This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Kenyon chapter.

This article is part of our “Cupid at Kenyon” series, in which our writers talk about Valentine’s Day.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Gambier can be tough amidst midterm studying and winter weather. However, there are still plenty of ways to have a nice February 14th with that special someone!

1. Cook a romantic dinner in your building’s kitchen

Create a menu, go grocery shopping at the market (or take a car or the shuttle to Kroger), and cook dinner together in your dorm’s kitchen! Just make sure you clean up afterward, and don’t set off the fire alarm!

2. Bundle up and go for a walk by the Kokosing

Going for a nice walk together along the gap trail is not only a good way to spend time together, but also it’s a great way to relieve stress. So put on your coat and take a study break!

3. Go to the movies

If you have a little extra time, go to the movie theater in Mount Vernon for a couple of hours and see a new release! It’s a nice and relaxing way to spend time with each other.

Myke Simon

4. Go on a quick coffee date

If you’re really up to your neck in work this Valentine’s Day, just take a quick trip to Wiggin and celebrate your love over an iced coffee. Even better, ask your S.O. to bring you your favorite coffee and have a study date in the library!

5. Make a reservation at a nearby restaurant

A good way to save time on Valentine’s Day is to plan in advance. So, make a reservation at your favorite Mt. Vernon restaurant and get to your table right away so you can get straight to your romantic date and skip the waiting!

6. Go to brunch

If you have the time before or between classes, take a trip to a nearby restaurant such as Southside Diner for brunch! If you can’t take the time to leave campus, a secluded table at Peirce is also an excellent, romantic brunch location.

couple — Photo by Suzana Sousa on Unsplash

7. Explore Mount Vernon together

There are plenty of areas in Mount Vernon that perhaps you and/or your S.O. have not yet discovered. Go out and explore! If you haven’t checked out Happy Bean Coffee Shop or Paragraphs Bookstore, head to Downtown Mount Vernon and have a nice walk around the area.

8. Go stargazing

Bundle up, grab a blanket or two, and go lay down somewhere outside where you can snuggle under the stars. Very romantic, not very time consuming, and a great ending to a busy day.

9. Go on a bookstore date

I, for one, could spend hours in the bookstore. Between the books, candy, and random knick-knacks, the bookstore is full of unexpected ways to have fun. Grab some ice cream to share before you leave!

couple seen holding hands through the window at a table with two glasses of wine on the table — bruce mars | Pexels

10. Play in the snow

I’m not sure what the weather is going to be like on February 14th, but if the snow is back, there are plenty of ways to have fun! Build a snowman together, make snow angels, or have a snowball fight! Loser has to buy the other one a hot chocolate!

It’s important to make time for each other, even with the stress of a busy week. And, since you could do all of these without going far outside Gambier, or even leaving at all, hopefully, you’ll be able to incorporate at least one of these ideas into your Valentine’s Day plans. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

Cupid at Kenyon: Date Ideas When It’s Busy and Cold

1. Cook a romantic dinner in your building’s kitchen