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LOVE POTION: RECIPE FOR ROMANCE TEN WAYS TO WOW YOUR VALENTINE: FROM BREAKFAST IN BED TO A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

February 8, 2007 12:50 am

"The problem is all inside your head, she said to me.

The answer is easy if you take it logically.

There must be 50 ways to leave your lover."

Paul Simon's song told listeners how to wriggle out of relationships, but we want to help keep yours alive and well. So, in honor of Valentine's Day, we put a special spin on Simon's song. Here are some suggestions sure to heat up this Feb. 14:

1. Grab a nice meal, Neal.

Lots of local restaurants offer Valentine's Day specials. Be sure to call your favorites and make reservations early.

If you're looking for something a little fancier, here are just a few of the special dinner events being offered in the Fredericksburg area:

Valentine's Dinner Dance , Fredericksburg Square, 525 Caroline St. Music by The Jim Canty Band, cash bar. Saturday, dinner 6-8 p.m., dancing 8 p.m.-midnight. $75 per person in advance. 540/373-9601, fburgsquare .com.

Live Entertainment , Ristorante Renato, 422 William St., Fredericksburg. Special menu and music by Peter Fields and Laurie Rose Griffith, and Peter Mealy. Feb. 14. 540/371-8228, ristoranterenato.com.

Valentine's Dinner Dance, Inn at Kelly's Ford, 16589 Edwards Shop Road, Remington. Five-course dinner, door prizes, cash bar, music by The Andre Fox Band. Call for reservations. Feb. 14, 6-11 p.m. $100 per couple. 540/399-1779.

2. Bring out the candy, Mandy.

Chocolate is a Valentine's Day stand-by, but why settle for a cardboard box? Sink your teeth into one of these tasty events, instead:

Chocolates and Cabernet, Gray Ghost Vineyards, 14706 Lee Highway, Amissville. Unlimited desserts, wine tastings, Valentine glass. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15. 540/937-4869.

Chocolatiers and Chocolates, Ingleside Vineyards, 5872 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove. Chocolate entrepreneurs display and discuss their wares, plus music, tours and tastings. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. $5, includes souvenir glass. For reservations, call 804/224-8687 or visit ipwine.com.

Make the morning special with a plate of crispy french toast, a fluffy omelet or eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise. Complete the meal with fresh fruit salad, a tall glass of OJ and a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

Dress up the tray with cloth napkins, real silverware or a single red rose in a vase.

Visit epicurious.com/bonappetit/menus/breakfast for a few complete breakfast-in-bed menus straight from the pages of Bon Appetit magazine.

Visit wikihow.com/Make-Breakfast-in-Bed for step-by-step instructions for making the meal special.

4. Catch a show, Flo.

Whether you go with a family member, a friend or that certain someone, stepping out on the town can help put anyone in the Valentine's Day spirit. Here are a couple of our favorites options:

Burlesque-A-Pades, The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. The show, for mature audiences only, evokes the feel of traditional burlesque. Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. $19.50. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 800/551-SEAT or visit ticket master.com.

'Shakespeare's R&J,' University of Mary Washington, Klein Theatre. Drama adapted by Joe Calarco. Feb. 15-25, 8 p.m. Adults $10, students/seniors $8. Runs 540/654-1124.

5. Don't forget the flowers, Howard.

Different colors of roses mean different things. Don't send the wrong message! Here's a helpful guide, according to wisegeek.com:

Red--love, passion

White--sincerity, loyalty, purity, a love stronger than death

Pink--admiration, friendship, appreciation

Yellow--friendship, familiar love, domestic happiness

6. Catch a movie, Ruby.

Nothing says "Valentine's Day" like a little steam on the big screen. You'll find a lovable selection at theaters, on DVD and elsewhere. Here are a few ideas:

Dessert and a Movie, Hopkins Candy Factory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas. Big-screen viewing of the classic movie "Casablanca" and an array of decadent desserts. Sponsored by the Manassas Museum. Saturday, 8-10:30 p.m. $15 per person, $25 per couple. In case of snow, the event will be held on Sunday. 703/368-1873.

Try these romantic rentals:

"Breakfast at Tiffany's"

"Sleepless in Seattle"

"The Way We Were"

"An Affair to Remember"

Head out to the theater. Here are a couple of films with a romantic feel that are playing in the Fredericksburg area this week:

"Blood and Chocolate"

"Catch and Release"

(Read reviews of both in the "Still Playing" listings on Pages 11 and 12.)

It might be too cold to eat outdoors, but an indoor picnic can heat things up fast. Here are some ideas for serving up a cozy Valentine's Day feast for two:

Sweetheart Picnic Dinner Concert, Swans Creek Elementary School, 17700 Wayside Drive, Dumfries. Dinner accompanied by classical music by Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra. Pack your own picnic, bring a tablecloth and decorative settings. Prizes will be awarded. Casual to semiformal dress. 6 p.m. $15. For reservations, call 703/451-4510.

Plan your own: Visit ehow.com/how_17662_indoor-picnic.html for a guide to hosting your own indoor picnic, with tips on everything from choosing the right room to picking the best music.

8. Help her relax, Max.

One way to win a bouquet of Valentine's Day points is to pamper, pamper, pamper! Here are a few ideas to make your significant other feel like a queen--or king--for a day.

Meet your special someone at the door with robe and slippers in hand.

Draw a warm scented bubble bath, place some fragrant candles around the tub, and have a favorite book or magazine--and a refreshing drink--on hand.

Close the door, and keep the kids, the phone--and everything else--at bay.

A whirl or two around the dance floor is sure to get the sparks flying. Think about trying out one of these local offerings:

Valentine's Dinner Dance, Germanna Center for Advanced Technology, 18121 Technology Drive, Culpeper. Music by Quiet Fire Soul Show, plus dinner, dancing, roses and door prizes. Saturday, 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $50 per person, $100 per couple. Dance only $25. 540/829-9752.

Daddy-Daughter Valentine Dance, Sharron Baucom-Dale City Recreation Center, 14300 Minnieville Road, Dale City. This event for dads and their daughters, ages 4 and older, features DJ music, refreshments and door prizes. 6:30-8 p.m. Pre-registration required. $12/couple, $6 for each additional daughter. 703/670-7112.

Valentine's Dinner and Dance, Colonial Beach Rescue Squad building. Music by Mike Wheelahan, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and food. Saturday, Feb. 17, 6-10 p.m. Tickets, which cost $40 for couples, $20 for singles, and $10 for ages 6 to 12, will be available until Feb. 14. Those under age 6 will be admitted free. Benefits the American Cancer Society. 540/775-3773, 804/224-9020.

This one speaks for itself. Doesn't it?