With Valentine’s Day approaching, it can be difficult to figure out plans with friends or a special someone. Check out this list of activities to celebrate the love filled holiday.

Museums and Exhibits

Cameron Art Museum

Cost: $14 per ticket, free with student ID

3201 S 17th St. Wilmington, NC 28412

Cameron Art Museum provides the experience of viewing art from different artists. While touring the museum, visitors can stop by the coffee shop and sip on drinks during their visit. Current exhibits that are on display include pieces from the artists Elizabeth Darrow, Gayle Tustin and Karen Paden Crouch.

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science

Cost: $8 per ticket

814 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about local history in the Wilmington area. In addition, there are science exhibits, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, and history exhibits, like those covering the 1898 Wilmington Massacre and focused on Michael Jordan.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Cost: $12.95 per ticket

900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a great way to dive into the ocean and learn about the wildlife around N.C. Some of the featured animals exhibited include otters, albino alligators, sharks and various other animals. Visitors can also stroll down the nature trail and enjoy the scenic route of the aquarium.

Restaurants and Bakeries

Indochine (Restaurant)

$$ – Thai Food

7 Wayne Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403

Indochine Restaurant offers an experience to diner’s that is unique to the local area. Visitors can explore the variety of entrees such as fried rice and noodles, curry, and other creations from Indochine.

On Thyme Restaurant

$$ – Sandwiches and Burgers

918 Castle St. Wilmington, NC 28401

On Thyme Restaurant offers burgers, wings and chicken sandwiches. They have a range of appetizers from loaded fries to Philly egg rolls. On Thyme puts their own personal spin on everyday dishes to make them unique for visitors.

The Jelly Cabinet Bakery

1011 N 4th St. Wilmington, NC 28401

The Jelly Cabinet is a local bakery featuring a daily assortment of baked goods. During this Valentine’s season, The Jelly Cabinet is creating delicious sweet treats from strawberry Nutella cinnamon rolls to strawberry heart biscuits. However, it is first come, first serve. Get there fast!

Apple Annie’s Bake Shop

837 S Kerr Ave. Wilmington, NC 28403

Apple Annie’s bake shop is a local bakery in the Wilmington area. They provide sweet treats from cinnamon buns, cakes, cookies and bread. This bakery has gluten free options.

Crafts

Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards

Have a bit of a crafty side? Gather some basic supplies (markers, crayons, etc.) and paper to make a Valentine’s Day card for your friends or loved one. It is an easy craft and allows for creative freedom and expression.

Baking Sweets

While going out may not be an option, baking is always a way to someone’s heart. Baking cookies, cakes or cupcakes with friends or loved ones is a unique way to spend time with one another. A friendly recipe is three ingredient sugar cookies that can be decorated with Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles.

Pal-n-tine’s Bracelets

Create friendship bracelets for your friends to show your appreciation for them. Make the bracelets to match your friends’ individual personalities by adding charms and letter beads.  

Stay At Home / Free!

Watch Movies

Grab some snacks and turn on your favorite movie. Relax with your friends or loved one and enjoy a film of your choice! Tune into chick flick classics like “10 Things I Hate About You,” streaming on Disney+, Freeform, DIRECTV and fuboTV.

Play Games

Gather up some board and card games and let the playing begin! Relax and have fun with friends and loved ones and tap into your competitive side. Pick up games like Cards Against Humanity for giggles and We Are Not Really Strangers to get to know your friends on a deeper level.

Go to the Beach

Spend a day at the beach with your friends or loved one. This is a perfect time to spend quality time with one another or to get to know each other against the backdrop of the ocean. Visit Carolina Beach, Fort Fisher or Wrightsville beach for a day filled with fun.