While you can’t go wrong with a classic candle-lit dinner on Valentine’s weekend, thinking outside the box may score you extra brownie points with your significant other. Here are six unique ways to celebrate the occasion near your Greenrock community that aren’t so overdone:

  • Live Out Your Fairy Tale

Treat yourselves to a romantic tour at Casa Loma, one of Toronto’s most majestic landmarks. Located at 1 Austin Terrace, just steps from Dupont station, the historic castle is open for general admission on Saturday, February 12th and Sunday, February 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The beautiful architecture and lavishly decorated rooms make for the perfect backdrop to feel like royalty for the day.

  • Cue the Music

On Saturday, February 12th at 7:30 p.m. at Roy Thomson Hall, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform a special “Valentine’s Soundtrack” concert conducted by the talented Lucas Waldin. The orchestra will play a wide repertoire of the most romantic songs from musical theatre and the movie screen, including “My Heart Will Go On”, “I Will Always Love You”, “All of Me”, as well as favourites from The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, La La Land, and Romeo and Juliet.

  • Lighten the Mood

If jokes are more your style, the Comedy Bar at 945 Bloor St. W is hosting a special Valentine’s improv show on Monday, February 14th at 8:00 p.m. “Actor’s Nightmare, Make it or Break It”, hosted by Jordan Shore & Taylor Hreljac, will feature several talented actors, improvisers, and comedians. All performers will be given well-known scripts and scenes to read from and then paired up with a scene partner who will have no prior knowledge of the skit. Sit back and watch hilarity ensue as the actors make -or break- the scene.

  • Unleash Your Inner Picasso

Embrace your creative side for an afternoon of painting fun at the Midtown Gastro Hub on Saturday, February 12th at 2:00 p.m. The theme of the paint workshop is Season’s of Love with matching owls sitting on a tree branch to compliment your significant other’s work of art. Don’t worry if yours turns out messy, it’s all about the memories!

  • Book a Virtual Craft Beer Tour

For those who prefer to keep the romance at home, a virtual craft beer tour is a great option to unwind and learn what goes into the perfect brew. Here’s how it works: Toronto Brewery Tours delivers hand-selected craft beers from local breweries right to your doorstep and a certified Brewmaster hops on a video call to teach you about the brewing process and what makes each beer unique. You’ll be feeling like proud beer connoisseurs by the end of the night.

  • Earn Bragging Rights

Show off your competitive spirit at one of Toronto’s many arcade bars scattered across the city. Tilt Arcade Bar is just off Dundas at Bathurst and boasts a large collection of over 50 vintage arcade and pinball machines. There’s also FreePlay Toronto just off College and Spadina, or if modern games are more your style, The Rec Room is just a short walk from the CN Tower on Bremner Blvd.

Keep following Greenrock’s blog for more activities to keep you busy this winter. We just posted a five-day decluttering challenge with tips for you to get a head start on spring cleaning: https://www.greenrockrs.ca/about/news/junk-free-january-five-day-decluttering-challenge-for-your-apartment-suite