Feb. 14^th is coming up fast. now If you want to go beyond a box of chocolates and make her heart soar this Valentine’s Day, try something over the top. These killer ideas are all local. They also all require advance planning – and that shows you are smart, thoughtful and romantic.

1. Serenade Her with a Singing Valentine. For a unique and memorable gift, a quartet from the Cape Fear Chordsmen can serenade her with love songs and a rose on Feb. 14th. Time slots are limited: $100 (5-8 p.m. arrival window); Before 5 p.m.: $85 (one-hour window), $75 (two-hour window ), $50 (four-hour window). https://capefearchordsmen.com/singing-valentines/
2. Let Heavy-Metal Rock Your Hearts. If you both like heavy metal, this one’s for you: ‘Smile Empty Smile’ Valentine’s Concert at Eagles Dare (420 N. 3^rd, Wilmington). Doors open 2/14 @ 6 p.m. Couples are $20 per person + $6.86 service fee. This may well sell out. https://allevents.in/wilmington/smile-empty-soul-wilmington-nc/200025861577657
3. Cross the River for a Romantic Restaurant. Perhaps the finest French restaurant in Wilmington – Caprice bistro – is not listed on the link (and will likely be booked by the time you read this). However, here are some alternatives on Trip Advisor’s list to Wilmington Romantic Restaurants.  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g49673-zfp3-Wilmington_North_Carolina.html
4. Dance Your Way into Her Heart. The best way to a woman’s heart may be through your Consider taking some dance lessons together. The Dance Element (7211 Ogden Business Ln, Ste 205, Wilmington, NC) caters to adults and seniors with classes that include: Modern Dance, Ballroom Dancing, Hip-Ho and Jazz. No registration is required. A single lesson is $12, and as little as $8 with a punch card of 10 lessons.
   https://thedanceelement.com/adult-dance-classes-in-wilmington-nc.html
5. Pamper Yourselves with a Couples Massage. While there are many massage places in the area, Hand & Stone Massage (840 Town Center Drive, Suite 115, Wilmington) is one that features a romantic couples massage. It’s $99 per person for a one-hour hot-stone massage, or just $79 for a basic massage. https://www.handandstonewilmingtonnc.com/couples_massage.html
6. Give Yourselves ‘Buns of Steel.’ A gym membership is not a gift for one person, but you both can enjoy “Buns of Steel” if you join as a couple. Exercising together is a gift that can keep on giving if you both get there, so do consider proximity. Prices vary by club and location. For custom workouts, consider hiring a personal trainer such as Victor Fernandes of Fernandes Fit in Leland. https://fernandesfit.com/
7. Picture a Couple in Love. Plan a session with a skilled photographer for a portrait you will cherish. Studio portraits can be less than $100. But also consider a picaresque outdoor venue for daylight shots. There are many photographers in the area. This list of local portrait photographers is from expertise.com.
   https://www.expertise.com/nc/wilmington/family-portraits
   
   Simple Ways to Please Her

• Instead of a rose, buy a live orchid. This ornamental flower is a symbol of love, luxury, beauty and strength. (Historically, the orchid is also a symbol of virility. The word is a derivative of the Greek orchis, meaning ‘testicle.’) Like any relationship, the plant requires care and feeding. If she already loves orchids, consider an annual membership to the Cape Fear Orchid Society.
  http://www.capefearorchid.org
• Build her an old-fashioned birdhouse. A plank of wood, some fasteners, and a plan are all that’s needed to start. Browse plans online for a bird in our area, then build and personalize it. com offers free plans for chickadees and other indigenous species.
  https://70birds.com/bird-species/chickadees/
• Plan a romantic breakfast in bed. This idea starts Valentine’s Day out with a splash. Include as many details as possible to make it extra special. (Buy a proper breakfast tray with legs if you don’t already have one.) Set the mood with some romantic music. Then prepare her favorite omelet (or pancakes) with all the fixings, and serve with a fresh flower and champagne.
• Play chef for a “Love Nest” dinner…That is, plan a romantic dinner at home, complete with her favorite long songs and favorite beverage. Keep it simple, so you don’t get too lost in the kitchen. Buy a tray of shrimp cocktail for an appetizer, then grill (or broil) a ribeye or filet mignon, steam some fresh vegetables, and microwave some potatoes (poke ‘em first). Remember dessert, like your favorite ice cream. (And plan to leave the dishes for the next day.)
• Write a love note. Yeah, you could buy a card, but consider making your own and writing your own message. –Better still make it a love letter or poem. It doesn’t have to be James Joyce or William Shakespeare, just something from your heart. Remind her why you fell in love and how wonderful she still makes you feel.
• Combine a note with any of the above.