February 14 is a day that can stir up any number of emotional reactions; from excitement, to indifference and even bitterness from people. There are those who are one half of a loved-up couple, looking forward to Valentine’s Day in a haze of heart-eye emojis. There are those who eagerly anticipate 15 of February because; 1.) Valentine’s Day is over for another year, and 2.) Valentine’s Day chocolates are discounted. Then there are those who are in the Anti-Valentine’s club, something that has become more acceptable in recent years, as people’s patience with the day has slowly started wearing thin. There are probably countless other reactions too. Whether you choose to enjoy the day with someone who makes your heart flutter, or you choose to spend it in your own company, here are a few suggestions for things you can do on Valentine’s Day.
The Pretoria Botanical Gardens will be hosting a Valentine’s Night Market from 17:00-22:30. Grab a blanket and head to the picturesque gardens for an evening of live music and good company. This event is the perfect way to spend some time with your significant other or with a group of good friends by relaxing and getting some fresh air. There will be a number of stalls available to browse through including flowers, food, Valentine’s gifts, and craft beers and gins. Entrance is R50.
If you have some time during the day and feel like having your own picnic with a little more privacy, visit the Wonderboom Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to a fig tree that is over 1000 years old. This tree, and its 13 daughter trees, forms a shaded area that spans 50 metres. The reserve is open from 07:00 to 19:00 in the summer so you can plan a Valentine’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the reserve, depending on when you have some free time. Another great location to consider for a Valentine’s Day picnic is the gardens of the most famous buildings in South Africa, the Union Buildings.
If you’re looking to spend some time with your girlfriends, head to Blos Café for a Girls Night. Bookings are essential, and your R50 ticket gets you bottomless bubbly for the evening. Head to Tiger’s Milk at Lynnwood Bridge for good food and great live music. Jan Blohm will be performing on the 14th which is a great option for those who would prefer to forget that it’s actually Valentine’s Day, and just enjoy a good night out.
There are a number of places to share a romantic meal on Valentine’s Day. Old Town Italy in Menlyn Maine will have live music and two distinct offerings for how to spend the evening of love. A 3-course set menu with a complimentary glass of bubbly and coffee will cost you R365 per person if you’re willing to splurge. The restaurant will also offer a pasta-making class. For R250 you will learn how to make pasta from scratch, eat a dinner made of your own pasta, and get a bottle of wine for your table.
Nothing says “Valentine’s Day” like chocolates, so if that’s what you’re looking for then Hazelwood’s Chocolat et Café has got you covered! They offer a variety of sweet treats including hand-crafted chocolate truffles, ice cream sandwiches, and even shots of dark, milk, and white chocolate.
Baracas Wine and Beer Bar is hosting Anti-Valentine’s Day for those who hate Valentine’s Day, or love being single. There will be a DJ, some drinks specials, and a heart-shaped piñata designed to help you get your frustrations out. Best dressed wins a bar tab!
For those who would prefer spending Valentine’s Day at home (whether it’s with your partner, with some great friends, or by yourself), be sure to check Netflix for something good to watch. The second instalment of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise releases just before Valentine’s Day, so if you’re a sucker for a sappy rom-com, save this one for Valentine’s evening.
If you reach the end of Valentine’s Day and feel the need to either recover from the sappy romance you witnessed, or you want to extend the celebration another day, there is an event in Pretoria on 15 February that may interest you. The creators of Lentedag present LILO, a pop-up water park and music festival. You can expect performances from Refentse, Rubber Duc, Bad Peter, and more. Make the most of the Pretoria summer and break out your swimming cozzie to enjoy the water games and activities that LILO has to offer.
Whether you’re a fan of Valentine’s Day or not, you may as well find something fun to do for the day. You could opt to spend the day with someone special, with some good friends, or choose to spend some quality time by yourself.
Illustrations: Promise Zulu
KENDRA CONNOCK
