Today is the first day of February, which means some of you may be planning your Valentine's Day festivities. With the abundance of ideas and expectations for Valentine’s dates, it can be hard to sort through it all and decide. So, we’ve curated a list of fun, unique, and thoughtful activities to relieve you of the stress. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, a Galentine's celebration with friends, or a day of self-care, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is the perfect place to celebrate! Here are our top ten recommendations!

Visit an exhibit

Taking your partner to an art exhibit is a thoughtful, engaging way to learn more about each other. Starting on February 5, the 32nd Annual Juried Art Show will be open to view. Explore local artists’ creativity and connect with your surroundings in this one-of-a-kind exhibit

If you’re looking for something more interactive, visit the Bob Ross Experience or Oakhurst Experience. The Bob Ross Experience offers a look into the world of Bob Ross inside the historic home where The Joy of Painting was filmed.

The Oakhurst Experience provides a unique exhibit showcasing the life of the Ball family that once lived there. Learn the house's history, discover more about the Ball family members, and experience the value of time spent together. Oakhurst contains many interactive activities and games to enjoy. In addition to the experience, a new exhibit just opened in the upstairs gallery: A Brush with Nature. This exhibit features the original, local paintings from the book A Brush with Nature created by the Red Tail Conservatory.

Insider tip: Make it extra special by bringing the experience home! Do-it-yourself by watching a Bob Ross tutorial at home or collaborating on a painting inspired by what you saw at the 32nd Annual Juried Art Show. If painting isn’t your thing, discuss your favorite piece, or ask your partner what their childhood home would look like if it became an exhibit.

Take a winter walk through campus

The grounds and gardens are maintained year-round, so they are lovely to experience at every season. With gardens located all around campus, there are a lot of areas to explore. You can use the campus map to plan your route or roam freely.

During the walk, signs will help you navigate, historic homes can provide a bit of warmth from the cold, and bathrooms are open on both sides of campus. Keep in mind that you can purchase admission online or in the Center Building if you want to visit any exhibits during your walk.

Insider Tip: Our Horticulture Manager, James Edwards, advises you to look out for special winter blooms: winter aconite, snowdrops, and crocus. These are all beautiful seasonal flowers that can be found mainly around Oakhurst. He also mentioned keeping an eye out for wildlife. There are always birds and squirrels out on nicer days, and we have some hawks that hang out in the area. The gardens are open Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday Noon–6 p.m.

Discover a unique spot on campus

There are so many special, hidden spots on campus. Take your partner to discover your own. Have a photoshoot, listen to music, or simply sit and take in the surroundings together! If the weather permits, having an outside picnic can be an intimate, fun twist on something you’ve probably done countless times with your partner. Many areas on campus provide seating and privacy for a lovely get-together. Be sure to dispose of any food or supplies properly. If you’re not a fan of the cold weather, take it inside! There are so many places to explore in every building on campus. Here are a few of our staff’s favorite special spots below.

“I always love finding a spot in Oakhurst Gardens or the Nature Area. The world might seem sleepy during winter, but if you sit even for just a little while, you'll see busy squirrels and birds! And those little friends might also appreciate some birdseed being left for them on a rock or stump near the path!” - Natalie Young, Daily Experience Manager.

“My favorite spot here at Minnetrista has to be in the Nature Area. There is a small area tucked away just past the retaining pond. It has a seating area and a small table built into the hillside. This is the place where my wife and I were married over ten years ago.” – Chris Allen, Horticulture Specialist.

“My favorite spot on campus is the space between Gallery 2 and 3 (currently where the shirt shack is for FIX). I absolutely love the view from this spot. The sunshine coming in those windows is so warm and refreshing. If I could sit there all day and just look out the windows or even nap there, I would. It is such a calm and kind of serene place. I just love the peace that it brings when I get to stand there for a moment. If it could be my office – oh man, I’d be a happy woman!” – Mariah Dull, Visitor Services Supervisor.

“I think one of my favorite places on campus is sitting on the front porch of Oakhurst. There’s something peaceful about being outdoors with the natural beauty all around. Plus, the house is gorgeous!” – James Mitchell, Director of Human Resources.

Participate in a workshop

Get creative together with a Minnetrista Museum & Gardens workshop! There’s so much value in creating something together. Keep an eye out for upcoming glass workshops or consider signing up for a Bob Ross Painting Workshop. The February workshops are sold out, but gifting your partner with a future experience is just as considerate!

Bring your furry friend

If you plan to celebrate your love for your pet this Valentine’s Day, they will cherish a walk on campus! The walking path offers many sights and smells for your pups to enjoy safely. Be sure to keep them on a leash to be mindful of other guests, their pets, and the wildlife. If you take any photos, share them and tag us on socials!

For book lovers

**Free Little Library near Betty’s Cabin**

Celebrate your love of reading at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens! Start in the gardens by finding our free little libraries. Take the time to look through the shelves, choose a book that sounds interesting, and leave one for others to enjoy! If you come inside, The Oakhurst Experience is full of books and memorabilia, including new pieces celebrating Charles Dickens. There’s also a community bookshelf in Oakhurst where you can submit your most inspiring book. We collect these regularly and update the bookshelf with the titles.

Insider tip: The Orchard Shop recently held a special event for local authors, so they have many of these local titles for sale. Stop in to browse the books and more!

**Indoor Farmers Market at Minnetrista**

Visit the Farmers Market

The Farmers Market at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is ideal for a Saturday morning date. Stop in to explore an assortment of baked goods, prepared food, fresh produce, teas, candies, plants, oils, and so much more! The next indoor market is on February 19 from 9 a.m.–Noon.

Insider Tip: The Farmers Market vendors offer many wonderful, ready-to-eat treats! Skip breakfast and have brunch there. You can count on an assortment of sweets to share or have something heartier, like a freshly grilled pork sandwich.

Participate in Tea & Talk

This one is for those who enjoy learning. Join us for Tea & Talk on February 23 from 3–4:30 p.m. This Tea & Talk, led by local fiber artist Joel Fremion, will lend a unique perspective to art as he discusses his remarkable work incorporating 2-D and 3-D components. This Tea & Talk also provides delicious tea and treats. Tickets are available here.

Shop at The Orchard Shop

Sometimes self-care means shopping! If you want to spend a day doing some retail therapy, The Orchard Shop is the perfect destination. With a unique, thoughtful selection of items, there’s truly something special for everyone - including you and your sweetheart! Find local crafts, jewelry, books, apparel, and artisanal food in a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. If you’re bringing a friend or partner, consider picking out something for each other or finding something to share.

Insider Tip: Our Retail Manager, Susan Brumley, is busy ordering and receiving new items for The Orchard Shop. Pop in to view the new store layout in addition to new product lines for the home, kitchen, and garden. Cozy up at the fireplace while checking out new book titles and items for children. If you want something special for Valentine’s Day, Susan and her team are currently taking orders for gift baskets, and a new shipment of Abbott’s Candies just arrived from Hagerstown – boxed and wrapped with a Valentine's bow!

Give the gift of a membership

If you’re the gifting type, a Minnetrista Museum & Gardens membership is an excellent way to show your love. A membership grants open access to our exhibits and discounts at The Orchard Shop and program registrations. This gift will provide endless opportunities to share more experiences and create memories.

We hope this will help you have an unforgettable Valentine's Day, whether you're celebrating alone in The Orchard Shop, taking a stroll through the gardens with your pup, or checking out the bookshelves in the Oakhurst Experience with your partner. Be sure to check our website and social media for additional events and information!

Celebrating Valentine’s Day at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens