Feb 12

Feb 12 Single in Chicago on V-Day? We've Got You Covered.

Let’s face it: the majority of us have probably spent at least one (or many) Valentine’s Days alone. What we’re not going to do this year is sit at home, swiping the night away on Tinder. The holiday, which dates back all the way to the 5th century, is typically used as a way to express your love for your significant other. But we all know how dating life can be on this campus, so I suggest this year we all express our love for one another, whether or not that person is your significant other. So be it with your lover, friends, or complete strangers, I’ve brought you the best activities for you to do this Valentine’s Day.

Speakeasy Murder Mystery

Three hours. Two drinks. One murder mystery.

It may be the 20’s again, but this event will literally take you back to the roaring 1920s. This year, Verlocal is hosting a 1920s Prohibition-themed murder mystery party. Each ticket includes two cocktails of choice, three hours of game experience, a personalized character, and access to a costume and props bar. This seems like a perfect interactive date night, but it also seems to me like a great activity to do with a group of friends. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, this might even be a great place to meet other people (bold moves only in 2020)!

Anti-Valentine’s Day Party

For all you singles out there, The Trophy Room’s “Anti-Valentine’s Day Party: Fuk Chocolates and Flowers, Eat Pizza and Drink Beer!” might be the perfect event for you! Truthfully speaking, Valentine’s Day just might be the most annoying holiday out there. Between the TV commercials, sappy Instagram posts, and cheesy greeting cards, this holiday is cringeworthy at times. So join together with all the other Valentine’s nay-sayers and splurge on a free pizza buffet, $5 beers, and $7 cocktails. This year’s anti-party is at The Trophy Room and tickets can be booked in advance online.

80s Valentine’s Day Party at Easy Bar

Looking for a totally ~gnarly~ way to spend your evening? If you’re looking to take a trip back in time, but not so far as the 1920s, definitely check out the Easy Bar. They’ll be playing the best hits from the 80s (a personal favorite era of mine) and they’ll have $8 Barcelona Mules, ginger beer, and wine floats. They’ll also have a Valentine-Day-card-making station. The Easy Bar is in Wicker Park, so make it your first stop and work your way back to Hyde Park by stopping at other places along the way.

AIRE Ancient Baths

I’ll admit, visiting a restored building from 1902 was not at the top of my list for this Valentine’s Day, but considering the occasion, you may change your mind after seeing what’s inside: AIRE Ancient Bathhouse. AIRE gives visitors many different experiences to choose from, including a wine bath, which is exactly what the name implies: a bath made of wine. AIRE takes pride in trying to recreate a bathhouse that is similar to the ancient rituals, but with modern amenities. The spa looks incredibly relaxing and it would be one incredibly unique and romantic date night. To be honest though, this place looks too relaxing to pass up, especially after a hellish sixth week.

Wine! About Your Love Life

Honestly not the worst way to spend the holiday, via

Estelle’s is speaking to me this Valentine’s Day as they host their 4th annual Wine About Your Love Life, which is fitting for many of us here. Let’s all be sad and lonely together in the best way possible: drowning our sorrows in a glass of wine (responsibly, of course). They’ll even be serving their one-of-a-kind drink: the $5 Be My Tindertine drink. They’ll even have a 75’ Company Cabernet Sauvignon available (sign me up!). Maybe consider taking your “tindertine” here.

And if a night in with your significant other sounds better than braving the cold this year, then you’re in luck: several restaurants around town are bringing their several-course meals to you. Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park, for example, is partnering with GrubHub to bring their seven-course (yes, seven!) dinner to you, candles included. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Featured Gif via