7 Fun Valentine’s Day Dos That Are More Exciting Than Dinner And Roses
What do you usually get up to on Valentines Day? Classic dinner and show? Roses, chocolates, and a novelty balloon with “I heart you” scrawled on it?
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little old-school romance, but let’s be honest: there are heaps of great things you could be doing together with your significant one on the annual day of love.
[related_articles]78218,58319,70292[/related_articles]This year, consider spicing things up and let your imagination go – from a sumptuous Blue Mountains picnic to a heart-pumping ride on the spectacular Scenic Railway, mixing it up is a sure-fire way to create amazing Valentines memories for years to come. Here are a few options to get the ball rolling.
#1 Dine on a deli picnic from The Carrington
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There’s no getting around it: the best way to the hearts of most folks is through their stomachs, so when it comes to Val’s Day, food is always a solid option (just give some thought to the delivery method).
This year, swap out that traditional sit-down dinner for a deluxe picnic instead. Head for the Carrington Deli, the most well-stocked bottleshop and deli experience in the Blue Mountains. Here, in the old Katoomba power station, you’ll find everything you need to create a super sensual gastronomic spread: a cornucopia of imported deli goods and boutique, local and foreign wines.
Next, head for the lookout at Lincoln’s Rock in Wentworth Falls or Sublime Falls in Leura to watch the sun set as you fill up on gourmet fare. This can only end well.
#2 Soak up the Magic at Scenic World
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If you’re looking to make a day or weekend of it, Scenic World has you covered. Located just 90 minutes from the Sydney CBD, the epic landscapes of the stunning Blue Mountains are the stars of the show at Scenic World: a veritable expanse of World Heritage protected wilderness that’ll relax as much as it excites.
Scenic World is a self-guided wonderland, and you can take it all in on the Scenic Railway – the steepest passenger railway on the planet – a 310-metre ride through a cliff tunnel an across the spectacular Jamison Valley. For equally majestic panoramas of wilderness, waterfalls and the iconic Three Sisters, check out the park’s Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway.
Either way, head for the bush and use Scenic World’s itineraries a starting point for a longer trip. For nature-loving couples, it’s one of the most unique Valentine’s getaways you can ever hope to experience.
#3 Sorenson’s Glasshouse and Gardens
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For a taste of something different, take in Sorenson’s Glasshouse in Leura: the work of Danish-born landscape gardener Paul Sorensen, it’s a delightful oasis set on two acres of stunning garden. Another perfect spot for a relaxed picnic, the Glasshouse will be more than happy to fix something special up for you. Enjoy a little wine, delicious artisan coffee from Reuben Hill, and some fabulous in-house artisan treats, and relish in the stunning Sorenson surrounds.
#4 Platform Gallery
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Concerned Valentines Day is just another piece of the patriarchy? Smash it at Platform Gallery, Australia’s first dedicated feminist art and gallery space. In a world where 70 percent of arts graduates are women, yet women make up less than 30 percent of exhibiting artists, Platform is a crucial celebration of women and women in art.
There’s a fresh exhibition showing every three weeks in the main gallery, and a dedicated emerging artist space showcasing new and upcoming talent.
#5 Black Cockatoo Bakery
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Fine dining chef Alex Rivière’s Black Cockatoo Bakery continues to draw accolades for its incredible range of breads and pastries. Well worth the trip alone, the croissants – both plain and cinnamon – are to-die-for; so too are the sourdough baguettes. It’s perfect fodder for a big, romantic, flavour-filled day out.
Settle in to a cosy breakfast treat, or load up on the goods and head out for a romantic Valentine’s picnic in the stunning Blue Mountains hinterland.
#6 Dry Ridge Cellar Door
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What’s a Valentine’s Day without the elixir of life? For a delicious taste of the Blue Mountains’ finest wine – and some of the most spectacular views of the area – drop into Dry Ridge and sample the goods. Sunsets over the Narrow Ridge Escarpment and Great Dividing Range are nothing short of breathtaking.
Settle in for an evening session over a platter of artisan cheeses, and relish in a little wine-soaked Valentine’s glory.
#7 Mountain Culture Brewing
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Housed inside an old Katoomba newspaper office, Mountain Culture Brewing is NSW’s newest and most exciting specialty micro brewery: a fresh endeavour from DJ McCready, the former founding brewer at Sydney’s acclaimed Modus Operandi. It doesn’t come much better than a sunset and fresh craft brew on the historic Mountain Culture deck. Make an afternoon of it and do Valentine’s in style.
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Fresh air, epic views – the mountains are calling. Book online to escape the city and reconnect in nature at Scenic World.
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