Whether you’ve been together for 30 years or just met 30 days ago, Utah County has a new date experience for you.
Home to two major universities and a median age of 25, Utah County overflows with young adults looking for a good time, and local businesses do not disappoint. The market need for new, niche experiences drives entrepreneurs into creative mode. You will find your fair share of ice cream shops, movie theaters and dining options ideal for a classic first date right alongside chocolate factories, country swing dancing and rock climbing.
Paint the town red (and pink)
One unique and highly demanded spot is Villa Ceramics, a pottery studio in Orem. Co-owner Brenda Villanueva Adams was a student at Utah Valley University (UVU) when she started the business with her husband Micah. During her time in school, she wanted to take photography as her art credit, but the class was full. She settled for pottery—a small incident that has changed her life.
Adams continued with ceramics classes at UVU and started creating pottery with a wheel at home. A kiln soon followed, as did lesson requests from friends, family and neighbors. The demand grew as Adams took her pottery to farmer’s markets in the summer. She opened Villa Ceramics once she started getting large commercial commissions from local restaurants.
“We decided to build Villa as a pottery studio that has date nights because there are so many students, but a lot of our clients are actually families and people other than just students,” Adams says. “It was a market nobody was targeting.”
Two and a half years later and recently graduated, Adams manages both a production studio and the original Villa Ceramics studio, where guests are welcome to book studio time, date nights or even five-week courses to learn more about pottery.
The 90-minute date night classes are taught in small groups by skilled instructors. When you’re finished, you’ll have two pieces ready to be fired in the kiln. You can even return for a second date to glaze your pieces later!
In February, Villa Ceramics is hosting Valentine’s-themed classes and some Saturday classes will feature red and pink marbled clay.
More memorable date night ideas
Here are 12 other memorable date spots to explore this Valentine’s Day:
1. Classic Skate
Skating is for everyone. Impress your friends by doing a shoot-the-duck and twirling around the rink, or cuddle up to your Valentine as you scoot along the edge. Whether you go fast or slow, the lights, music and sharable ice cream sundaes make Classic Skate in Orem a retro night on the town.
2. Country Dance Provo
“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love,” Jane Austen writes in “Pride and Prejudice.” While Austen was referring to a posh night of ballroom dancing, kicking up your boots with some country swing dancing wins out in the modern day. Every Wednesday and Saturday evening starting at 8:30 p.m., Country Dance Provo on Center Street hosts dance lessons before kicking off an all-night party. Whether you come with a partner or alone, you are sure to learn a new signature move, meet people and have fun.
3. Escapes in Time
Voted Best of Utah Valley four years in a row, Escapes in Time’s family-friendly puzzle rooms are another great date spot in Utah County. The available storylines are ever-changing and will reveal who your date is under pressure. Capacity ranges from four to 14; find a group and test your problem-solving skills.
4. FishKiss Fish Spa
Nothing is more unique or bonding than having your feet “kissed” by fish together. If you want a date you’ll never forget, I suggest FishKiss Fish Spa. Located on Provo Center Street, “The Kiss Experience” is only $25 and comes with a Polaroid for proof.
5. The Grid
Utahns like to go fast. Speed up your relationship by taking a lap or two around The Grid’s half-mile, multi-level racing track. Heats include up to 12 racers and last 10-12 minutes each, with top speeds of 45 mph. The Grid is open in the evenings throughout the week and until 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For the smoothest ride, book your races in advance with The Grid’s online reservation system.
6. Heart & Seoul Karaoke
Is your date into musical theatre? Do they sing in the car? Are they constantly trying to afford concert tickets? If music is their love language, head to Heart & Seoul Karaoke and put on a show with them! Choose between private rooms, party packs, open-mic nights and memberships to tailor your experience. With 30,000 songs and several languages available, there’s sure to be a tune you can rock out to.
7. Just Add Chocolate
Flowers and chocolates are all you need, but it may get boring passing along the same box of Russell Stover every year. Instead, become Willy Wonka for an hour when you book a chocolate-making workshop at Just Add Chocolate in Lehi. Taste test and create your own custom chocolates this Valentine’s Day with the $37 date night special. You’ll take home a pound of chocolate, a caramel apple and plenty of sweet memories.
8. Nickel City
Located on South State St. in Orem, Nickel City provides a classic date experience. With only a $2.50 entrance fee, you can live out your childhood party dreams with gourmet pizza, five-cent arcade games and laser tag—while also collecting tickets to win your special someone the biggest teddy bear prize. The fun and easy atmosphere is one everyone can enjoy.
9. Provo Beach
Surfing, bowling, croquet and a ropes course all in the same place? Provo Beach, located in The Shops At Riverwoods, has all that and more. Day passes, including FlowRider, are $35—but all attractions can be purchased separately. Knock out several experiences in a full-day speed date or come back again and again to take it slow.
10. The Quarry
Couples who climb together stay together. Put away the old dinner-and-a-movie idea and buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled date at The Quarry in Provo. Rock climbing isn’t just about strength and endurance, it’s a chance to demonstrate trust while literally lifting each other up. Whether it’s a first date or your fiftieth, The Quarry guarantees laughter, bonding and maybe even a sweaty palm to hold.
11. Rhyno’s Axe Throwing and Archery
Legolas and Katniss Everdeen will have nothing on you after a date to Rhyno’s Axe Throwing and Archery in Orem. Live out your dreams of hunting big game or taking down Black Riders as you hone your axe-throwing, knife-throwing and archery skills. This date spot is perfect for a big, adventurous group.
12. The Wick Lab
This custom candle-making studio offers limitless options for your Valentine’s Day date this year. Choose from 100 fragrances, cotton or wood wicks (They even have flameless options!) and plenty of containers to create the perfect candle. Prices start around $20, and reservations are recommended. Waft into the studio and let your love burn bright!
