Saint Valentine: Man of Mystery?
Multiple “martyrologies” make it difficult to know exactly who he was. All we have is the name and a February 14 burial date, year unknown, on the Via Flaminia north of Rome. Since the precise, contemporary identity of Valentine’s Day's figurehead is questionable, perhaps the rules of romance are also open to interpretation. Whether you are just dating or in a committed relationship, be creative!
Zócalo has ideas to get you started.
(8) A drive up Catalina Highway to Mount Lemmon proffers conversation and reflective time with remarkable views, breathtaking scenery, six distinct vegetation zones and a variety of animal life. Rose Canyon Campground and other sites wait high above the city. Just before you leave town, grab a Mt. Lemmon Picnic Box from Le Buzz Caffe, 9121 E. Tanque Verde Rd. It includes two cold sandwiches, two drinks, cookies, and chips or fruit. Call 749-3903 to place your pickup order.
(7) Side-by-side browsing at Bookmans is a terrific way to get to know someone. A person’s favorite games, books, music and movies say so much about them. If he’s perusing Ansel Adams coffee table collections, that’s a good sign. Pawing through back issues of Maxim? Bad sign. At Bookmans’ 1930 E. Grant Rd. location, choose CDs to enjoy while eating spicy take-out from Karuna’s Thai Plate across the street. Get a film at the 6230 E. Speedway Blvd. store, and sandwiches from Beyond Bread are conveniently found next-door.
(6) Live theatre, on the other hand, contains a timeless artistic quality unmatched by DVD or Blu-Ray. Beowulf Alley, 11 S. 6th Ave., presents Old Time Radio Theatre productions of “Suspense” and “The Shadow” on Feb. 2 and 16, respectively. Rouge Theatre has Samuel Beckett one-acts beginning Feb. 25 at their Historic Y locale, 300 E. University Blvd. Gaslight Theatre’s “The Cisco Kid” continues through March at 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. Slip a pair of tickets into your honey’s hand.
(5) I fell in love with the Rillito River Park during my first visit to Tucson. Why not tackle an active adventure with a hunk or hottie and see if you fall in love too? It’s an awesome place to ride bicycles together without the hassles of traffic. Enter the park at the Campbell Avenue/River Road bridge and pedal beside your sweetie to your heart’s content. Pick up picnic supplies at Trader Joe’s, 4209 N. Campbell Ave. Don’t forget to bring a blanket!
(4) Things are going well – maybe you’ve found your soul mate! Now you’re thinking about a classy place to pop the question or talk about prospective kids. An intimate dinner at Cafe Poca Cosa, 110 E. Pennington St., is in order. Their twice-daily menu updates and memorable modern Sonoran décor will set the tone for passion. Make reservations at 622-6400.
(3) Keeping secrets from your lover isn’t a good idea. Making secret wishes at Barrio Viejo’s El Tiradito shrine on South Main Avenue is. This sacred spot has been frequented by thoughtful seekers since the 1880s, when the victims of a love triangle were commemorated here. Light a candle and stuff written messages in the cracks of the wall. Dare to dream with your darling, and then tuck into enchiladas on the patio of El Minuto Cafe, 354 S. Main Ave. Still up for more fun? Squeeze into the vintage photo booth in the Red Room at Grill, 100 E. Congress St., to capture the moment.
(2) Rated among the top botanical gardens on the planet, Tohono Chul Park is a desert wonder and delight to share with that special someone. Hidden at 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, you’ll find award-winning gardens, gift shops and an adorable tea room serving beverages, snacks and full meals. Ready to take your relationship to the next level? Tohono Chul is a popular site for couples to tie the knot. Zuni Fetish Show, a free special exhibit and lecture by Eriacho Arts and Crafts, will be held at the park Feb. 12-14. Call 742-6455 for details about this educational program on indigenous culture.
(1) Gates Pass is the most romantic spot in town to watch the sun go down. The easy, saguaro-dotted drive to the lookout point inspires grandiose thoughts and plans. Simply follow West Speedway Boulevard past I-10 and North Silverbell Road, and up through the Tucson Mountains. Grab comida casera along the way in Barrio Hollywood at Las Cuatas Mexican Food, 1501 W. St. Mary’s Rd. Their staff is friendly, the food comes quickly and the flavors are outstanding.
