Not every couple wants to sit across a table and gaze into each other’s eyes while awkwardly trying not to spill spaghetti on their shirt.
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably looking for Valentine’s Day or date ideas that go beyond the standard candlelit dinner. Luckily, Columbus is full of fun and unique spots to get the sparks flying without sitting still for too long.
Let’s dive in.
Salsa Dancing Classes
Lincoln Street Salsa @ The Sanctuary: 618 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Nothing says romance like learning to dance — even if you’re stepping on each other’s toes half the time. Lincoln Street Salsa is the place to go for salsa, merengue, and bachata lessons. Dancing with your partner can be a fun way to bond, and hey, if I can attempt to salsa without completely embarrassing myself (jury’s still out), you can too.
An Arcade Date at Old North Arcade Bar
2591 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
A little friendly competition never hurt anybody. Old North Arcade is the ultimate spot for retro gaming, offering free-play arcades, pinball, air hockey, and even Dance Dance Revolution (because nothing says romance like sweating it out on a dance pad). They’ve also got a full bar, so you can celebrate your victories (or drown your losses) in style. Pro tip: Don’t let your partner win unless you’re ready for a lifetime of trash talk.
Private Cooking Class with Create Your Curry
Spice things up with a private cooking class at Create Your Curry. Dr. Bidisha Nag, a culinary genius and all-around lovely human being, will teach you how to make incredible Indian dishes while sharing her passion for food and culture. I had the chance to meet her on a Columbus Food Adventures food tour, and let me just say, her classes are as warm and inviting as her hospitality. If you’re anything like me, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for Indian cuisine… and probably a little curry on your shirt.
Couples Spa Treatment at Replenish: The Spa Co-op
124 S Washington Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Sometimes romance is about doing absolutely nothing — and doing it together. Replenish offers couples massages in a cozy companion room, blending techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone. It’s the perfect way to relax, reconnect, and remind yourselves why you fell in love in the first place. Bonus points if you can resist falling asleep mid-massage.
Go Ice Skating
Is it even a rom-com without an ice skating scene? Whether you’re gliding gracefully or spending most of your time on the ice (literally), ice skating is a guaranteed good time. You can find our guide to outdoor winter fun — including the best rinks in Columbus — here. Just try not to pull a me and take out a family of four when you lose your balance.
Laugh It Up at a Comedy Show
Laughter really is the best medicine… and the best way to bond with your partner. Columbus has no shortage of comedy venues, from the Funny Bone to The Attic Comedy Club, The Nest Theatre, and Shadowbox Live. Whether it’s improv, stand-up, or a full-on musical comedy, you’ll leave with sore cheeks and maybe a few inside jokes.
Go “Stargazing” at Perkins Observatory
3199 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015
What’s more romantic than staring up at the stars? Perkins Observatory in Delaware offers a chance to explore the universe through a massive telescope. Seeing the cosmos up close is humbling, awe-inspiring, and… okay, maybe a little nerdy. But trust me, it’ll set the mood for some serious connection (and maybe some post-date “exploration” too).
Whether you’re a seasoned couple looking to shake things up or new to the dating game and hoping to impress, these spots prove that romance doesn’t have to mean sitting still. So get out there, have some fun, and maybe even try something new (just don’t ask me to help you perfect your salsa).