It's the season of love and what better way to show your lover that you care for them than to dote on them the most eco friendly way you know how to?  Not sure how to go about doing that?  Don't worry, we've got the top ideas for you right here in this post.  Just think of us as that voice in your head helping to guide you along while out on your date, but in a less creepy literally in your ear with a walkie talkie kinda way. 

1) Explore A New Hike

While Valentine's Day falls in mid February, usually not a time reserved for hiking, it's probably one of the best times to get outside.  After being cooped up all winter long, it's right about now that the cabin fever starts to take hold and you just want to get back to enjoying the outdoors.  

When hiking in the colder months, preparation is all that more important.  Be sure to wear appropriate clothes and to pack lot's of snacks.  Speaking of snacks, this is a V-day hike after all, so why not pack a blanket, a few bites to nibble on and a warming drink in a thermos.  When you find the perfect place to set up, you'll know it when you see it.  

There's a huge bonus to hiking in the colder months, the trails will be WAY less crowded making it feel like you reserved this special trail just for the two of you.  And if it's a little chillier than one would like, body heat makes for the best way to warm two people up in no time! 

Difficult Run and Turkey Run are two of our most loved trails right here in Northern Va.  

Do you have a favorite trail near you?  Drop it in the comments section! 

2) Visit A Botanical Garden 

Walking around in the cold not your thing, or theirs either?  No worries, you can still have a super "hot" date and enjoy nature all while staying toasty warm indoors.

One of the best places we love taking those we ❤️ is to an indoor botanical garden.  You can find these in almost any biggish city and there might be one right under your nose that you never knew about.

Indoor botanical gardens, or conservatories, are awe inspiring even before you step inside them, typically made out of glass, these buildings are steeped in surprises at ever turn.  We've never met one that didn't photograph well.  

Once inside one of these majestic glass houses, the coats will eagerly come of (bow-chica-wow-wow)  when your whole body is met with the warm humid air of the tropics.  Lavishly decked out in all sorts of exotic plants, this is a place where you will want to linger for hours. 

The National Botanical Gardens (indoor) are closed right now but head down to Richmond and visit The Lewis Winter Botanical Gardens or head north to Baltimore and wander around the Rawlings Conservatory .  Both are sure to delight. 

3) Plantable Seed Cards & Trash Free Gifts 

Valentine's Day can be all about gifts, but what type of gift you give your boo is what matters most.  

Are they the type to love a sentimental card?  Then find one that's plantable and printed with plant inks.  They will love that you thought not only of them but of the planet when choosing a card to express your love to them. 

Gifts are great, but trash kinda sucks.  This year, choose gifts that won't end up in a landfill.  Think solid perfumes, floral scented soaps, bath salts, ethically made chocolates.  Whatever you do, don't leave your most loved person having to be responsible for gifted trash.  That's a sure fire way to find yourself sleeping on the sofa.....ok ok maybe not in every relationship but maybe.... you never know..... just sayin. 

4) Cook Together 

What better way to enjoy each others company than to cook a meal together.  The whole process involves the both of you, the planning, the prepping, the cooking, the eating and hopefully, the cleaning.  

Choose a meal that feels special and extravagant.  Set the table and the mood with candles and flowers.  Create a signature cocktail or mocktail to celebrate the day.  

Our go to Valentine's meals are always something warming like a seitan steak with roasted potatoes and asparagus.  

5) Date Night In With A Movie And A Ridiculously Cozy Blanket

No one is saying you can't do all of the above AND then do this.  Why not end the night curled up together under the coziest of cozy blankets watching a movie.  Cut the lights and the rest is history.  

Happy Valentin's Day!