Every year I write a Valentine’s Day post, and Valentine’s Day 2018 will carry on the tradition. Most of these ideas, though, work for date nights any day of the year. If you’re looking for specific types of dates, below, I offer some ideas for splurge-worth nights out, night outs for cocktail drinks, and free date night ideas.

Date Night Splurges

– Tasting Menu Dinner: Make a reservation for a restaurant like V. Mertz or Au Courant Regional Kitchen, and then opt for the tasting menu. I’m recommending those two since I’ve been to both recently, can vouch for their quality, AND if you have the Together A Greater Good app (TAGG), those restaurants will donate 5% of your receipt to the charity of your choice. Tasting menus are meant for slow eating, so dinner is your whole night out, probably. Tip: Both places have menu items, so you don’t have to do the full tasting menu.

– “An American In Paris”: The Broadway touring production of “An American In Paris” will be at the Orpheum Theater, with a show on Feb. 14. Spend a little extra so that you get the best seats available. The show is in Omaha Feb. 13-19, so you don’t have to go on Valentine’s Day if you don’t want to. Pro tip: You can pre-order your drinks for intermission. It’s a smart way to skip the line. Snack tip: There’s something special about the malt balls sold at the Orpheum. I’m not sure what’s in them, but they are addictive.

– Tango Romantico: This is less of a splurge than the others. On Feb. 12, KANEKO will bring together Omaha Symphony Principal Flute Maria Harding (with fellow Symphony colleagues), Vintage Ballroom, and wine and chocolate by Chocolat Abeille for a romantic evening. Come with your dancing shoes.

Date Night Drinks

It’s very rare that Mr. Wonderful and I go out and simply hang out over a drink. But it has happened. I think three years ago. Anyway…

– Challenge The Bartender: It’s going to sound funny suggesting you go to a wine and booze shop for a date, but hear me out about going to Spirit World at Aksarben Village. I recommend you order some food, sit at their little bar, and have the bartender make you a new-to-you drink. When I told the bartender I didn’t like gin, he set out to prove me wrong. And I’m glad he did. Read about our date night at this locally-owned store here. Spirit World is another participating TAGG restaurant, so don’t forget to scan your receipt so 5% of your night out can go to charity!

– Specialty Drinks: OK, even more rare for us is to go to a fancy craft cocktail bar and spend more than $10 on one drink. But, The Berry & Rye in the Old Market will wow you with their drinks. And the atmosphere is ideal for a date night. If you’re looking for unique places for a drink in Omaha, I’ve heard great things about the tiki bar Laka Lono Rum Club (which is just a stone’s throw from The Berry & Rye in the Old Market) and Omaha’s own speakeasy, Wicked Rabbit (you have to go through a cigar store and say the magic word to enter in the hidden bar).

– Not a drinker? If you’re looking for healthy date night ideas, revisit this old favorite, 7 Healthy Date Ideas In Omaha.

Free Date Night

– Free Things To Do On Valentine’s Day: Ever since my penny-pinching days working at a newspaper, I’ve maintained a mental list of free things to do in Omaha. Some of my favorites make memorable date nights, including visiting KANEKO, which has a special exhibit called “light” that’s FREE to see and really cool to experience. The gallery is open until 8 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. There are galleries near KANEKO that may be open that night, too, and you can stroll through them for FREE. Check out Bemis Contemporary Art Center, Artist Co-Op, or visit the shops at The Passageway.

– If you want more budget-friendly ideas, I suggest you read the post Cheap Date Nights In Omaha.

Your turn: What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Where do you recommend others go for Valentine’s Day?

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Editor’s Note: This post is from 2017. Click 2018 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas to see current ideas!

Looking for a unique night out for Valentine’s Day in Omaha? Me too.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for dinner and a movie. But, I like novel dates more. Like painting and drinking together. Or maybe a less boozy (here are 7 healthy date night ideas). Or cheap, that’s good too (here are cheap date ideas in Omaha).

So, what’s going on this month that would make for a unique date for Valentine’s Day? Here’s a list of things that sounded great to me:

Early Valentine’s Day Dates

Omaha Culinary Tours – Wine and Chocolate Event

When: Friday, Feb. 10, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Old Vine Wine & Spirits, 3821 N. 167th Court

What: Try wines from Old Vine Wine & Spirits paired with chocolates from The Chocolate Poet.

Cost: $40 per person

Opera Omaha’s “Cosi fan Tutte”

When: Friday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 12, at

Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.

What: It’s one of Mozart’s masterpiece operas. Here’s the description: In a quest to disprove that all women are fickle, two scheming men test the devotion of their fiancées. As faithfulness is wagered, the deck is stacked with deception. Love is tested and lives are tangled when the women are unknowingly tempted by the other’s lover. Will the contest prove to be more than fun and games?

Cost: $15-$99 per person

“The Dinner Detective – Valentine’s Show”

When: Feb. 11, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Doubletree Hotel Omaha Downtown, 1616 Dodge St.

What: This is a murder mystery dinner show, where you dine on four courses while attempting to solve the crime.

Cost: $59.95 plus tax per person

Sweethearts Love Nature

When: Feb. 11, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa

What: Couples can enjoy hot cocoa and a warm fire at the lodge at night then hit the trails for a special, guided night hike or take a more private hike together along a lit trail.

Cost: FREE, but you must pay daily park admission, which is $2 per vehicle, or purchase an annual pass for $10. Pre-registration is requested ensure adequate staffing and supplies are available.

Eko Nova: Wine & Chocolate

When: Monday, Feb. 13, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: KANEKO, 1111 Jones St.

What: You hear innovative live music while samplying wines from Lange Winery paired with chocolate from STAM Chocolaterie.

Cost: $30 a couple or $20 per person.

Dates On Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day Dinner

When: Feb. 14, 6 p.m.

Where: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.

What: Dine on a fixed-price dinner and then stroll through the gardens, conservatory and Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks.

Cost: $55 per person

Beginner ballroom Dance Lessons

When: Feb. 14, 7 to 7:45 p.m.

Where: Vintage Ballroom, 614 S. 11th St.

What: Every Tuesday, this place offers FREE beginner ballroom dance lessons (think waltz, swing and salsa).

Cost: FREE, no reservations needed

“Sabrina” Screening

When: Feb. 14, 7 p.m.

Where: Film Streams at Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey St.

What: This is a screening of the original film starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden.

Cost: FREE (but you’re going to want to reserve tickets ASAP before they run out)

“Elvis Lives”

When: Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.

What: This show features hand-picked finalists from the worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. I saw part of the show the last time it was in Omaha and if you’re an unabashed Elvis fan, it’s SO good.

Cost: $35-$65 per person

Late Valentine’s Day Dates

You didn’t forget. You’re fashionably late.

Omaha Culinary Tours – Wine and Dine Event

When: Feb. 17, 6 p.m.

Where: Old Vine Wine & Spirits, 3821 N. 167th Court

What: Enjoy wine paired with a variety of food. (I’m waiting for more details on this)

Cost: $50 per person

Hot Club of Cowtown

When: Feb. 17, 8 p.m.

Where: 1200 Club inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.

What: Western swing trio performs in one of my most favorite music venues in Omaha, the 1200 Club. Think candlelit tables, table service, and great music.

Cost: $35 per person

Salsa Fridays at Gusto Cubano

When: Feb. 17, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: Gusto Cubano, 7910 Harrison St., Ralston, Neb.

What: DJ Blandon Joiner sets the atmosphere for a night of dancing.

Cost: $7 per person (if you dine at the last dinner seating of the restaurant, you don’t have to pay the cover)

Share your ideas and tips by leaving a comment!

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