After kicking off the first few weeks of the semester, we are finally entering the month of love, February–where one specific day falls in the back of everyone’s minds. UTEP students provided their best ideas and recommendations for Valentine’s Day, from low-budget to fancy dinner places, this is the recap of their top El Paso spots to make the perfect Valentine’s Day date.
PICNIC WITH CRAFTS
Starting off with something simple, low-budget and creative. Grab a few snacks, and an activity for a park picnic date! According to El Paso’s Parks and Recreation Department, the city oversees over 280 parks. By using the “park-finder” option on their website, you can find any park within a good distance, with pictures to cultivate the perfect scenic spot. All one needs after that is some snacks and a crafty activity. Things like painting, drawing, writing, even reading together can make it even more special.
THE FOUNTAINS AT FARAH & CIELO VISTA MALL
This may be familiar to many, as a popular spot in the city. But the Fountains at Farah is a shopping complex, outdoor mall located right beside Cielo Vista Mall. Where one can experience the outdoors while still enjoying some food and shopping.
“The first one that comes to mind is the Fountains at Farah, just because you can walk around a lot, there is a lot to do. There is a lot of different restaurants [and] a lot of activities.” UTEP student, Miguel Padilla said.
With stores like Barnes and Noble, All That Music and Video, Five Below, TJ-Maxx/HomeGoods, and food options like, the Melting Pot, La Madeline, Kona Grill, Moo-Yah and Canes. Perhaps booking an appointment at Red Door Escape Room or Woodhouse Day Spa then grabbing a sweet treat at Menchie’s or Kung-Fu Tea is the perfect fulfilling night.
Cielo Vista Mall is also one of the most well-known shopping spots in the city. Visit stores like Build a Bear, Hot-Topic and Hollister then enjoy some Boba Tea Company or Auntie Anne’s for a shopping date.
SCENIC DRIVE
See El Paso’s best view by experiencing Scenic Drive this Valentine’s Day. The site is only accessible by car, turning onto Rim
Road from either Mesa Street or Alabama Street, this view awes every eye it meets as it overlooks both El Paso and Juarez.
NEAR UTEP
It is not surprising that several recommendations were places near UTEP. Many places are used to seeing the young adult demographic, but the call to new customers trying new foreign flavors grows and grows.
Some were recommended:
AMAR- a Peruvian Mexican kitchen, located on 3100 N Mesa St., has the best of both worlds with menu items as “una nikkei” or “aguachiles enamorados.”
Kaedama- located on 204 Boston Ave., has a variety of menu items, most famously known for their ramen, where one can enjoy a bowl while taking in the atmosphere.
For those whose pallets are itching for new flavors, more local eats by UTEP include, Kinleys House Coffee & Tea, Weirdough’s Bakery, Ke Flauta and more.
SOME EXTRAS
There are hundreds of thousands of spots around the city that are just waiting for the presence of lovers. Get to know a date over frozen yogurt. “Something fun to do would be to go to Yogoberry. They have pomegranate and strawberry [flavors] for Valentine’s Day,” UTEP student, Solana Navarro said.
More recommendations read, Cattleman’s Steakhouse- for somewhere a little more fancy. Or the classic, movie/dinner combo.
From foreign cuisine to a park bench, there are tons of spots around El Paso best for Valentine’s Day. Take these student’s advice but do remember, it is not the activity one does, or place they go to…but the person they decide to share that special day with.
Have fun and enjoy. Happy Valentine’s Miners!
