Looking for date ideas for Valentine’s, Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day (or even just because)? We’ve got you covered in #DTBurlON.  We’ve got a plan for the perfect romantic day out (with a suggestion to extend your day well into the evening hours!).  A chance to reconnect with friends for a much-needed wellness retreat. A day to take in some cultural wonders and fantastic works of art. And a shopping excursion that’ll have you dreaming of the runways of Paris, the pages of home décor magazines and a trip down musical memory lane. Be sure to share your day out with us on social, we can’t wait to see how you and your loved ones spent the day together.

Romance

There is no shortage of opportunities to inspire romance in our downtown. Start your date at Bocana Boutique on Pearl Street where you can pick out something special from their designer range of lingerie, swimwear and clothing.  Then take a stroll, hand in hand, through the cobblestone paths of Village Square.  Meander your way to the beautiful Pearle Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a relaxing couples massage at the Spa followed by a swim in their gorgeous infinity pool with lake views. Relax in a lounge chair by the pool while you watch the snow fall out of the large lake-facing windows, then warm up in the lounge in your cozy robe with a nice cup of tea.  Once you’re ready to brave the cold, make your way to The North Coal Kitchen & Bar and enjoy a cocktail from their impressive drink menu. Then enjoy a delicious dinner for two at nearby Downtown Bistro or The Martini House (reservations are recommended).  If you are able to extend your day into night, consider booking a stay at The Pearle Hotel where you can get refreshed after your spa time and before drinks/dinner…maybe even sneak in a nap!  Then order room-service breakfast the next day or visit Bread Bar Burlington off the lobby for a scrumptious breakfast. If you’re looking for a little extra something to impress, add a dance lesson from danceScape, guaranteed to be fun and have you laughing together!

Wellness Escape

Galentine’s Day is a thing and this is the perfect way to celebrate. What’s better than a day of self-care surrounded by your best friends? Start the day off right with a drop-in class workout at Benchmark Fitness, a private Pilates class at Grounded Pilates or try an aerial strength & stretch or pole class at Our Haven Studios! Or if you want something a bit slower paced, enjoy a nice walk along the promenade and beach trail by the lake, then stop by Heal Wellness for a smoothie bowl.  Once you have refuelled, it’s time for some light and sound therapy at Into the Blu. Then make your way to Lettuce Love Cafe for a healthy and wholesome lunch (hint: their avocado fries and BLAT sandwich are absolute must try’s!). After lunch, you’ll need something to satisfy your sweet tooth and Lola’s Chocobar and Sweet House has pastries and desserts that will be sure to please. Since it’s a wellness day, make sure your special tret includes dark chocolate, that’s healthy right? Eating chocolate is a must in the month of February!  Round out your wellness date with relaxing float therapy at GoFloat Studios (reserve in advance). A day like this should go on and on so we also recommend a visit to Spa in the Village for a facial or pedicure. Can never go wrong with that!

 Arts & Culture

If arts & culture is your jam you’re in luck in downtown! You’ll be busy for hours and not even have to move your car! Start your date at the Art Gallery of Burlington and enjoy wandering through their current exhibits and the beautiful observatory. Make sure you stop by the gorgeous gallery shop to pick yourself up something; beautiful jewellery, pottery & more.

A short walk from the AGB is the Joseph Brant Museum where you can explore the Women Trailblazing exhibit that starts February 7^th.  After, walk along Lakeshore to Bodhi Bar, where you can pick up a fresh juice to take along as you walk & talk and take in the Public Art tour. This is a self-guided tour that you can do at your own pace and see as many or as few of the art installations are you would like.  Enjoy a delicious dinner at Rayhoon Persian Eatery in Village Square where you will experience aromas, flavours and culinary traditions that date back centuries (be sure to try the Abgoosht, a traditional Persian stew served in a traditional brass pot). Plan your date around the schedule at Burlington Performing Arts Centre, and end the date with a show at this fabulous state-of-the-art facility.

Retail Therapy

Before you even begin this date, may we suggest that you give your significant other one of our Burlington Downtown Gift Cards so they can have fun spending it on your date! Start off at the new Centro Noca where you can purchase a delicious coffee or espresso in the store as you shop. After, make your way down Brant Street to Centro Garden where you will definitely find something that catches your eye.  It’s always fun to get something new to wear, and we have no shortage of fabulous clothing boutiques in our downtown. Be sure to visit Joelle’s, Pure Boutique or The White Coconut for her. Jeff’s Guy Shop, Bush’s and Scrivener’s are great options for him. All this shopping will definitely make you work up an appetite, so pop into Burro Tacos for a lunch of delicious tacos, tostadas and holy frijoles! Don’t forget to start with a Margarita and end with the churros for dessert! After lunch, pop down the side alley and visit The Odd Spot, and reminisce as you look through albums and vintage t’s.  Then cross the street and check out Simply Gifted, a fab shop that recently opened. Then walk the cobblestone paths in Village Square and get some shopping in at Campbell & Co. Home or Waves in the Village. Visit Canadian designer, Joseph Tassoni at his studio on Pearl Street and check out his amazing custom coats & fashions. Walk another block and visit Downtown Pet Shop (get something for the furry friend you left at home!) End your retail therapy day at Village Boutique Foods where you can pick up something delicious to take home for dinner. Who wants to cook after a full day of shopping?

We wish you a Happy Valentine’s, Galentine’s and Palentine’s Day and can’t wait to see you in Burlington Downtown in February!