By: Lauren Antkowiak 

Planning a date night can be a tough task. You don’t want to do the same thing all the time and are struggling to come up with something different, especially with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. Well, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of 10 fun and unique date night ideas for every type of person, whether you are a homebody, outdoorsy, adventurous, or old-school, that takes full advantage of what Buffalo, inside and out, has to offer.

1. You can never go wrong with the classic dinner and a movie, but you may find it more interesting if you mix it up a little. Instead of a movie, go ice-skating or curling at Canalside then head to dinner at Buffalo Riverworks.

2. Nothing says fun like staying home in your pajamas. Have a movie marathon, binge your favorite TV show, or start watching a new show which will lend itself to future date nights.

3. Make a personalized scavenger hunt to explore the places that holds special meaning to your relationship. Reminisce about the past and end the night at someplace new; you can think about your future.

4. For some outdoor fun, take a trip to Holiday Valley for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing. To end your day, surprise your date with a romantic cuddle by the fire.

5. If creativity is more your style, find your local Painting with a Twist. You don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy this night, just find the fun in the abstract art you create together.

6. If jeans and a t-shirt are your normal date attire, change it up by getting all dressed up for a reservation at a fancy restaurant and tickets to the theatre.

7. Plan a throwback night with some of your favorite childhood games, movies, TV shows and music. Find embarrassing photos to reminisce about growing up and swap stories.

8. Don’t let the winter months interfere with your hiking; head to Beaver Meadow Audubon Center. Rent snowshoes and travel the 324-acre nature preserve with over 8 miles of trails.

9. Change up Sunday brunch by having Saturday brunch at Horsefeathers Market. Afterward take a stroll through the Winter Market which is conveniently located right downstairs.

10. Take a game night date to the next level by playing board games at bars such as Aurora Brew Works. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while supporting your local businesses.

Just remember, you don’t have to go crazy planning the night to impress your date. If you are relaxed and having fun, the night will take care of itself. And when in doubt, do something you’ve never done before. It will make your date night memorable and that much more special.