Whether you have someone special to spend Valentine’s Day with or are planning on spending it with your friends, it can help make the day much more special if you have a plan going in. Whether that means going out to dinner or staying in and watching a RomCom, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in and around Siloam Springs, Ark. for Valentine’s.

Option #1: Dinner Date

A dinner date may be the most obvious option for how to spend Valentine’s, but there is a reason for that. Dinner allows people to come to know one another better while in a social setting. Also, depending on the restaurant, it can be a way to experience new things with one another. Siloam has plenty of great restaurants perfect for a couple, or a group of friends. This Valentine’s Day, consider checking out Fratelli’s, Park House, So Chill Eat, and many more restaurants just a few minutes from campus.

Option #2: JBU Jamborees

If you’re looking to do something a little closer to campus, consider checking out one of the many “jamborees” that JBU is holding this year. The Center for Healthy Relationships and Student Government Association are hosting a showing of “Barbie” and providing snacks along with prizes for those who show up and show out. In addition to this, the library is having a “Blind Date with a Board Game” through Feb. 16, where they will match you up with a board game that has been wrapped up.

Option #3: Coffee Catch Up

Another off-campus choice is going out for coffee. While this provides the same opportunity for catching up that dinner does, it doesn’t come with a more formal environment. Going out for coffee offers a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for first dates or maybe even a roommate rendezvous. Siloam has multiple options for coffee dates such as Pour Jons, Perrisiea Coffeehouse, and Cafe on Broadway. However, if coffee isn’t your thing, try checking out Boba Pop to achieve the same type of comfy atmosphere.

Option #4: Picnic Party

Going on a picnic is another great option for Valentine’s Day. Not only does it give all those involved a breath of fresh air, but it also creates a more intimate dining experience as it doesn’t involve all the hubbub a restaurant can sometimes create. The Northwest Arkansas area offers lots of beautiful spots for going on a picnic, whether it’s one of the many gazebos in downtown Siloam Springs or a nearby natural park.

Option #5: Museum Meet Cute

Last but not least is the classic museum outing—Northwest Arkansas sports many different museums. From Crystal Bridges in Bentonville to the Arkansas Air Museum in Fayetteville, there is something for everyone. Museums offer a chance to not only learn more about the person you are with but also to learn more about different topics that might interest them.

Photo courtesy of Sergey Sokolov