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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And let’s face it, sometimes finding that perfect gift or getaway can be a bit of a challenge.

But Idaho’s got you covered!

Check out the list below for Idaho inspired ideas to wow your Valentine.

Cozy up on a lake or river cruise

A winter cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Photo Courtesy: Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises.
A winter cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Photo Courtesy: Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises.

Put your arm around that special someone while enjoying Idaho’s amazing views aboard a beautiful boat. Book a romantic brunch or dinner cruise with Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises for you and your Valentine.

Connect with your ball and chain at the Old Pen

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Ditch those traditional chocolates and flowers and head to the Old Idaho Penitentiary for something different this Valentine’s Day. Visitors can stroll through this awesome historical site while enjoying exhibits showcasing “love” stories from the Pen. For more details on Romancing the Pen, click here.

Take a culinary adventure

Climb on cross country skis or snowshoes to experience the culinary adventure that is the Blue Moon Yurt. Situated in Ponderosa State Park in McCall, Idaho, you’ll make a beautiful one mile trek to reach your dinner destination. Once inside the yurt, you’ll enjoy drinks by the light of candles and propane lanterns and then settle in for an exciting ethnic spread. There’s no frozen food here, all the eats are brought in on skis daily. When you’re ready to leave, strap on those snowshoes or skis to experience the nocturnal side of the park on your way out.

Experience a wine and chocolate weekend

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Prepare your tastebuds for a Valentine’s Day they won’t soon forget. Take a drive to Idaho’s Sunnyslope Wine Trail to sample delicious Idaho wines. Williamson Orchards and Vineyards will pair five wines with locally crafted chocolates and caramels to sweeten up the weekend. There are 10 different wineries in this area, so you’ll want to plan accordingly to visit more than one, and don’t forget to sample responsibly.

Find your wild side

Lemurs at Zoo Boise.
Lemurs at Zoo Boise. Photo Credit: Zoo Boise.

It’s all about romance during Woo at the Zoo at Zoo Boise. Learn about dating in the animal world as you stroll through the zoo and experience up-close animal encounters. Make it a date night with the pasta dinner, dessert, and take-home chocolate treats. Space is limited so make sure to reserve your spot early. Parents, there’s even an option for someone to watch the kiddos while you’re enjoying this event!

Ride off into the sunset

Couple enjoys a winter sleigh ride at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch.
Sleigh ride at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch.

A Valentine’s sleigh ride is the perfect excuse to cuddle up under a blanket and watch the world go by. Climb aboard a sleigh in Sandpoint with Western Pleasure Guest Ranch to enjoy a delicious dinner and live music. In Victor, let Linn Canyon Ranch whisk you away for a gourmet dinner as the sun sets.

Get moving

Lace up your sneakers and cheer on your love at one of the Valentine’s Day themed races happening in Boise. Cupid’s Undie Run is a fundraising run for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. And yes, people do run in their undies for this cause. Run 4 Luv  offers a half marathon, 10k, and 5k option for all cupids looking to participate. Valentine’s Day costumes are encouraged.

Kick back and relax

Maybe you’re looking to just relax with that someone special this time around. Think about spicing up your Valentine’s Day eats with an Idaho wine to give it some extra special pizazz.

For fish and seafood check out Cinder’s 2014 Dry Viognier or HAT Ranch’s 2014 Dry Moscato.

If you’re serving up a mouthwatering steak, try pairing it with Sawtooth Winery’s 2012 Trout Trilogy Malbec or Bitner Vineyards 2012 Tempranillo.

And for dessert, try Huston Vineyards 2013 Merlot or Ste. Chapelle’s 2013 Panoramic Idaho Syrah with some delicious Idaho chocolate.

Andrea Rayburn


Published on February 1, 2016