Roses are Red, Water is Blue, Here are Some Valentine Ideas for You!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Still don't have plans for Valentine Day? Many aquariums are doing special V-Day events. Below are some of my top picks.


Best for Adults - "Motions of the Oceans Sleepover"
Credit: Georgia Aquarium

The beautiful backdrop of the Georgia Aquarium and the 21+ age restriction creates the ideal setting for adult couples looking for an romantic evening.


Start the evening out right with a cocktail and appetizers at the reception. Then, feast on a seductive dinner, featuring kumomoto oysters, by Wolfgang Puck Catering.

After dinner, attend the "Motions of the Oceans" lecture by married aquarium biologists Al and Patricia Dove. The lecture focuses on mating rituals of marine animals, or as the couple put it,
"Everything I wanted to know about what fish do when the lights are out but was afraid to ask."

Next up, guests will receive a behind-the-scenes and gallery tours. Then it's lights out as guests spend the night with spectacular views of whale sharks in the Ocean Voyage gallery. Breakfast will be provided the following morning.

For more information, go to www.georgiaaquarium.org or call 404-581-4000.



Best for Families - "Sleep in the Deep"


Credit: Tennessee Aquarium

Want to include your kids in you V-day plans? Try the Tennessee Aquarium's family friendly sleepover with tons of great activities.

Throughout the night families will learn about critter courtship, dine on pizza, watch an IMAX 3-D movie, and explore behind the scenes at the aquarium. Guests will also get the chance to encounter aquarium animals close up. Then,
fall asleep watching the exotic fish near the soothing Gulf of Mexico exhibit. Wake up early for your breakfast and then feed the river otters their breakfast.

All children 6+ y/o welcome if accompanied by an adult.

For more information, go to http://www.tnaqua.org or call
423-267-FISH.




Best for a Budget - "The Wild Side of Love"
  • Where: The Cincinnati Zoo
  • When: Feb. 14th 7PM
  • Price: $26/Non-Member Couple, $22/Member Couple

Credit: Cincinnati Zoo

OK, so it's not an aquarium, but they do have marine animals. Besides, I think the 2nd oldest zoo in America deserves some credit for offering a fun and affordable way to spend time with your sweetheart.

Think it's hard to get a date? At this event, visitors will learn about the extreme measures some animals use to attract a mate. Each ticket admits two people and even includes sparkling beverages and chocolate. Guests must be 16+.

For more information, go to http://www.cincinnatizoo.org or call 513-559-7767.



Best for Singles - "The Masquerade Ball"
  • Where: The Virginia Aquarium
  • When: Feb. 14th 9 PM - 1 AM
  • Price: Regular $35, Couples $60, VIP $50, Presidential Package $200
Credit: InsiderPassport

No date, no problem. Grab some friends, and go to the Masquerade Ball at the Virginia Aquarium.

While masks are not required, attire is definitely dressy. There will be Hip Hop, R&B, Top 40's, Dance and Reggae music. Also, they're giving away cash prizes for the best masks. When you need a break from dancing, check out the sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.
Guests must be 21+.

If you splurge a little for the VIP ticket you will get priority entry, free coat check, midnight champagne toast, and a special VIP lounge and bar. Also a reception will be provided for VIP guests with free wine, beer, passed
hors d'ouevres, a southern buffet, as well as a dessert bar.

The Presidential package includes the entire VIP package for two adults,
plus overnight accommodations at a Virginia Beach ocean front hotel.

Please note that this event is run by Amayesing Events, not the Virginia Aquarium.

For more information, go to www.themasqueradeball.eventbrite.com.


Can't make it to any of these aquariums? You can still send a cute Valentine's Day E-Card from the Tennessee Aquarium here or from the Monterey Bay Aquarium here.