With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you may be thinking about date night and romance, a cozy dinner for two, perhaps a glass of wine and dancing?

But date nights go beyond special occasions, and sometimes you’re in the mood for something different. So it’s time to escape the rut of dinner and a movie or burgers at the pub down the street.

Luckily, central Arkansas offers creative remedies for date-night malaise, with choices to suit just about any mood, from relaxing to entertaining to competitive. We’ll start with some great Valentine’s spots, then push toward some possibilities that might take you by surprise.

Romantic

Cache restaurant in the River Market is a chic spot to show off your mate and your finery, featuring eclectic fare like prime steak tartare and tomahawk chop ribeye from chef Payne Harding.

Farther west, try the delicious rusticity of The Pantry, with locations in Hillcrest and west of I-430 on Rodney Parham Road.

Other scrumptious options are Trio’s on Cantrell Road, Brave New Restaurant along the Arkansas River on Cottondale Lane and YaYa’s Euro Bistro at the Promenade at Chenal. Classic Italian cuisine is just across the river at Ristorante Capeo on Main Street in North Little Rock.

Competitive

Think inside the box for a fun group date at Mystery Mansion on South Broadway or Central Arkansas Escape Rooms in North Little Rock. Fans call it thrilling group fun, being “locked” in a room with 60 minutes to collaborate, decipher your environment, find clues, solve puzzles and work your way out. (Relax, Nervous Nellies. You’re never actually locked in.) If you purchase fewer tickets than the maximum, the extra slots will be filled by other guests.

If an escape room isn’t your style, see if you can stay out of the gutters at Professor Bowl West off Reservoir Road or Millennium Bowl in Maumelle. Pool is on the table of possibilities amid a swirl of TV sports at The Tavern at the Promenade at Chenal.

Entertaining

Check out the drama and comedy at the Weekend Theater on Seventh Street, where “Titanic the Musical” opens on Feb. 17. Or, catch supper and a show at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse on Colonel Glenn Road, where a comedy, “The Nerd,” is playing through Feb. 19.

If theater isn’t your thing, visit The Loony Bin Comedy Club on Rodney Parham, which features four comedians this month.Or try The Joint on Main Street in Argenta where you can watch original, two-act original comedy shows every Friday and Saturday.

Active

Want to demonstrate how beautifully you sing or paint, or even drive your spouse up the wall? Try belting out karaoke at venues like Dugan’s Pub, Khalil’s Pub & Grill or the Fox and Hound. At Dugan’s at Third and Rock streets downtown, karaoke night is Wednesday. Khalil’s, on Shackleford Road near Markham, does it on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; the Fox and Hound on Lakewood Drive in North Little Rock gets out the machine and mike on Tuesdays and Fridays.

If you’re looking for something less in the spotlight, try loading up your brushes at a wine-and-painting session at Pinot’s Palette on Pleasant Ridge Road.

For a workout and date night all in one, get the jump on your better half with a one- or two-hour pass at Altitude Trampoline Park on Chenal Parkway. Or test your nerves with a $45 “cheap date night” deal on Friday nights at the indoor Little Rock Climbing Center on Colonel Glenn Road.

Relaxing

Take your sweetheart walking or riding along the Arkansas River, or drive out to Pinnacle Mountain for a fun hike (the relaxation will set in when you watch the sunset at the peak). For a less draining experience, rent a Segway PT from Segway of Arkansas on East Third Street and ride upright on two wheels on a guided downtown tour.

More low-cost, relaxing possibilities include stargazing with your honey at Lake Maumelle, browsing for antiques in Argenta or even spreading a blanket on the living room floor for an indoor picnic after the kids have gone to bed. Or better yet, have that picnic while the kids are spending the night at Grandma’s house. Think finger foods, a little wine, no ants and no interruptions.