Ahhhhh, yes. Valentine’s Day. Cards. Flowers. Gifts. Dinner. Drinks.
No doubt, this special day can bring copious amounts of Lifetime movie-inspired romance to countless couples everywhere. But frankly, for those single folks among us, it’s also a day to celebrate the sheer respite of being uncuffed from long-term commitment.
Look out for #1
Sure, you can get a quick date for the Big Day from one of the many dating apps available. But embracing singledom can mean swiping left on online dating all together — at least for a little while. Instead, spend Valentine’s Day doing the things that don’t require a plus one.
Take a little you-time with beauty and sweet, sweet silence by having a jaunt through the city’s expansive Cleveland Metroparks or among the 33,000 acres making up the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Embarrassed by the fact that you still moon walk with Michael Jackson at full volume when you're home alone? Don't be. Mingle with like-minded folk at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and take in memorabilia from all the greats — including Michael's sequined glove. Now’s a good time to cross this one off the Bucket List.
And, while you’re at it, might as well hit up the Cleveland Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland or one of these other local art galleries so you can have a little peace and quiet while you admire the works of masters.
Or, better yet, treat yo' self with a blow-out at Style House Beauty Bar, a men’s manicure at Manifest or a massage at Marengo Luxury Spa.
I GOT 99 PROBLEMS BUT A BAR AIN'T ONE
Cleveland’s got plenty of beloved local joints where, frankly, “everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came.”
Prosperity Social Club is at the top of this list with its kitsch Americana décor matched with a serious dose of authenticity (not to mention, the pierogies are amazing!).
Another absolute favorite among locals is the collection of beer-centric must-visits owned by Ohio City proprietor Sam McNulty. Included in his impressive repertoire of ultra-Cleveland establishments — all great for singles — are Market Garden Brewery and Nano Brew. You can even take a weekend behind-the-scenes tour of his production facility.
So, whether singledom means eating as many hot dogs as you dang well please at Happy Dog, trying an experimental cocktail at a CLE bar, exploring the food scene in a unique neighborhood or nom-nom-noming your way through a local favorite, grab your buds and get out on the town.
Play the field
Up your game a bit and add some activity to your night out. A bevy of pubs and restaurants in Cleveland are turning the traditional bar experience into one that’s a bit more interactive.
Case in point: Corner Alley. Nothing builds camaraderie with your besties quite like some good, healthy competition. And, what sexier way to do it than in bowling shoes?! With two locations (Downtown and Uptown), Corner Alley takes the rough and gruff out of the traditional bowling alley experiences and replaces it with a nice mix of swanky cocktails, craft brews and plenty of space to throw some strikes.
Down in the Flats East Bank, friends are toasting craft beers and fruity drinks whilst competing in bowling, ping pong, darts, foosball, shuffleboard and more at Punch Bowl Social.
Or, head over to Ohio City to spend the night battling your friends in more than 1,000 board games at Tabletop Board Game Café. Farther down Lorain Ave., it’s time to “move over grandma” with Forest City Shuffleboard featuring five courts, pop-up food offerings and a solid drink list. Just a few miles west in nearby Lakewood, BFFs are busy gaming inside Pins Mechanical Company, a social destination featuring duckpin bowling, 40+ pinball machines and many more ‘old school’ entertainment options, complete with Donkey Kong, Pac-Man and Frogger.