6 Destinations for a Perfect Valentine's Day

     1. Kiko Lake

     Kiko Lake lies Southeast of Neopia Central just a short distance away. It is a serene, peaceful destination for a quiet, romantic date. You can choose to scuba dive in its clear, shallow aqua waters, and observe its beautifully vibrant lake plants and swim alongside magnificent shallow water petpets like the Jawshells and Leebles. If you and your loved one prefer something more relaxing, you can take the Glass Bottom Boat Tours as you are ferried out into the lake where you can marvel at the charm of the flora and fauna from the glass panels beneath your boat. After your swim or boat tour, be sure to stop by the Kiko Lake Treats shop for a compulsory sweet snack for this romantic occasion.

     The shop’s signature, the Chocolate Murex Shell (or any kind of chocolate shell) provides the perfect crunchy indulgence as you relax together on the soft white sands. Finally, you and your partner can walk hand-in-hand out to the end of the jetty and watch the sunset together, which is a perfect end to a perfect day! Just a note of caution to be on the lookout for Kikos gathering funds for their Yooyuball team and you'll have a great day!

     2. Mystery Island

     Neopia's premier romantic getaway has to be Mystery Island. Sun, sand, and good food. Who could ask for more? Every visitor to the island is encouraged to take an introductory Tiki Tour that will sweep you along a whirlwind ride of sun-soaked beaches and sparkling ocean. After getting to know the locale, you and your significant other can stroll along Neopia's finest beach and swim in the island's shining, mesmerisingly blue waters. Beach Volleyball tournaments also take place daily and will put your ability to work together as a team, or your ability to weather a little friendly competition, to the test. Rumour has it the Island Mystic can divine the fortunes of those that visit his home, letting you and your loved one take an exciting peek into your future together.

     If you're lucky enough to visit during the Gadgadsbogen Festival you and your significant other can enjoy one of the island's oldest traditions, the luau. A feast of tropical foods and drinks that can be found nowhere else in Neopia makes for the perfect end to an island getaway. Though, don't forget to stop by Tiki Tack for a fun souvenir to remember your time together!

     3.The Neopian Bazaar

     If your loved one is a shopaholic then there’s one place in Neopia that has it all to make them happy on Valentine’s - The Neopian Bazaar! First, you have to stop by the Toy Shop to grab a Heart Kacheek Balloon to start your special day off sweet, giving you a cheerful balloon to carry along as you begin your shopping spree. Then, stop by the Chocolate Factory and be wowed by the wide selection of decadent Neopian chocolates and sweets. The window panes of endless chocolate are sure to give you and your loved one a happy dopamine boost. So, pick up a light snack to top off your already wonderful and romantic morning. Just beside the Chocolate Factory are the clothing and grooming stores, so be sure to stop by Uni’s Clothing to pick out a nice dress, shirt, or shoes, and visit the Grooming Parlour for lovely grooming items like perfume, make-up, and more. After all, stylish clothing and thoughtful grooming never go out of fashion! By now, you’ll most likely be feeling hungry, and the Bazaar has you covered.

     During Valentine’s Day, the Bazaar feels especially lively and romantic, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment together. If you’d like to treat yourselves, you can head to the Bakery for delicious pastries or cakes, such as the Deluxe Heart Waffle. Or perhaps you’d prefer a healthier option like Healthy Hearty Veggies from the Health Food Shop. A beverage is a must after a big meal so pop over to Fresh Smoothies for a refreshing smoothie! Top off your day with a final stop at Gifts Galore, where you can shower your loved one with something sentimental, shiny, and extravagant, like the Silver Neopet Heart Charm, paired with something heartfelt, such as a handwritten message of love inside an I Love You With All Of My Heart Card. Your shopaholic loved one is sure to melt after such a thoughtful and memorable day. Basically, whatever you need, the Bazaar has it all, especially during Valentine’s Day, to make your celebration extra special!

     4. Virtupets

     A trip to space might not be your first thought for a Valentine's Day getaway, but Virtupets offers a unique experience you won't find anywhere else in the solar system. With Sloth defeated, the space station has become a welcoming tourist destination. You and your loved one will be able to view stars and galaxies in stunning clarity not possible from the surface of Neopia. Make wishes on shooting stars mere light-years away and wonder at meteors as they bounce harmlessly off of Virtupets’ protective force fields. The vastness of space offers a calm, quiet peace to sit and reminisce and simply enjoy being with the one you love. There's nothing like looking down at the entirety of your home planet to make you realise how fortunate you are to have found each other.

     After you've both had your fill of the cosmos, you can pop down to the Recreation Deck for a romantic dinner at Grundos Cafe. The kindly Grundo Chef will treat you and your significant other to exotic cuisine hailing from far off planets. You will both struggle to forget the taste of Grobleen Fruit Punch or dehydrated Duck a L'Orange.

     5. The Deserted Fairground

     The Deserted Fairground might just be what you’re looking for if your ideal Valentine’s Day involves a few scares and anxious smiles. It may not seem like the most traditional destination because it's tucked away deep within the Haunted Woods, but that’s part of what makes it so special. It provides an enjoyable, spontaneous, and slightly unpredictable Valentine’s Day experience. You can try your luck at carnival games like Bagatelle or Coconut Shy and you may get lucky to win your date something special. You can brave the food options at the Spooky Foods stall but be careful as your food may still be alive or staring back at you. You can even show off to your partner at Test Your Strength to see who is stronger because Arnold assures you it’s not rigged.

     Even if you are pretending not to be terrified to look brave in front of your partner, these are the moments you will remember. There’s something special about bonding over a few scares. They become inside jokes and memories to reminisce about later. It’s the kind of romance you remember because it feels genuine since it’s not the kind you find in fairytales. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be quiet or predictable to have meaning, as The Deserted Fairground demonstrates. It will definitely be a memorable way to spend the day if you can survive it.

     6. Altador

     Altador is a great option for Valentine’s Day to spend with your special someone who values intimate moments, deep conversations, and breathtaking views. Unlike the busier areas of Neopia, the city has a steady, yet peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to just slow down and concentrate on one another. A lovely way to start the day is by taking a stroll through the Hall of Heroes. While walking amongst the statues, one can’t help but feel inspired by the stories that helped shape the city. It promotes conversation, which is especially appropriate on a day focused on building a connection.

     As the day continues and you build up an appetite, you can stop at Exquisite Ambrosia, known for only selling the most delectable foods fit for heroes. You can share an Altadorian Cobb Salad or a Grilled Veggie Platter making the meal light and meant to be enjoyed slowly, making it a perfect place to sit, talk and linger longer than planned. As the evening draws near, head on over to the observatory in the Hall of Heroes for a quieter activity where you can gaze at the stars together which adds a sweet, romantic touch to the end of the day.

     No matter where you go,

     Valentine’s Day in Neopia gains meaning through its simple celebrations which do not require elaborate planning. What makes the day special are the unexpected moments of laughter while spending time together and sharing a meal which truly creates memories. Neopia offers very unique locations which provide special atmospheres that different people can choose to experience together. The enjoyment comes from discovering and trying out new things. Your shared experiences together is what will create strong memories of the specific places you visit.

     I wish for your Valentine’s Day celebration to provide you with peaceful moments which will create happy memories for you to cherish in the future. Happy Valentine’s Day, Neopians!