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Last-minute local ideas for Valentine’s Day

From flowers to happy hours to meteor showers, we’ve got ideas to make your Valentine’s Day special.

Hundreds of people gather around the Ladybird stage in Zilker Park at dusk.

Our city is teeming with romantic potential.

Photo by Roger Ho

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There’s no dodging Cupid’s arrow — Valentine’s Day is here. Whether you’re celebrating your friendships or sugaring up your sweetheart, we’ve got last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas that will have you loving love.

🌵 Get fantastical with botanicals

If you’re quick, you might have your pick of bouquets using same-day flower delivery. (We’re eyeing those locally designed arrangements.)

Or, get creative and nab a potted plant from these plant spots. Nothing says forever like a hardy succulent.

    🥂 Keep spirits up

    If you didn’t score reservations, don’t overthink… grab a drink. The following spots have weekday happy hours:

    • DrinkWell | Mon.-Sat., Open-5:30 p.m. | Expect $8 classic cocktails, half-off wines, $4 beers and $2 off of bar snacks and shareables at this North Loop gastropub.
    • The Tavern Austin | Mon.-Fri., 4-7 p.m. | Draft beers are $4, cocktails are $7, and house margaritas are $5 during this all-weekday happy hour.
    • Uncle Nicky’s | Daily, 2-5 p.m. | Keep it casual. Sip on $2 and $3 beers while munching on a range of discounted snacks.

    For more options, check out our happy hour guide.

    🌟 Go stargazing

    It doesn’t get much more idyllic than bundling up and looking at the stars. Grab some blankets (and maybe a hot drink) and head to one of these spots away from man-made light to take in the sky.

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