Romantics rejoice and haters unite! Whether you’re a fan or not, Valentine’s Day has become the insignia for the month of February, overshadowing Groundhog’s Day (Sorry, Punxsutawney Phil, maybe next year!) and usurping the limelight from the month’s other holidays. It is a time of romantic romps for some and wishful thinking for others. And then there are also those brazen individuals that denounce the mushy-gushy merriment and instead humor the world with their “down with love” antics. In honor of the lovers and haters alike, here is a list of ideas for any type wanting to celebrate or satirize Valentine’s Day weekend this year:

Competitive couples
Put your game face on and get ready for some friendly competition. Surprise your Valentine with a plan to visit Powder Ridge Sporting Clays to give your best shot at the sporting clay course or the 3-D archery range. Spend the evening watching action packed movies, playing a whole slew of competitive board games, and taking bets on who will be the victor at the upcoming date to Powder Ridge. Or you could postpone your celebration until the 15th and head on over to the tennis and fitness center at The Greenbrier for a day-after-Valentine’s-Day date at the mixed doubles strategy clinic.

Classic romantics
Grab your sweetheart by the hand and go for a stroll downtown Lewisburg. Catch a movie at the charming Lewis Theatre and top off the night with ambrosial desserts from Stardust Café while you delight in conversation and absorb the alluring atmosphere. Or if you’re in White Sulphur Springs, treat your date to Prime 44’s “Wine for Lovers” tasting event at The Greenbrier Resort and then smoothly finish off the night at 50 East for some live jazz.

Free bird females
Whether you’re on a hiatus after a bad breakup, are peeved about spending yet another Valentine’s Day without a courter, or simply feel that dating has absolutely no room in your busy, career/goal-oriented life, don’t let your circumstance keep you from going out and having a good time. Round up your pals for an empowering girls’ night at L&S Pistol Range in Caldwell and then spend the rest of the evening carrying on and cracking up over dinner with the people that will always be there to support you and make you feel great.

Wishful thinkers
Disheartened by the thought that Valentine’s Day never goes according to plan or never quite meets your expectations? Skip the social scene, ditch keeping up appearances, and celebrate solo at home. Grab some Giovanni’s Italian Takeout and an order of long stemmed chocolate covered strawberries from B Sweet Confectionary and make a date with your favorite romantic movies. They certainly won’t disappoint you, nor will they judge you for getting sappy and reaching for the box of tissues. It’s your party and you can cry if you want to.

And lastly…

Commitment-fearing bachelors Run!
Go into hiding and lay low for a week until all of the pink pastels and heart shaped trinkets have disappeared from the store shelves. While you’re at it, bust out that beard and cultivate that mustache because when you emerge from your man cave and beat your chest in triumphant victory over eluding yet another sickly sweet holiday, you can go straight to The Man Event at Jody Wooton’s Historic Home in Lewisburg (limited tickets), a Carnegie Hall benefit, on February 22nd and win a prize for having the best display of facial hair. Other enjoyments include cigars and goods from Smooth Ambler Spirits.

No matter your style and no matter your capacity for romance, go forth and celebrate Valentine’s Day in any way you see fit. After all, other than the people around you, one of the greatest loves you have in life should be for yourself and your happiness, so be sure to not only treat your Valentine this year, but to also treat yourself.

– Jennifer Sprouse, LBSPY #50. (Feb 10-March 10, 2014)