February has arrived, and we all know what that means: it's time to start making plans for Valentine's Day! But let's face it, chocolate and dinner are so overdone, so why not try something new this year?
America's National Parks has come up with some unique ways of celebrating your love for your significant other this Valentine's Day. And even better is that February 14 falls on a free park admission day this year, so you can visit those parks without having to pull out your wallet.
For those couples looking for warmer climates, why not try canoeing at Biscayne National Park in Florida? You can enjoy the park's mangrove-lined shorelines, along with its shallow waters. Every Saturday, including Valentine's Day, a ranger guides beginners and pros via canoe through this beautiful park. However, note that you do need to make reservations by calling 786-335-3612.
For something even more active, how about skiing or sledding at the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in Idaho? The park is hosting a special free Valentine's Day event and promises over 14 inches of snow. If you've never skied before, don't worry: the park is offering free lessons for beginners. After you're done, you can enjoy free hot beverages provided by the Natural History Association.
There's probably nothing more romantic than sitting on a beach and listening to whale song, and that's exactly what you can do at California's Point Reyes National Seashore. This ranger-guided program teaches you all about gray whales and their migration habits.
Maybe you prefer cities over nature, though. In that case, head to Washington, D.C. and enjoy an evening walk through the National Mall and Memorial Parks. These free walks start at the World War II Memorial Contact Station at the National Mall at 7 and 9 p.m every Friday and Saturday.
For those who like more leisurely activities, as well as wine, enjoy a wine tasting aboard a train in Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Sample five wines and enjoy hors d'ouerves prepared by a chef. You even get a commemorative glass to mark the experience. However, although your admission to the park is free, the wine tasting and train ride will cost anywhere from $59 to $92. Make reservations by visiting cvsr.com.
Another romantic activity is stargazing, especially when it comes complete with stories about lovers immortalized in the constellations at Colorado's Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Admission to the park is free, but the program, which also features a nighttime walk to admire the stars, is $3.
The National Park Foundation has a lot of other great ideas for Valentine's Day, too. For more ideas, you can download the I Heart Parks guide from the organization's official website.
[Photo Credit: National Park Foundation]
