By Alyssa Ramsfield
Every restaurant in town will be packed to the brim with couples on Valentine’s Day. The shelves at the stores have towering displays of chocolates, cards, and the always popular roses. Why not skip the usual gestures and try something new with the one you love? Thurston County offers a variety of unique opportunities for any lovers to celebrate their devotion on this special day.
For the Arts & Crafts Lover
Instead of buying gifts for each other separately, make them together! Painted Plate in downtown Olympia is offering up a Valentine’s Day special all weekend. For $50, couples can choose two items from a variety of ceramics to paint. Pair your painting with a glass of champagne or coffee, depending on your preference. To top it off, when you are finished painting, you and your date can share a sundae! The warm, inviting atmosphere makes this a romantic outing for the crafty lovebirds of Thurston County.
For the Nature Lover
Cruise into love on the Puget Sound. While this adventure is offered all year long, it’s a perfect way to avoid the Valentine’s Day crowds and enjoy a relaxing brunch. Tugboat Annie’s has a beautiful location on Budd Inlet with sweeping views of downtown Olympia and Puget Sound. They also happen to rent kayaks. The Kayaking Breakfast Special will be available Saturday and Sunday of Valentine’s weekend and costs $48 (plus tax and tip). With this you and your other half receive two single kayaks for two hours, two breakfasts, and two coffees. You have the option to eat first and then kayak or vice versa. Call ahead (360.943.1850) to reserve your paddle!
For the Music Lover
Make beautiful music together! The 6th Annual Olympia Old-Time Music Festival will be offering workshops and concerts on Valentine’s Day. Workshops will include: shape-note singing, clawhammer banjo, fiddle, and clogging. You can also create crafts such as traditional folk dolls and basket making. There will also be a concert in the evening from 7-11pm. Workshops take place at the Artubus Folk School and concerts are at The Urban Onion.
For the Food & Wine Lover
Wine and dine the one you love! Celebrate area wineries at a special Valentines evening event. Stottle Winery in Lacey will be playing host to the occasion. For $58, three tantalizing local wineries will be available for tasting: Stottle, Madsen, and Northwest Mountain. Each winery will feature a gourmet appetizer and dessert from Elyse’s Catering to pair with their wines. The tasting begins at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are only available online.
For the Performing Arts Lover
Make your Valentine feel like the star of the show! Harlequin Productions presents the award winning play, “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.” Seattle actress, Terri Weagant, stars in the insightfully, funny performance. The original Broadway star, Lily Tomlin, won a Tony Award for best actress in this role. The play takes a look at characters who have accepted the fact they might be a little crazy and try to help each other deal with their insane ideas. Tickets are available now and cost $15-$31.
Show your affection this year with a unique experience in Thurston County and you’ll be sure to please that special someone in your life!
