I am not a fan of Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong, I am in a loving and committed relationship, but I don't think that we need one single day that we expect our significant other to show us love. The gestures that have become signature Valentine's Day staples are just shallow, generic purchases that don't actually mean anything special. I mean, does an overstuffed teddy bear holding a heart really mean anything in my relationship? Nope.

With that being said, I will take any opportunity to adventure and try something new, and if Valentine's Day is just another opportunity for a fun date with that special someone, how can I complain? Here are some Valentine's Day date ideas with that special someone (or a friend, if that's more your style) to mix it up and try something new.

1. Wine tasting

Sorry, minors, this one isn't for you yet. But if you're legal, get out there and drink some classy wine to make this day feel special (and romantic). Too broke for an actual wine tasting? Raid the $15 wine section at your local grocery store and see if you can find a hidden gem!

2. Try a new hike

Hiking is not a new date idea, but there is something romantic and exciting about venturing into unknown territory. No two hiking trails are the same, so do a little research and find a new outdoor adventure for you and your loved one. Oh yeah and, bonus, FREE DATE.

3. Take a cooking class

If you are anything like me, cooking a gourmet meal for that special someone is pretty much out of the question. Although I have minimal cooking skills, that doesn't change the fact that cooking together is a romantic date idea. So take away the responsibility of knowing how to whip up a gourmet meal and take a class where the instructor can just tell you what to do!

4. Go on a "dessert crawl"

Valentine's Day is all about chocolate, right? Ditch that cliche box of chocolates and try a dessert crawl, hopping between restaurants and sampling their dessert options. Enjoy those sweet treats with your sweet treat (I'm so sorry).

5. Have a spa day

Although spa days are usually thought of as a "girls day," don't try to tell me your boyfriend doesn't want to feel pampered. You can't go wrong with a couples massage, and if you go to nice spas you can just soak up all the free perks and spend the whole day there.

6. Camp out in your car

Want an adventure but not feeling the love of sleeping on the ground? I feel you. Instead, put down those seats and load your car up with all the pillows and blankets you can find. Bonus if you have a sunroof for some quality stargazing.

7. Sneak into a hotel pool

Okay if you get caught I had nothing to do with this idea, but there is something exciting about forbidden fun. Grab that swimsuit and find a fancy pool or hot tub that's calling your name, and go for a dip!

8. Build a fort

If your relationship is anything like mine, a lot of your favorite memories are from the days spent vegging out and watching movies. Forget the expectations that Valentine's Day is all about spending money, and just snuggle at home in your intense fortress made of all the furniture and blankets in your home.

9. Order all your favorite takeout

Calories don't count on Valentine's Day, right? Order your favorite fast food items and bring it all back home to stuff your faces and watch your favorite movies. Maybe eat all this takeout in your fort (see above)? The world is your oyster!