Everything has been different in 2020 and as we move into 2021, our "new normal" is still a big part of our celebrations. Valentine's Day will be very different this year, but we can still support our local businesses and share the day with our family and friends! Stay-at-home Valentine's day can still have it's perks. It can give you the opportunity to celebrate virtually with more people than you would normally. It also gives you the chance to try new things and make some new traditions.
Small businesses in Tucson need our help and Valentine's day is a great opportunity to support them. When deciding how to celebrate, consider supporting a local class or event. For gift giving, buy local. Candles from Rustic Candle Company, home decor from Borderlands and fun Tucson swag from Why I Love Where I Live are always great gifts. Our local nurseries can be a wonderful place to get plants and flowers. You can share the love with gift cards to local eateries and coffee shops too.
The best part of Valentine's day this year is that it falls on a Sunday. That means you have a full weekend to try new things! Take a look at our list of 5 ideas for your stay-at-home Valentine's day.
1. Virtual Paint Night with Brush N Bottle
We tried this over the summer and it was one of the highlights of the year. The instructor was fantastic and despite that fact that neither of us are painters, we actually produced paintings that are hanging on the wall! Brush N Bottle has two options for classes. The first is a virtual group class (what we did). The other is a private virtual class; this would be a great way to celebrate with your friends or extended family. The best part is that you don't even need paint supplies! As part of your admission, they will deliver the supplies you need including the paint, canvas, and brushes. Check them out here!
2. Movie Night
Movie night can be a lot of fun and there are still several options for seeing movies on the big screen right now. Cactus Carpool Cinema is a drive-in theater set up at Medella Vina Ranch. You can grab some food from the local vendors and enjoy your movie from your car. For a movie night from home, the Screening Room is doing online movie rentals of some great movies. They also offer small group rentals for private screenings. Depending on your comfort level, Roadhouse Cinemas is open too with social distance and enhanced cleaning guidelines in place.
3. Virtual Cooking Class
Kick off the weekend with a Friday night virtual cooking class through Flying Aprons Tucson, sponsored by Tucson Foodie. Chef Judith Baigent-King will walk the class through
a tasty Valentine's menu. You can buy the ingredients you need yourself, or to simplify, you can pick up one of their ready-to-go kits!
4. Take-out and Game Night
Pick your favorite local restaurant and support them by ordering takeout. You can even pick up food from a few places and have a feast! Play your favorite board games or pick up a new game from Isle of Games. You can also use an app like HouseParty to play game virtually with family and friends!
5. Hiking and a Picnic
Tucson and the surrounding areas are full of incredible hiking and outdoor areas. Some of our favorite trails are in Sabino Canyon, Tumamoc Hill, Saguaro National Park, Tanque Verde Falls, Catalina State Park, and Linda Vista Loop. Pick up some food from your favorite restaurant and connect with nature.
We hope you enjoy these ideas for Valentine's day and have fun supporting local Tucson businesses!
Michelle Morton & Sadyna Reino
The Desert Duo | Century 21 1st American
520-539-0398
