Americans shell out about $2.2 billion on candy alone for Valentine’s Day and buy 58 million pounds of chocolate in the seven days leading up to Feb. 14.
On top of that, men purchase about 75% of the 110 million roses sold in the U.S. during that time.
But if you’re looking to up your game, there are experiences out there that are just as romantic, a bit more creative and just as appreciated.
Northern Light Balloon Expeditions offer a 40-minute breathtaking sunrise balloon ride over the red rocks of Sedona, ending in a champagne breakfast. Float among the mountains in serene, romantic silence as you gaze across the horizon.
If you’re making it a romantic weekend, the company offers complimentary pick-up and return to your Sedona hotel or a central meeting spot.
Take a romantic train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. Step aboard the renovated vintage train in Clarkdale and find yourself transported back to a time of luxurious and leisurely train travel.
This four-hour excursion takes you on a 20-mile journey. Book the exclusive caboose, designed for a private party of six or indulge yourselves and book it just for the two of you. This luxurious car includes over-sized chairs, picture windows, cupola seating for a birds-eye view and two private outdoor viewing platforms.
A personal valet pours your complimentary Champagne upon boarding and serves freshly prepared appetizers. Premium alcoholic beverages are also available.
Strip down together and indulge in a couple’s massage at Heart and Soul Sanctuary in Flagstaff. With incense burning and soft music playing, choose from 60, 90 or 120 minutes of a customized therapeutic massage side by side that includes aromatherapy, reflexology, hot stones, energy healing and deep-heat treatment.
Types of massages include Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, acupressure, sports, compression, myofascial release and more.
If you’re a movie buff and feeling generous, book The Freezer, the ultimate private-screening room hidden inside Harkins Camelview at Fashion Square. This extravagant theater seats up to 24 guests, but it can be for just the two of you.
It is generously decorated with reclining seats, casual soft seats, soft pillows and cozy blankets.
Once inside, you’ll enjoy unlimited popcorn, soft drinks and café beverages. Alcohol is available from the bar. You’ll enjoy a dedicated staff, in-theater food service and a private en-suite restroom. Best of all, you get to choose the movie.
Of course, nobody turns down chocolate and flowers, so you may want to bring those along anyway.
