Valentine's Day 101 from Downtown Boulder

I always know when my husband waits until the last minute to buy me a card for a special occasion. I can only imagine the fear that sets in when he rushes into a store in the eleventh hour only to find a small selection of picked over cards for "someone special" or "anyone."

With just over a week until the most romantic holiday of the year, here are some thoughts and suggestions of not only gift ideas but things to see and do. Honey, if you are reading this, take notes!

Thanks to Bacaro, couples can enjoy a special a special Valentine's Day menu starting February 12 - February 15. For $40 per person, you have several delicious dishes to choose from starting with an Antipasti selection, main course selection and dessert for two (chocolate-dipped strawberries).

Valentine's weekend in Downtown Boulder is definitely the pace to be. There is a lot of exciting things happening (and Downtown city parking garages are free that Saturday, Sunday and Monday - Feb. 14, 15 & 16).

On Valentine's Day from 6 to 8 p.m., Color Me Mine is inviting couples to come paint their hearts out. Couples can paint while enjoying refreshments (before dinner), soft music & pottery. The staff will take good care of you and clean up after you! The $40 cost includes pottery for each person (choose between selected items), hors d'oeuvres & refreshments. Bring your own bottle of wine and they will help you serve it. Reservations a must - call for details: 303-443-3469.

Grab some skates and go for a spin around the Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza. The rink closes on February 16. The rink recently made the list of TripAdvisor's Top 10 Bargain Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks. Located just a few blocks south of the Pearl Street Mall, the rink is surrounded by shops and cafes, as well as Sensorielle - a luxurious wellbeing spa focused in the complete care and nourishment of the "being" with an array of specialized treatments.

After skating, spend some time supporting the locals and saving some 'Presidents' as you shop the annual Mid Winter Sidewalk Sales. Fantastic deals are waiting both on and off the Bricks! Following a few hours of shopping, catch a flick at the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF). In fact, plan to stay around and enjoy their Valentine's Day Gala where comedic legend Chevy Chase will be honored. The evening starts at the Boulder Theater with a reception, food from the Cheesecake Factory and live music by the Hazel Miller Jazz Trio. Chase will be honored with a film retrospective of his work, followed by a Q&A session on stage with Ron Bostwick, BIFF executive producer.

In terms of actual gifts, the possibilities are endless in Downtown Boulder. We put together a gift guide to highlight just a sampling of what's out there. Feeling overwhelmed with the options? A Downtown Boulder gift card fits perfectly into that special card that you are going to go out and purchase sooner rather than later. Happy Valentine's Day from Downtown Boulder!