The five best first dates to go on during those stressful 24 hours we call Valentine’s Day:

1. Ice skating: The greatest excuse to ever hold your crush’s hand. This doesn’t just give you something to do, but also something to talk about; there will hardly ever be awkward silences because you’re actually doing something together, and worst case scenario: you just talk about ice skating! And don’t worry if you’re no good at it. That actually makes it more fun.
2. Day trip to Leavenworth: Wenatchee is great and all, but I think we can all agree it can get a bit old. Taking a surprise trip is that spontaneous attitude that’ll keep them interested in you. There’s tons of things to do, new things to try, and new people to meet. Side note: Since this requires a great deal of driving, you should probably refrain from going on this date with someone you don’t know if you can’t get along with … nobody likes awkward silences.
3. Hike with a surprise: This one requires a bit more work on your part, but if you’re not willing to put in work for your date … you probably don’t deserve to be on that date. Climb a hill or walk through a forest by yourself, place a surprise (flowers, candy, a letter, etc.), then get your date and take an adventure together to the spot … and the rest is easy money.
4. At-home cooking: Sure, taking her/him out is sweet, but most of the time all it says is, “Oh, you have a lot of cash and you’re willing to pay me off to like you, yeah, alright, cool.” But cooking at home? That actually requires effort, which hardly ever goes unappreciated. Even if you can only make mac ‘n cheese, you’re still putting in work, which will mean something special to that special someone. Who needs to walk 500 miles when you can make 500 bowls of mac ‘n cheese? And then 500 more.
5. Homemade drive-in: Drive up a nice scenic area with a truck preferably, bring some blankets and pillows, and lay in the back and watch Netflix or anything else with a laptop or tablet. You guys get the leisure of laying back with the adventure of driving aimlessly. Just make sure the weather’s nice enough, but cold enough so you can snuggle.