Flowers die, champagne goes flat and chocolate – well, there’s really nothing bad to say about it.
So what’s a person to do to dazzle his or her love this year, especially since Valentine’s Day falls on a pretty un-romantic Tuesday?
How about dance? But not just any dance. Try the passionate tango, which is sure to get the heart pumping in more ways than one. And throw in an iconic setting – in this case Union Station’s historic Ticketing Hall – and you can have your own taste of “La La Land.’’
Metro Art is offering “Tango in the Train Station’’ on Feb. 14 complete with free lessons and demonstrations and performances by Carlos Barrionuevo and Mayte Valdes. The couple will be accompanied by the live orchestra Tangotico led by composer/producer Matias Piegari. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Dance lessons are at 8 p.m. and the “milonga” or social dance is at 8:30 p.m. The orchestra will entertain from 9 to 10:30 p.m.
Barrionuevo and Valdes are tango veterans performing in the show “Forever Tango,’’ as well as in shows throughout the world. Piegari was born in Argentina and studied film scoring and composing at UCLA. Metro Art Presents showcases free arts and cultural programs at Union Station. For more information, visit www.unionstationla.com
If you’ve got two left feet, no worries. There are plenty of fun activities planned throughout Southern California in celebration of amore. Call for availability. Just remember, Wednesday will be a work day.
Gondola rides: There are several options. You can snuggle with your honey during a sunset ride through the Huntington Harbour, which provides a blanket, wine glasses and ice bucket. You can even bring your own food. The company is offering a $150 package with a one-hour ride, a red rose and a photo shoot. It’s available Feb. 12-14. Sunset Gondola, 16370 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 562-592-3295; http://www.sunsetgondola.com Gondola Getaway in Long Beach is offering Valentine’s week specials of $130 for up to four people (long-stemmed rose, chocolate strawberries and photo), 5437 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 562-433-9595; http://www.gondolagetawayinc.com And there’s also Gondola Company of Newport that will have 50-minute cruises starting at $100 for two people, although call for Valentine’s Day rates and availability. 3431 Via Oporto, Suite D., Newport Beach, 949-675-1212; www.gondolas.com
Visit the zoo: The Greater LA Zoo Association is hosting a lighthearted look at animal dating or romance in the wild kingdom. The fun is part of its Sustainable Wine Dinner Series. Champagne and chocolate will be served with a dinner option. Feb. 11, 5-7 p.m. with dinner from 7-9 p.m. Witherbee Auditorium at the Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. $40 person, $100 for dinner and wine pairings. 323-644-4781; www.lazoo.org
Wander through a garden: The South Coast Botanic Garden’s third annual Sweetheart’s Stroll in the Garden will include beer and wine tasting along with a lovely setting and entertainment. Feb. 12, noon- 4 p.m. Tickets price range $5-$25 in addition to garden admission, $9, adults, $6, seniors. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula; 310-544-1948; http://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/event/sweethearts-stroll-scbg
Raise a toast to “Ghost”: Remember that scene in “Ghost” at the potter’s wheel with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze? Yes, that one. Well, couples can try their best to recreate the heat during a two-hour pottery class at Clay on First Feb. 11 (5:30 p.m.), Feb. 12 (3 and 5:30 p.m.) and Feb.14 (5:30 and 8 p.m.). Snacks, beer and wine included. Must be 21 years old or older. $125 per couple. Metered parking until 6 p.m., free after 6 p.m. 562-4362; www.clayonfirst.com/valentines-day
Classic romance: The Hawk’s Head Public House at Riley’s Farm is having a St. Valentine’s Day candlelit dinner and dance complete with archery and poetry contests. $160 per couple. 12261 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa. 909-790-8463; http://rileysfarm.com
Ride together: Sunshine and Daydreams offers sweetheart horseback rides with apple cider, chocolates and a bouquet of roses starting at $150 per couple. 4886 California Ave., Norco. 909-645-1270; http://www.sunshineanddaydream.com/sweetheart-rides
Dreaming of chocolate: The Boys and Girls Club of Redlands-Riverside is having its 23rd annual Chocolate Fantasy just in time for the big day. The event is set for Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at The Mitten Building, 345 N. 5th St., Redlands. Tickets $90. 888-822-6535; http://www.begreatie.org/chocolate-fantasy
Carriage rides: The Temecula Carriage Company offers these rides throughout the year but has special ones set for February. One is a one-hour vineyard ride in the neighboring wineries that starts at $150. 858-205-9161; http://www.temeculacarriageco.com
Modest displays: The Banning Museum is having its 12th annual Tea & Tunes luncheon in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Hats and gloves not required but suggested. The program – “Seven Displays of Modesty’’ detailing Victorian lingerie — is set for Feb. 11 from 1-3 p.m., Banning Museum Stagecoach Barn, 401 E. M St., Wilmington. Reservations required. $75. 310-548-7777; http://www.thebanningmuseum.org
Tasteful nudes: Watson Adventures is offering a “Naked at the Getty Scavenger Hunt” Feb. 11 (11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) and Feb. 12 (2 p.m.). Adult guests will be on a quest to find nudity at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. $24.50, reservations required. $15, parking. www.watsonadventures.com
Royal revelry: Treat her like a queen at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournaments in Buena Park. Two times are available on Tuesday – 5 and 7:15 p.m. 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. $61.95 per person. Reservations required. 866-543-9637; http://www.medievaltimes.com
It’s always magical: They don’t call Disneyland the Magic Kingdom for nothing. Spend time walking through the park, exploring the rides and then take in the Electrical Light Parade. 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim. $105. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. https://disneyland.disney.go.com
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