Whether you’re single or hitched, if you’re staying in town this weekend, you can enjoy the perks of the Hallmark holiday with one of these seven offbeat Valentine’s Day activities around NYC.
When: Now
What: 24hr Citi Bike pass ($12)
For: Hopeless romantic cyclists
Why: Roll off into the slushy sunset on your Citi Bikes. Sign up for a pass, then pedal to your Valentine’s Day date where you’ll feel good about having burned some calories before dinner.
When: Monday, February 11
What: Book Release: Deviant Desires: A Tour of the Erotic Edge
For: Kink Minded Sapiosexuals
Why: The annual Valentine’s Day book release at Dumbo’s powerHouse Arena has taken a deviant turn. This year author and Museum of Sex curator Katherine Gates will present on her newly expanded book and “kinkmap”. Check out our full guide to Dumbo.
When: Wednesday, February 14
What: Valentine’s Day Soirée
For: Lovers, or those that love themselves
Why: What’s better than the chance to drink a glass of bubbly and pick out something to spice up your evening? Visit NYC’s sex shop of choice, Babeland, for expert consultation on toys and more while enjoying wine and conversation. Plus, the entire event is raising money for survivors of breast cancer.
When: Wednesday, February 14
What: Conservatory Seasonal Highlights Tour
For: The tree huggers
Why: If only a weekend escape to some exotic destination was as easy as hopping on an Amtrak train. You can still take your love on a memorable green getaway by visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which offers free admission Tuesday-Friday. Walk through BBG’s winter wonderland and stroll through the warm Helen Mattin Warm Temperate Pavilion, where you’ll see native bulbs in bloom from South Africa, Australia, Eastern Asia, South America, and beyond. Bon Voyage!
When: Wednesday, February 14 at 8:30pm
What: Fresh Pasta Making ($180)
For: Those that love Italian and cooking from scratch
Why: No one does cooking and teaching and eating better than Taste Bud Kitchen. Skip the sure-to-be-crowded Valentine’s Dinner and spend the evening learning to make pasta dough and tasting the fruits of your labor with simple sauces. Yum!
When: Sunday, February 11 at 1:30pm
What: A “Galentines Day” flower-arranging class with Stems Brooklyn ($82)
For: The wild flower ladies of Brooklyn
Why: Unlimited mimosas and colorful flowers are in store for gals looking to learn floral arrangements in honor of Valentine’s Day. Ticket includes drinks, snacks, and your shiny new bouquet, assembled in a mason jar (of course; it’s Brooklyn).
When: Saturday, February 10 at 2 00pm
What: Cupid’s Undie Run ($40)
For: Exhibitionists, the brave
Why: Dress down and get some exercise (and raise money for children with cancer) on this extremely doable, 1-mile fun run. Don’t worry — there’s no fashion police, and the race features neither starting gun nor medalists. Take a friend, family member, or significant other; you’ll have a good time for a good cause.
Photo courtesy of Brian Motzenbecker.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram