MODESTO — It doesn’t matter if you think that Valentine’s Day was created to sell greeting cards (it was).

All that matters is that it matters to her. 

So what are you going to do?

If that’s a thought that hasn’t even yet crossed your mind – and for thousands of guys who dread the thought of the “Hallmark Holiday” they haven’t – there are still plenty of things to do and places to go in order not to end up in the doghouse. 

And you don’t necessarily have to go with the standard chocolate and roses either, unless that’s what you’re going for. 

Here are a few ideas based on things that Stanislaus County and Modesto proper can provide for a romantic evening that will blow her away:

• Milk Chocolate and Flowers – It’s a Valentine’s Day staple and it can be stale. But if you really want to go with the classic there are local places you can turn to in order to put a distinctive flair on what has been a timeless treat. Places like Fresh Ideas Floral Company and Hart Floral have been taking care of customers in Modesto for years and create their own unique displays in store themselves – offering something far fresher than the mail-order services you might hear about on the radio. See’s Candies has two locations in Modesto – one on McHenry Avenue and one in the Vintage Faire Mall – in case you want to pick up a box of quality chocolates. Going local is never a bad way to do things. 

• Dinner and a Movie – Modesto has its share of restaurants, and the Downtown area has witnessed a resurgence of sorts thanks to foodies that have come to appreciate the finer tastes. That means you’re going to have a lot more to choose from. Places like Dewz, Tresetti’s and Galleto Ristorante are popular choices, but you’ll find that a tapas-style place like Concetta is equally as delicious – if not more. Bella Italia has two locations in the area – one in East Modesto and one in Riverbank – and offers some of the best homemade Italian food in the area. And the list could keep going on and on and on. So when you’ve picked a place and you’re done eating, treat yourself to a quick trip to Riverbank where you can enjoy the newly renovated Galaxy Luxury Theater where every seat is a leather recliner and a bar offers beer and wine offerings. It’s a night out. Might as well enjoy yourself. 

• Picnic it – When everybody thinks of Valentine’s Day they always think of dinner and drinks and a night out on the town. But what’s wrong with a day? Pack up a picnic basket with a few light eating items and a bottle of wine and hit one of Modesto’s main city parks – near the Mancini Bowl at Graceda Park or Downey Community Park. The balmy weather might be terrible for California’s apocalyptic drought conditions, but it’s wonderful for a day out on the green – while it’s still green. Enjoy it.