Honestly, the history of Valentine’s Day can get pretty fuzzy, and I’m not talking about the “warm fuzzies” we get during this candy- — and romance- — laced occasion. NPR put out an article a few years ago appropriately titled “The Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day,” and it revealed that during the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in honor of the god of fertility, Lupercus, the Romans would drink a little too much and hit women with sacrificed animal hides.
Thankfully, Valentine’s Day is nothing like that today, and we can thank Shakespeare, Hallmark and everyone else who has romanticized Feb. 14. Now people get to enjoy Valentine’s Day the way it should be, by spending too much time trying to remember which flower their significant other is allergic to or questioning why they are single.
Jokes aside, we should spend every single day spreading the love. At Downtown Devil, we want to spread the love to the local community, so we have compiled a list of things you can do in solitude or with just about anyone.
Dining:
Baked goods from Tammie Coe Cakes are extremely popular, and if you want the good stuff, you probably should have already ordered it. But the baked goods there are pretty commonplace, so get them while they last. If you’re lucky, you can snag a flourless chocolate souffle filled with chocolate creme custard. Honestly, what are you doing still reading? Go get one.
Who needs cooties when you can have chocolate? Nami’s special Love Potion will make you feel plenty ooey-gooey. It’s brownie a la mode. That’s something I can get behind. They are only serving from 6-9 p.m., so plan accordingly. In fact, a perfect scenario would be to march yourself to Green, which is located next door on Seventh Street and Palm Lane, beforehand and enjoy their Italian favorites candlelit dinner from 5-9 p.m. They will be serving all the normal menu items along with a special of Mangus red sangiovese beef with sauteed crimini mushrooms, wilted spinach, fettuccini alfredo and an heirloom tomato salad. Yes, please. I’ll take two.
For the Cupid-arrow dodgers, we’ve got a dinner location for you too. Hula’s Modern Tiki is known for its nontraditional holiday events. Valentine’s Day is no exception. This year, celebrate its VoodooTines anti-Valentine’s Day by bringing photos of your ex and skewering them onto the Valentine Voodoo Doll made by Jay Murphy of Kick Ass Kakes. There will be food and drink specials, and you’ll be in the best of company — perhaps also the bitterest of company.
Entertainment:
If you’re not so good at expressing your deep sentiments (and you’re 21 or older), let the movies do it for you. FilmBar is having a romance movie marathon with showings of The Princess Bride on Feb. 14, 15 and 17, and Romeo and Juliet on Feb. 14, 16 and 18. There will be complimentary candy and champagne on Valentine’s Day, which is incentive enough. Tickets may be limited, so call ahead to save your spot.
If you’d rather let your body do the talking, then put on your dancing shoes and head to the Crescent Ballroom for a Black Carl show. Not only are you going to be at a local venue, but you get to rock out to a well-loved local band. A band that is, in fact, supplying the background music this piece is being written to.
If you’re into something a little less traditional, attend “The Vagina Monologues” at 8 p.m. at {9} the Gallery. Based on Eve Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women, the award-winning play is humorous and pays homage to women’s sexuality and strength with wit and spice.
For something to get the blood pumping, stop by The Pressroom on Madison Street between Fourth and Fifth streets. You’ll have to be at least 18 years old to enjoy “Fever” by Scandalesque, a burlesque show with singers, dancers, comedy and a full bar. You heard it here.
In summation, you don’t have to go the traditional route this year and spend loads of money on a gourmet box of chocolates or sulk in your bed and binge-watch movies on Netflix. Go out into the downtown community and partake in the wonderful opportunities that are strewn before you. Bond with your loved ones, meet new people or enjoy some much needed “me” time.
