Happy Valentine's Day: Warm up to these romantic date ideas

After the snow melts, fall for these fun date ideas on Valentine's Day.

From picturesque drives to an Irish whiskey tasting, there are plenty of romantic things to do on Feb. 14 — and beyond.

Be outdoorsy:

Cedar Beach Parkway: When the weather warms up, plan a stroll at the popular park known for its pristine grounds and romantic sunsets.

Work up a sweat: Onsite there are more than 2.3-miles of multi-use trails, two beaches, four basketball courts and two volleyball courts.

Feeling lucky:

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, learn how to make Celtic cuisine with McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub chef, Jill Oman.

Stimulate your senses during the two hour class, while Oman shares Irish and Welsh food facts and recipes

Tickets are $35 per person.  The next class takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on March 5. 

For the 21-and-over couples: the pub will host a St. Paddy's Jameson Irish tasting class during the season of luck featuring four handpicked whiskeys.

The tasting will occur at 7 p.m. on March 14.

Romance on a bridge:

Embark on a romantic road trip with the Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour. The map, available to download online, takes drivers through a tour of seven historic covered bridges and scenic drives through the surrounding countryside.

Photo op: The Kreidersville Covered Bridge, the oldest on the tour, was built in 1839.

Add in some lunch: On sunny days, plan on packing a picnic for two for a romantic interlude.

This tour is self-guided, so you and your significant other can sightsee at your own pace.

Something fishy:

Located down the road from the Museum of Indian Culture, check out one of the oldest trout nurseries in the country (the nursery opened in 1883). Currently, the nursery boasts 15 large tanks that house thousands of fish including a trophy trout and on display. 

Its location makes it an ideal place to take a stroll and feed the fish (vending machines are located near the tanks).  Even better, it’s free to enter the grounds.

Mates for life:

Lehigh Valley Zoo Endangered wolves, boisterous bobcats and friendly giraffes are on display at the zoo which houses close to 350 animals and reptiles.

For some commitment inspo, take a cue from the zoo's African penguins, who form monogamous pairs and mate for life.

Tickets start at $11.

On the drive out, walk the grounds of the Trexler Nature Preserve, another romantic spot filled with 18 miles of nature trails, creeks, and refuge space for bison and elk (visitors can greet the beasts through a fence, just don't get too close!).

A rose so sweet:

While you might have to wait until summer to see the roses ( the flowers typically peak in June and July), the park is still known as one of the most picturesque in the region.

Located between Hamilton Street and Linden Street, the Rose Garden is a popular spot for engagement and prom photos and weddings.

The 1.3-mile walking loop is a nice place to hold hands and take a stroll before dusk.