Having a heartache trying to find a nice spot to take your Valentine? Read on for four romantic places to take your significant other on this Feb. 14.
Grounds for Thought
Do you and your partner like to read? Bring your bookworm to Grounds for Thought, a cafe on Main Street where coffee meets books. At this Best of BG’s top first date spot, you can grab a fresh cup of hand-roasted coffee and a pastry to snack on while you peruse their rows of used books, records and comics. Grounds for Thought boasts a collection of over 250,000 books, organized by genre for easy browsing. For music lovers, each vinyl record is priced between $3 and $6. After picking out a couple of books or some new tunes, Grounds for Thought has ample seating space for you with activities such as chess and puzzles, making it a venture full of things to do. Located at 174 S. Main St., Grounds for Thought is perfect for a quiet and romantic date, open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., every day.
Juniper Brewing Company
Juniper Brewing Company is another of Best of BG’s top date spots, located at 145 S. Main St. It’s a restaurant, taproom and coffee shop combination with something for everyone. The business was created by a couple from Cleveland following their lifelong dreams of being business owners, so this Valentine’s Day you and your significant other can have an affordable yet high-end experience literally made with love. Go to the taproom and try one of Juniper’s in-house crafted beers, wines and cocktails. Under 21? No problem, their non-alcoholic beverage menu includes sodas, lattes, coffees, chai teas and more. Visit before 3 p.m. to try the breakfast menu, and after 11 a.m. for the sandwiches, soups, salads and other starters. Juniper Brewing Company will be open at 8 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
El Zarape
For enthusiasts of Mexican food, head to El Zarape this Valentine’s Day for an authentic experience and cuisine. The food menu features countless options for different tastes. Tacos, nachos, fajitas and soups doesn’t begin to describe the menu. Once you’ve devoured a plate, try one of El Zarape’s unique dessert options like fried ice cream, flan or xango, a cheesecake rolled in a pastry tortilla. Pair them with a Mexican soda, wine, margarita or beer. El Zarape will be waiting for you at 1616 E. Wooster St., opening at noon on Valentine’s Day. For extra peace of mind, secure a reservation. This restaurant has received rave reviews about the food and service by travelers and locals.
Slater Family Ice Arena
For an alternative and on-campus date idea, try the Slater Family Ice Arena at 418 N. Mercer Road. On Valentine’s Day they are holding public skates from 3:30 to 5:20 p.m. and 7 to 8:50 p.m. Whether you’re a pro or have never touched skates in your life, all are welcome at the public skate. Laugh at each other as you both fall, or if you’re an expert, teach your significant other to skate. To register for a public skate session, you’ll need to create an account at Slater’s event registration website, linked below. Public skate sessions cost $5 per person, and skates can be rented out for $3. When you’ve tuckered yourselves out, grab a bite from Slater’s concessions stand right outside the skating rink. For those who are interested in an alternative date idea that is affordable and doesn’t require transportation off-campus, this may be for you.
Register for public skate: https://member.daysmartrecreation.com/#/online/bgsu/programs/4/level?&
