3 New Ways to Spend Your Valentine's Day
MOST OF US would jump at the chance for a romantic candlelight dinner — Valentine’s Day or otherwise.
But, if you and your sweetie are in search of a change of scenery in this season of love, consider one of these nearby couples’ activities. It’s true — they may stretch your date-night comfort zone, but a new experience is sure to bring you and your partner closer together. Who can argue with that?
Dancers of all levels, from beginner to competitive, can twinkle their toes at Elite Ballroom in Morrisville.
Cut Footloose with Dance Lessons
Robertas Maleckis and Inga Sirkaite insist: Cou- ples who dance are really happy couples. And their relationship proves the rule. Maleckis and Sirkaite are the owners of Elite Ballroom dance studio in Mor- risville and have been dance partners since they were teenagers and have been a couple for 20 years.
Both originally from Lithuania, the couple danced professionally in Europe before moving to the U.S. to become dance instructors and eventually open their own studio.
“We’re not the biggest in the area, but possibly the most friendly,” said Maleckis. “Like home cook- ing for dancing.”
Which makes this the perfect place for anxious be- ginners to try out ballroom dancing.
“The social aspect of dancing is really important,” said Maleckis. “You don’t have your smartphone in your pocket. You’ll spend one hour dancing and leave your problems outside.
“There’s lots of interaction between couples, and you can find out different things about your spouse or partner.”
Elite Ballroom welcomes experienced dancers as well as beginners, and singles as well as couples. Instead of dinner and a movie, Maleckis and Sirkaite suggest dinner and a dance lesson as a great option for a fun and different date night.
Elite Ballroom
136 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville
(919) 481-3137
eliteballroomdance.com
An aromatherapy bath, couples massage and champagne toast make up the Couples Retreat treatment at The Umstead Spa.
Relaxing Retreat for Two
“We have by far the best place for wellness and res- toration for guests in a spa environment,” said Umstead spa director Carolyn Doe.
With two floors of quiet spaces, relaxation loung- es, sauna and steam rooms, and an outdoor coed cur- rent pool, The Umstead Spa is sure to melt away any tension felt by its guests. Couples looking for a special pampering experience should consider The Couples Retreat treatment, suggests Doe.
Doe describes this package as “the best retreat for a couple for Valentine’s Day.” Features include a private treatment room, 20-minute soak in an aroma- therapy bath, followed by a 50-minute couple’s mas- sage. Top it off with a champagne toast, and you and
your partner are well on your way to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.
The Umstead’s electronics policy requests that guests leave their devices in the lockers to complete the true sense of calm and restfulness — a welcome request for couples looking to connect.
“Too many of us are super busy with too many different demands that we really have no time to quiet the mind,” said Doe. “And getting the mind quiet is necessary for restoration.”
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary
(919) 447-4170
theumstead.com
Indoor Greens brings the outdoors in with golf-grade turf, photographic murals and “partlycloudy” skylights.
Putt for Par
The phrase “mini golf” tends to conjure up thoughts of windmills, waterfalls and exotic landscapes. This is not what you’ll find at Indoor Greens Mini Golf and Café. Instead, the owners opted to create a realistic golfing experience.
“Since we’re in a golfing community, we really wanted to promote an alternate place to play,” said An- gela Luff, who owns the facility along with her hus- band, Michael, and partners Tracy and Chris Flanagan.
Designed to mimic outdoor play, the 3,200 square feet of golf-grade turf has breaks and hills and slopes just like a true putting green. Chipping practice is per- mitted as well, depending on the number of guests.
A round or two of mini golf is a great social date night option, Luff said.
“I compare it to bowling,” she said. “You can
be social, and you can be competitive — as much as you want to be. And you can have beer and wine out here.”
Couples can cut up on the course as well.
“I’ve seen golfers play wrong handed or stand in the way to create obstacles,” said Luff. “But you can also come and practice your game.”
The course is coupled with a café that serves wholesome options like salads and sandwiches. At any time there might be a fresh batch of cookies baking.
“Not everybody can play golf; a full swing is not easy,” said Luff. “Everybody can putt, though.”
Indoor Greens Mini Golf & Café
1951 High House Road, Cary
(919) 825-1818
indoorgreensminigolf.com
