Stumped for some Valentine’s Day ideas and want to go out of the ordinary? Well, there are plenty of options, from a special speakeasy to the circus and even the zoo to complete a romantic weekend. • Romance takes a darker, more seductive turn at Cupid’s Nest, an exclusive pop-up experience in side Newsroom Philly, 1102 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, in Northern Liberties. Hidden behind a discreet 7UP soda machine, this themed speakeasy is fully reimagined as a sultry, rose-soaked hideout built for date nights. Running Wednesday through Sunday throughout the Valentine’s season, Cupid’s Nest blends moody lighting, immersive design and playful adult Valentine’s energy. A classic romance collides with modern nightlife. There are hundreds of roses, red and pink hearts, twinkling red and white lights, photo stations and the giant glowing heart aerial hoop custom built for dazzling aerial circus entertainment on select nights. Tables are covered in formal red linens and themed cocktails are pouring at the bar, with some new elevated options from the kitchen, perfect for sharing. A special late-night happy hour with $8 drinks, including specials from the bar like No Strings Attached, Poisoned Kiss and NR Lychee Martini are available from 10:30 p.m. to close. For Valentine’s Day, look for a special $69 per person menu, including: •First glass of champagne and take-home bottle of wine as gift. • Choice of first course, choice of second course, dessert choice per person For more information and reservations: www.newsroomphilly.com. The Philadelphia Zoo even has some Valentine's weekend specials. (COURTESY OF THE PHILADELPHIA ZOO) Valentine’s weekend at the Philadelphia Zoo The Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, is celebrating love Feb. 14-15. The new Valentine’s Day Weekend Date Package with two admission tickets, two adult drinks plus a meet-and-greet with an ambassador animal and a takeaway gift created by one of them. Enjoy special Valentine’s Day Animal Enrichment around the zoo. Sweeten your Valentine’s Day with Valentine’s Day itself with Cupcake Decorating with one large cupcake with icing, and a variety of toppings. Every weekend of February, take a romantic ride on the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, a 110-foot tall ride with breathtaking scenes of the zoo, city skyline, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia Art Museum and beyond. All packages, events and tickets are now on the zoo website at philadelphiazoo.org/news/valentines-day-deals/. “Those with real insider knowledge know that winter is one of the best times to visit Philadelphia Zoo,” said Vice President of Marketing and Communications Patrick McMaster. “Guests can warm up inside the only tropical rainforest in Philadelphia, McNeil Avian Center, visit the Reptile and Amphibian House to meet other warm-weather loving species, or embrace the cold and watch animals like Amur tigers and red pandas show off their adaptations. The special gifts and experiences we are offering in February are sure to bring joy and lasting memories to those you love while supporting our animals at the zoo and wildlife conservation around the world.” The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is hosting an adult prom on Valentine's Day. (COURTESY OF THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL OF CIRCUS ARTS) Adult Prom at Philadelphia Circus Arts Tuxedos, sequins and just a hint of awkward teenage nostalgia will take center stage when the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts hosts its first Adult Circus Prom on Feb. 14 from 7:30 to 10 p.m., at Circus Campus, 6452 Greene St., Philadelphia. Head to phillycircus.com/upcoming-shows-events for more information and tickets. “Adult Circus Prom is a night to laugh, connect and give yourself permission to try something new,” said PSCA Executive Director Kitsie O’Neill. “PSCA exists to make circus arts accessible to all, and this event captures our culture perfectly: no pressure, no perfection, just fun. It is also a great night for those that didn’t feel comfortable attending their prom, so we hope to create a welcoming space for all, including our LGBTQ+ community.” Designed for adults who never had a prom, or simply want a redo, Adult Circus Prom brings back the magic, nerves and ridiculous joy of high school prom, this time with confidence, self-assurance, circus performances and a cash bar. Hosted inside PSCA’s atmospheric campus, an old church that once served as a school, the night playfully blurs past and present, with aerial apparatuses hanging overhead, circus artists moving through the space and moments of spectacle unfolding between dances. This one-of-a-kind evening reimagines the classic rite of passage through the playful, inclusive and daring lens of contemporary circus. In celebration of love in all its forms, guests are encouraged to attend with a partner, a group of friends, or solo, and to dress to impress or express, whether that means up-cycled prom wear, retro glam or sleek modern elegance. ...read more read less