Every year, when the calendar switches to February, sweethearts and secret admirers everywhere frantically search for creative ideas of how to woo their love interests. For some, this means dinner at Applebee’s and a trip to the local cinema to see the latest rom-com. Luckily for residents of Wilmington, the Port City offers an abundance of adventurous ideas to help break away from the routine.

The fact that Wilmington is right down the road from Wrightsville Beach makes it a popular destination for tourists in the warmer seasons, but only those who call the city home know that even when it isn’t exactly beach weather, the fun never stops. 

The Port City is undoubtedly a foodie town—on every corner sits a food-lover’s paradise, whether your weakness is sushi, deep-dish pizza, or freshly caught seafood. While this variety is great, the abundance of options makes choosing where to eat dinner a bit more complicated.

If you are looking for a traditional candlelit dinner, check out Riverboat Landing downtown, a classy establishment with numerous balconies overlooking the Cape Fear River that were designed specifically for couples. What’s more romantic than an enticing conversation enjoyed over dinner while admiring the majestic sailboats passing by?

Be warned though, the riverfront restaurant is extremely popular year-round and is booked very far in advance. In the case that you don’t get your name on the list in time, head down the street to The Little Dipper, a super posh fondue venue.

While it tends to be a bit on the pricey side, the ambience is perfect for the occasion and the wide selection of cheese and chocolate fondues are perfect pairings with the myriad of unlimited finger foods included with each pot.

For those searching for a more casual dining experience, Wilmington owns two locations of an eccentric pizza joint known as the Mellow Mushroom. A popular chain found across the eastern part of the country, the pizzeria is famous for its retro, offbeat decor and massive pies topped with unusual garnishes and sauces.

Both locations, on Oleander Drive and Causeway Drive in Wrightsville Beach, give off extremely laid-back vibes and the psychedelic atmosphere and trippy color scheme give some meaning to the background behind the restaurant’s name.

If your honey is more of the adventurous type, keep in mind that while the temperature may be low, outdoor activities are not out of the question. In fact, a little chilly weather tends to bring people together, especially when a nice cozy fire is involved. 

Freeman Park is a popular seaside park in Carolina Beach that is well-known for its 4×4 vehicle access and convenient camping and fire sites. A daily pass will set you back about 30 dollars, but the experience of driving out on the sand and setting up camp next to a roaring fire is well worth it.

A particularly lively place to spend your Valentine’s evening is Dig and Dive, a sports bar just 10 minutes from campus that has several beach volleyball courts, numerous cornhole boards, and even a giant beer pong setup.

The food inside the restaurant is as American as it gets, featuring a menu rich with chicken wings, giant burgers, and piled-high nachos. Plus, a couple hours of lawn games after your meal assures you get the most bang for your buck.

The possibilities are endless—Wilmington is full of endless opportunities to break away from the ordinary and make an evening truly special. With so many enticing eateries and abodes in such close proximity to campus, you should have no problem planning an evening that is sure to woo your sweetheart.