When the drugstore Christmas section goes on sale, store shelves begin the assault of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and a flurry of red and pink. Love is all up in your face, so if Valentine’s Day just isn’t your style, try one of our alternatives instead.
1. Create a drunken masterpiece with Paint Nite
A popular girls’ night out and DIY twofer, Paint Nite offers up a professional painter to help you create your very own masterpiece. On Valentine’s Day, toast to a sunset heart tree painting that, of course, gets better as the night gets boozy-er.
5 p.m., $45, 21+
6245 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale
paintnite.com/events/1042834.html
2. Get relaxed with a Serenity Massage at New Serenity Spa
Why worry about dates when you can forget all about St. Valentine? This 60-minute, full-body massage ($89) literally pampers you from head to toe.
15609 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
480-998-6991, newserenityspa.com
3. Volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul
Here’s a way to give back for all you do-gooders out there. Help make someone else’s day special by donating your time to a worthy cause.
Free (+100 karma points)
602-261-6886, stvincentdepaul.net/volunteer
4. Guys’ night at Majerle’s Sports Grill
No special someone? We think beer, wings, and the NBA All Stars game are a perfectly acceptable substitute. Or, if you’re taking your date here, you’re probably doing Valentine’s Day wrong.
24 N. Second St., Phoenix
602-253-0118, majerles.com
5. Attend the “Anti Valentine’s Day” at The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen
If you’re a morning person, how can you say no to $4 mimosas, $7 Bloody Marys and brunch? If you’re more of a night owl, fall in love with Cupid’s “buy one, give one” shots with your friend or that cutie you see across the bar.
26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe
480-967-0578, thelodgetempe.com
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