The Binghamton area has no shortage of date spots, but which ones are going to lead to a romantic Valentine’s Day date? If you still need a last-minute idea, here is a list of the best Valentine’s Day date spots for Binghamton University students.

Ice skating

There are few things more romantic than holding your partner’s hand while ice skating together, which makes BU’s own ice skating rink, located between Whitney Hall and Old Johnson Hall, the perfect date spot. On top of that, the rink is free for students and provides ice skates, meaning no experience or equipment is necessary! The only downside is that the rink is pretty popular, so be prepared to wait in line or try to go at an off time to avoid the crowds.

Nature Preserve

One of the coolest features of the BU campus is the Nature Preserve, which is often used as an educational tool in environmental classes and research, but also works as a great date spot. The Nature Preserve has several trails which are challenging enough for experienced hikers, but also easy enough for inexperienced hikers to likewise enjoy. My personal favorite part of the Nature Preserve is the wooden bridge because of its nice rest area that allows you to appreciate the beautiful water.

Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge

One of the most popular restaurants for BU students is the Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge, which is open for lunch and dinner on Tuesdays through Saturdays. The restaurant is known for its famous rigatoni alla vodka and cheerful atmosphere, backed by live jazz music. Unfortunately, the Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge is actually closed this year on Valentine’s Day because they are not open on Mondays, but it could still make for a great date another day nonetheless.

Build a snowman

You do not have to be a character in the movie “Frozen” to ask your partner if they want to build a snowman, because you can do it right here at BU! Building a snowman with your partner or even a group of friends is a great way to build camaraderie while having fun together. There are many great places on campus to build a snowman, as each residential college has a quad that is covered in snow right now.

Nite Owl

If you need a late-night date spot idea and live on campus, then Nite Owl is the place for you. Currently, both the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4) and Appalachian Collegiate Center have their own Nite Owl options. C4 Nite Owl is open from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekdays and features familiar favorites such as pizza logs, chicken tenders, mac and cheese bites and more. Appalachian Nite Owl is open from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. every day and has freshly pressed paninis in addition to an excellent ice cream bar.

Friendly’s

It might not be the most high-class restaurant, but Friendly’s is a great date spot where you can get delicious comfort food. Their menu includes the classics of burgers and ice cream sundaes but also has some new, limited-time specials, such as the shrimp aloha stir-fry. As an added bonus, Friendly’s is right across the street from Wegmans, so you can get your grocery shopping done afterward.

E.W. Heier Teaching and Research Greenhouses

You may have seen BU’s greenhouse while walking by Science III, but you may not have realized that it is actually open to BU students. The greenhouse is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features over 4,000 exotic plants. If you end up visiting the greenhouse, see if you can spot the extraordinary lime tree.

Otsiningo Park

Similar to the Nature Preserve, Otsiningo Park is another date spot that puts you right into the heart of nature. The park is open daily and has walking trails, bike paths, athletic fields, playgrounds and picnic tables to enjoy for free. Now is a great time to visit Otsiningo Park on a date because the snow makes it look quite pretty.

Social on State

Head to Social on State in Downtown Binghamton if you want an upscale Valentine’s Day date. Social on State prides itself on its shareable dishes and atmosphere that encourages an interactive meal. The menu features seafood, chicken and steak, but be careful with the prices, because entrees can cost as much as $65.