Valentine’s Day: Simple, Memorable Date Ideas to Spark Connection

Corey Stokes

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you’ve been together for a few months or a few decades, planning a date can sometimes feel overwhelming. The pressure to make the day perfect often overshadows the real goal: connecting with the person you love.

My wife, Michelline, and I have been married for 27 years. Over the years, we’ve had our fair share of big moments, but the dates we remember most aren’t about extravagance—they’re about the effort, the laughs, and the connection. So, keep this Valentine’s Day simple, meaningful, and fun.

Here are some of my favorite date ideas, inspired by our journey together and

1. Home-Cooked Candlelight Dinner

If you’re staying in this Valentine’s Day, try turning your home into a romantic restaurant. Cook a meal, set the table with candles and flowers, and dress up like you’re going out. One of my favorite memories with Michey was recreating a fancy date night in our shared kitchen when we were starting out. It wasn’t about the food—it was about the effort and the smile on her face.

2. Coffee or Tea Date

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. Head to your favorite coffee or tea shop, grab your go-to drinks, and just sit and talk. Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen over a warm cup in a cozy corner.

3. Share a Meal

If you’re heading out but working with a smaller budget, try sharing a meal. Order an appetizer and one main dish to split. When Michey and I were younger, this was our go-to move. We’d even let the server know our budget, and they’d help us make it memorable.

4. Take a Walk or Hike

There’s something peaceful about walking hand-in-hand. Walking together gives you uninterrupted time to talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company, whether it’s a trail, a park, or just your neighborhood. (Pro tip: If your partner says, “Slow down, we’re on a date,” take the hint—hold hands, match their pace, and enjoy the moment.)

5. Drinks by the Fire

If you have access to a fireplace or a fire pit, light it up! Grab some drinks—wine, hot cocoa, or your favorite cocktails—and spend the evening stargazing and chatting. The simplicity of sitting together under the stars can create some of the most romantic moments.

6. Plan an Overnight Getaway

Even one night away from the routine can work wonders for your relationship. Find a nearby hotel, pack lightly, and spend the evening reconnecting whether it’s having deep conversations, acting like kids again, or just enjoying the magic of being somewhere new, the time away can leave you both feeling refreshed and closer than ever.

The Heart of Valentine’s Day

The best dates aren’t about how much you spend or how extravagant your plans are. They’re about the connection you build. This Valentine’s Day, don’t stress over perfection. Instead, focus on talking, dreaming, and enjoying each other’s presence.

Whether you’re sharing a meal, sipping coffee, or gazing at the stars, what truly matters is the time you take to listen, laugh, and grow together. Love isn’t found in the details—it’s in the connection.

So, what will your perfect Valentine’s date look like this year? Whatever it is, make it yours. Remember, the goal is to say, “I love and appreciate you.” It doesn’t require much to do that.

Let’s talk!

Let me know what you have planned for spending time with your sweetheart this year. How will you show them you adore and appreciate them?

Whatever we are doing, my goal is simple: I want to end the day seeing that smile on her face!
Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Catching Up with Corey Project

First off, what is that I’m drinking? Some time between my scrolling and procrastinating to start this project, I saw a video about a coffee infused old fashioned. I even have the coffee beans re-roasting so I can grind them for some bourbon flavored coffee. I’ll included what I did below. But, know that the old fashioned is devine!

Ok, let’s get down to business. This is something that I am very excited to write about. It has literally kept me up at night.

Have you ever stopped to consider what success truly means to you? It’s a question that sparks a thousand different answers, a testament to the rich tapestry of human experience.

With the launch of my new project I am on a mission to capture this very essence. I believe that traditional portrayals of success often fall short, failing to encompass the vast spectrum of individual aspirations and achievements.

Your Story Matters: Sharing Your Definition of Success

This project aims to shine a light on the unique journeys of successful individuals, specifically focusing on how they define success in their own lives. Perhaps you’ve climbed the corporate ladder, redefined work-life balance, or pursued a creative passion with unwavering dedication. Whatever your path, your story holds immense value. And I want to hear it.

Flexible Participation: Shaping the Narrative Together

Soon, I will be conducting interviews to get a realistic, everyday person definition of success. From the single mom, successfully making ends meet and still spending time with her kids; to the stories of people that pull themselves up out of poverty. This is what success truly is. As Earl Nightingale said “…success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” That’s why I’ve designed this project with flexible participation options in mind. The first set of invitations have already gone out, and I’m excited see the results. Here is what you should expect!

  • Concise Questionnaire: Time is precious. I understand that. So I created a short questionnaire for selected participants to fill out to capture their key insights.
  • In-Depth Conversation: For those willing to delve deeper, the option to schedule a conversation allows for a richer exploration of your experiences. Which will be made availalbe on my website under the heading “Catching Up With Corey”

The Power of Shared Wisdom: Inspiring Others

I think we can learn from those participating, that success is not just about fame and fortune. Those may come as a result of your success. But that is not all that success is. I will be asking people that have influenced me, as well as others to contribute to a valuable resource that will inspire and guide aspiring individuals seeking their own definitions of success. Their insights will offer invaluable perspectives on overcoming challenges, navigating career transitions, and achieving personal fulfillment. Truthfully, I am very excited!

Join the Conversation: Let’s Redefine Success Together

If you are reading this, and someone pops into your head whose story you feel should be shared, tell them to contact me. I’m eager to hear about the success that you are achieving. Whether they choose to complete the questionnaire or share your story in a conversation, participation will be instrumental in shaping this project.

Together, we can redefine success and celebrate the unique journeys that make each of us extraordinary.

Stay tuned for further updates on the project!

Coffee old fashioned

This is a loose recipe. I’ll admit I threw it together based on the video I saw on Instagram (and, as scrolling through social media works, I could not find the recipe again). So, this is an estimation of my recipe.

1/2 cup whole coffee been

1 cup whiskey

Maple syrup (to taste- start with 1 oz)

Orange peal

1 coffee bean (garnish- optional)

Instructions

1. Place whole coffee beans in a mason jar

2. Pour bourbon. Into massin jar. Ensure you fully cover the coffee beans

3. Shake well

4. Refrigerate for 24 to 72 hours.

5. Strain whiskey off of coffee beans into a glass

6. Add Maple syrup

7. Stir ( or add all I grendiant into a mixer and shake well)

8. Add orange peal and coffee need as needed

9. Pour in to drinking glass

10. Enjoy!

Bourbon coffee

Place whiskey-infused beans into a grinder. Grind all beans. Place in the refrigerator until use (30 days Maximum). Brew as normal. Enjoy your bourbon coffee!