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Unique Valentine's Day Ideas 2012

By , About.com Guide

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and love is in the air. Here are some unique Valentine's Day suggestions--because not everyone wants a dozen red roses.

1. Take a Romantic Hot Air Balloon Flight

Photo courtesy of Rohr

We've all seen beautiful hot air balloons in flight over the Metroplex -- and maybe even gone to the annual hot air balloon festivals. But have you ever thought of taking a romantic ride in one? That would be an incredible Valentine's Day adventure.

Rohr Balloons specializes in sunrise or sunset balloon rides complete with champagne. Want to pop the question? They can help you out with something extraordinary. It's safe (each balloon comes with an FAA commercial licensed pilot) and it's thrilling.

The cost is $225 (per person) for a group flight (2-10) in a larger balloon or $700 for a private flight (with the pilot) and it includes champagne after the flight. Photos of your flight are included in the price.

Balloons depart from McKinney. For more information or to schedule a balloon flight, contact Brian Rohr at 214-733-9915.

2. Blood, Chainsaws and Valentines

What: If you're looking for an alternative to a box of chocolates from the grocery store, then why not take your sweetie to "Blood, Chainsaws and Valentines" at Moxley Manor to celebrate your love? It's a wicked kind of love.

When: Open February 11, 12 and 14, 2012 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Moxley Manor, 510 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021.

Cost: $15 per person; $20 speedpass

3. Keith & Margo's St. Valentine's Day Massacre

A very realistic, live action, interactive murder mystery unlike any you've seen before. It's a cocktail party, dinner, funny detectives and a great overall evening. This February, celebrate with Keith & Margo’s St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, the 22nd Annual Valentine’s Celebration in Dallas.

When: Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Locations: Omni Dallas Park West Hotel, 1590 LBJ Freeway @ Luna Road, Dallas, TX 75234.

Complete details here.

4. "Bring It On" - Dallas Summer Musicals

Catch "Bring It On - the Musical" February 14-28, 2012.

Choose from Monty Python's Spamalot, Guys and Dolls, 9 to 5, West Side Story and more. Get tickets at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, Dallas, TX 75230

Dallas Summer Musicals, Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas, TX.

5. Guys: Check Out a Special Gift from Dry Bar

Dry Bar
Here's a suggestion for the guys to look into for their girls. Blow her away with this gift from Dry Bar.

Watch the video for complete details.

The Shops of Highland Park, 4222 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX 75219, 214-989-6136. Shops at Legacy North, 7300 Lonestar Dr. Ste. C126, Plano, TX 75024, 214-989-6136.

6. Dallas Museum of Art

Photo courtesy of Dallas Museum of Art

Why celebrate Valentine’s Day only on the 14th? The Dallas Museum of Art offers a week of sweet ways to celebrate with your sweetheart.  Whether it be your date or your family, share the experience of two DMA organized exhibitions, appearances by authors, family fun activities, Late Night, and more.   You can even shop for something special in the DMA Gift Shop.

Don't forget that February 12, 2012 is the Closing Day for The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier.

Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood, Dallas, TX 75201. 214-922-1200.

7. Do Something Philantropic: Dallas Foundation's Giving for Good Card

Give the gift that really does keep on giving this Valentine's Day. The Dallas Foundation’s Giving for Good card program is the first of its kind in North Texas. Much like a retail gift card, a Giving for Good card can be redeemed to benefit any 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States, including schools, churches and synagogues. You can order a Giving for Good card and give the card to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday, holiday or a job well done. No more searching for the perfect gift, and you get the tax deduction! More than 1,000 cards have already been purchased by generous gift-givers. Learn more here.

8. Dallas Zoo

If you're looking for an opportunity to snuggle up with your sweetie, then take a trip to the Dallas Zoo. The temperature has dropped and so has the price of admission to only $5 for the entire month of February. So make like a penguin and enjoy the cooler temps.

The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35 at Marsalis). The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

9. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Angela Patterson

There's nothing wrong with hitting the local grocery store on your way home from work and buying a box of assorted chocolates. But you can make your Valentine feel exta special by going to the extra effort of stopping by a specialty shop like the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for your Valentine's favorite treat. They have something for every chocolate lover like Gourmet Truffles ($19.25). Or try something new (even healthier if your sweetie is a fitness buff) like a Rocky Road Caramel Apple. Locations throughout DFW.

10. Amy's Cookies

Photo courtesy of Amyscookies.net

If you want to surprise your coworkers (or your loved one) this Valentine's Day, check out these cute, personalized cookies from Amy's Cookies. Made-from-scratch, iced cookies can be personalied with almost anything imaginable. Whether you want to celebrate with coworkers or your sweetie, these sweet treats are sure to be a hit.

Amy's Cookies. 972-712-9343.

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