hasn’t had to buy anything.
“I’m not spending a single dollar on any girl,” Hakala said.
FOR FRIENDS
Other students are planning to spend the night with friends.
“Considering my boyfriend lives seven hours away, I’ll be alone, so, I’ll probably just be going out (with friends),” said Elise Butler, a sophomore studying middle childhood education.
For those who are single or in a long distance relationship, there are still some events fitting for an afternoon or night out with friends.
Bird Arena will have recreational skating from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Skating is free for OU students and skate rental is $3.50 for all.
The Vagina Monologues, presented by the Women’s Center, will be having its second-to-last performance at Seigfred Hall at 7 p.m.
For those wanting a little more adventure, a Rockstar Climbing Competition will be held at 10 a.m. at Ping Recreational Center’s climbing wall. Prizes from Pretzel, Black Diamond and Mad Rock will be awarded. Cost is $30 pre-registration and $35 the day of the event. This fee covers participation and an event T-shirt.
GIFTS
Local jewelry and flower shops are ready to assist last minute gift shoppers.
Cornell Jewelers, 77 N. Court St., is offering a Valentine’s Day Pick Your Pair package, according to its Facebook page. $100 will buy a choice between white or gold studs, Sterling Silver dangle earrings or freshwater pearl studs, plus a Valentine’s Day card and two movie tickets.
Jack Neal Floral, 80 E. State St., has 12 red roses in a clear glass vase with greenery and filler for $55.99, according to its website. The shop also delivers to dorms.
Hyacinth Bean Floral, 540 W. Union St., has 12 wrapped red roses priced at $74.95, and 12 red roses with accent flowers and a vase priced at $89.95, according to owner Polly Creech.
Creech says their most popular item is red roses, but they offer any color imaginable to suit a lady’s preference. Purchasing nine roses is also popular because they look particularly beautiful in arrangements.
The shop also sells teddy bears, chocolate and balloons.
“We get super busy,” Creech said. “It’s like Christmas times 10.”
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