For those mushy romantics out there Valentine's Day is a great excuse to make a fuss of your loved one, give a gift (whether it be small or significant) and spend quality time together. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romantic love—it can also be a perfect opportunity to celebrate and spoil yourself or even treat a friend or family member.

The origin of Valentine's Day is a bit unclear - some think it came from a Christian martyr called Valentine who was executed by the Roman emperor on the 14^th February during the third century. Legend has it that Valentine defied the emperor’s orders and secretly married couples to spare the husbands from going to war.

That’s one take on it, and with that in mind here are a few ideas for your Valentine's Day this year…

Head out for a meal...

Going out for a meal on Valentine’s Day is a relatively traditional, but nice way to impress your Valentine this year. We are truly spoiled for choice in the Hawkesbury, blessed with a range of dining options from licensed restaurants to quaint cafes. You’ll find a full list of Hawkesbury dining options here. There's also Hawkesbury's favourite occasion restaurants. Be sure to book in advance if you are planning for an outing on the 14th.  Check out all of the awesome  Valentines Day dinner events on our What’s On.

If you need some guidance to find your favourite dining style contact us at the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre for some local suggestions.

Looking for a lower cost option, consider packing a picnic and head to one of our riverside picnic spots local parks , or lookouts. For those who like the idea of a picnic in a local park but not packing the picnic hamper let one of our local cafes take the hard work out and order ahead for your picnic hamper.

Spend some time together...

Valentine's Day falls on Saturday this year (fortunately its a weekend!) so check out the events on Valentine’s Day on our What’s On. This includes special Valentines Day event offerings at Hawkesbury's favourite date restaurants.

Spending quality time could be as simple as taking a historic self guided walk, stroll through the shops or go for a drive along our beautiful river, go on a bushwalk, or do something or go somewhere new.

Have you checked out the  newly renovated  Richmond Regent Cinema yet?  Go 'old school' and see a movie with your love for Valentine's.

There's plenty of ideas to discover the Hawkesbury here.

Indulge and be pampered...

Valentine's day is a great reason to consider a stay-cation in the Hawkesbury.

There’s no reason not to indulge in a getaway close to home. Whether you stay in a quaint cottage, a cosy BnB, on a houseboat or in a resort check out our full list of Hawkesbury Accommodation.

Once again self care is important not a selfish indulgence. If you haven't got a valentine you can treat yourself  to a night away or to some time out too.

Want to be pampered?  Check out  our Health and wellness article for the ultimate indulgence and relaxation ideas in our area.

Gift an experience...

While cards, flowers and chocolates are stereotypical gifts for Valentines Day there’s no reason you have to go the traditional route this year.  Consider a Hawkesbury experience as a gift instead - adventure experiences like waterskiing, learning to drive an ATV and scenic bushwalks. Guided tours also make a great gift, one really unique (and super cute) tour in the Hawkesbury is the Wildcat Conservation Centre, but there’s also food and wine tours, fishing tours and even an alpaca feeding experience.

Find out more about Hawkesbury tours here.

If you need more  inspiration or information call in and see us or give us a call at the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre.