With Valentine’s Day a week away, planning a romantic evening for your loved one can be a daunting task.  The traditional dinner and movie can often become tiresome options for couples who have been in a relationship for some time.  Think outside the box this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening you can both enjoy.  

Set aside some time for the two of you to visit a spa and indulge in a couple’s massage.  The Spa of Turlock is offering a Valentine’s Day at the spa with sparkling drinks and gourmet chocolate.

“Let us take the stress out of Valentine’s Day,” said spa manager Chris Blake.  “We have two romantic packages that you can choose from and we will gladly do the pampering for you.”

The Table for Two Package, priced at $150 includes a special couple’s massage room with soft music the delicate flicker of candle light and rose pedals on the massage tables.

“Enjoy a relaxing one hour stress relief massage side-by-side filled with champagne, gourmet chocolate and long stem rose for the Mrs.,” said Blake.

The Seventh Heaven Package, priced at $300 includes exclusive couples massage filled with assortment and refreshments, but it doesn’t end there.  After the massage the couple is whisked away to enjoy soothing Image Signature Facials.

“Couples will melt away to the soft sounds as their skin is cleansed, exfoliated and refreshed with this relaxing facial,” said Blake.

The Spa of Turlock is also offering a Cupid’s Cupcake Valentine’s Pedicure for the entire month of February.  This month’s seasonal pedicure includes Whoopie Pie foot soak followed by a sweet cream sugar scrub to help restore dry feet.

“We guarantee that customers will love the vanilla cupcake smelling pedicure and manicure,” said Blake.  “This seasonal pedicure is served with complimentary pastry and sparkling drink.”

After being pampered from head to toe, it’s on to dinner. But not every Valentine’s Day meal has to take place in a restaurant with prix fixe menus and reservations. Put together a picnic — indoors or out, surprise or planned —  and turn a romantic meal into a sweet tradition.

California State University, Stanislaus is the perfect venue for a romantic outing. We don’t all live at the edge of a beach, but that’s no reason to ignore a gorgeous sunset viewed from one of the university’s scenic walkways. Or throw down a big comfy blanket and lots of pillows to turn your living room into a romantic indoor picnic.

Romantic Valentine’s Day picnics are an extraordinary way to show how much thought you put into celebrating your relationship with your special someone. Picnics are less expensive than dining out, allow more room for spontaneity and creativity, and bring out the fun side of romance.

Fire up the imagination and pull out the picnic basket if you have one.  Set the mood of the romantic evening with candles and music in the background.  It will be an unforgettable evening for the both of you.



— NANCY ANGEL /

 209 staff reporter