Valentine’s Day has come and gone.
Enormous amounts of energy have gone into planning special romantic evenings that included roses, chocolates and dinners with champagne.
Lovely? Sure. Original? Not really.
If you’re looking to create a genuinely romantic experience that is truly unique, you need only look as far as the great outdoors.
As the temperatures begin to warm, think about renting a kayak for you and your honey.
Try heading out into the salt marsh an hour or so before sunset. For starters, paddling a double kayak together can be a crash course in trust and communication. Working together to navigate your kayak can teach you how to function as a team and bring to light interesting dynamics in your relationship.
Plus, you can experience the incredible flora and fauna of Hilton Head Island’s tidal ecosystem, while the brilliant colors of the sunset dance across the sky and reflect in the water. Well, you can’t get much more romantic than that.
If you’re looking for something even more romantic than a sunset cruise for two, try a guided moonlight paddle. Imagine paddling along in the golden moonlight, listening to the fascinating nocturnal creatures coming to life all around you.
Looking for a daylight frolic with your love?
Consider packing a picnic and exploring Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Pinckney Island has a rich history, but in 1975, then-owners James Barker and Edward Starr donated the island and many of the smaller surrounding islands to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with the condition that they be used as a National Wildlife Refuge.
Now you can grab some crusty bread, stinky cheese and a bottle of wine and spend an exciting day with your boo in the wild. Imagine the two of you checking out the snowy egret and little blue heron chicks at Starr Pond. Or experiencing the wonder of walking through tens of thousands of fiddler crabs on the high marsh flats. From the butterfly garden to the miles of trail, there are countless settings that offer awesome, shared experiences.
One of the most romantic outside venues is one of the best-kept secrets in Bluffton.
Grab your guy or girl and discover the beauty of the 22,000 acres that comprise Palmetto Bluff. Rent an electric bike and ride under the breathtaking Avenue of the Oaks. Climb to the top of the five-story treehouse to take in the stunning views and to shoot one of the coolest selfies ever! Rent two paddleboards for a lazy float along the May River. Then, wrap this a magical day with a scrumptious meal at one of Palmetto Bluff’s incredible restaurants.
When you live on, or are visiting, one of the most beautiful places in the world, creating a special day for your significant other can be as simple as stepping out the door. However, if you need a little extra guidance or inspiration, visit outsidehiltonhead.com for all kinds of great ideas for the perfect first (or fiftieth) date.
By Anneliza Itkor, Outside Hilton Head
To book an outing with Outside Hilton Head, call (843) 686-6996 or visit outsidehiltonhead.com.
