Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Gather Glass: If you’re up for something truly unique and scorching hot, Gather Glass in Providence hosts glass-blowing classes in their studio on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturdays during the day.  They offer several different types of classes from paperweights to cocktail glasses.  You get to experience the entire glass-blowing process, from choosing your colors to applying heat and inflating the glass.  If you don’t want to fork over the cash for a class, go see a live glass-blowing demonstration at the studio the third Thursday of every month. Be sure not to tell your date you were too cheap to pay for a class. gatherglass.com/glassblowing-classes

Ice Bumper Cars: Maybe you love the fresh winter air.  If so, check out the new ice bumper cars at the Providence skating rink.  The rink is open most nights until midnight, making this a fun pre- or post-dinner activity.  Reservations are highly recommended as ramming into people on the ice is super popular. Of course after spending time on that ice you’ll need to warm up with a cocktail. How about a scavenger hunt to find the city’s best spiked hot chocolate? I would start at Fortnight and work my way to the Eddy. But that’s just me…

The Providence Botanical Gardens: If you’re looking for a respite from the cold, the Providence Botanical Gardens at Roger Williams Park is the perfect place to spend a snowy afternoon. The endless glass windows provide a cozy glimpse of the snow, but inside it’s warm and steamy. You could spend a whole afternoon strolling the gardens and admiring the plants. Of course you’ll have to brave the cold again on your way out, but it’s a great excuse to get close and snuggle. providenceri.gov/botanical-center