Unforgettable Sparks: Keeping the Romance Alive and Spicy After 9 Years
My husband and I have always cherished the art of keeping our romance alive, whether it’s dressing up for a night out or creating unforgettable moments at home. We love slipping into something special and heading to a favorite spot like the Log House Restaurant in Wytheville, VA, or discovering a new gem together. He’ll ask me out as if it’s our very first date, bringing me flowers and opening the door with the grace of a perfect gentleman. I truly feel blessed to be married to such a hopeless romantic.
One evening, he transformed our backyard into a magical retreat—blowing up an air mattress, surrounding it with candles and twinkling lights, and setting the stage for us to lie under the stars. We’ve stayed in some of the most romantic places and always find time to enjoy the warmth of nearby hot springs, like Mineral Hot Springs in NC, soaking in the tranquility and each other’s company. Cooking together is another joy we share, grilling kabobs, sipping wine or a cocktail, and savoring the laughter and conversation that flows so easily between us.
One of my most treasured memories is the time he dressed up as a knight in a homemade outfit to “rescue” his queen—me. My sister-n-law captured that moment on video, and it’s no surprise that we married not long after. We've been together for nine years now, but it feels like no time at all because we’ve always made each other a priority. We embrace one another for who we truly are, and that’s the heart of our enduring love.
My husband being adorable. This was leading up to the proposal.
After our adventures, we often wind down with a romantic movie—The Choice by Nicholas Sparks is a favorite—or sometimes a scary one, just so I have an excuse to cuddle up in his lap. We’ve explored breathtaking waterfalls, stayed in charming hideaways, and kayaked together, always finding ways to make each experience as romantic as possible. Whether we’re walking along the parkway, enjoying a beach day, or having a picnic where we exchanged our vows by Little Glade Mill Pond, we turn every moment into a celebration of our love. We've even enjoyed wine tastings together, finding new ways to savor life and each other.
Ideas to Keep Things Spicy:
Romantic & Fun Date Night Ideas
✨ Surprise Date Nights
Take turns planning surprise date nights—whether it’s a candlelit dinner at home or an adventurous night out. My husband is amazing at this! Whenever we travel for his job, he always sneaks in little surprises like a special dinner or a cozy hotel upgrade.
💖 Recreate Your First Date
Go back to where it all began and relive your first date. Reminisce about those early days and see how far you've come. I took my husband to a beautiful pond for a picnic, and years later, we said our vows there.
📝 Love Letters, Just Because
Take time to write heartfelt love letters and leave them in unexpected places—under a pillow, by the coffee maker, or tucked into a bag. My husband is an incredible poet, and I love finding his sweet words. I’ll have to share some of them one day!
🍳 Try Something New Together
Shake things up with a new experience—take a cooking class, try a dance lesson, or even go zip-lining! We went jet skiing once, and my husband absolutely loved it.
🏡 Plan a Cozy Staycation
Turn your home into a romantic retreat. Set up a luxurious hotel vibe with candles, soft music, a bubble bath, and "room service" (aka your favorite takeout).
🚗 Spontaneous Weekend Getaways
Pack a bag, hit the road, and see where the adventure takes you. No plans, no pressure—just excitement and new places to explore together.
🎁 Romantic Challenges
Make romance a little game! Compete to plan the most creative date or surprise each other with meaningful homemade gifts.
👗 Dress Up Just Because
Even if you’re staying in, dress up like you're going out. It instantly changes the mood and makes the night feel extra special. We’ve done this at home, and it makes for the best date nights!
🛀 DIY Spa Night
Pamper each other with a relaxing spa night—massages, homemade face masks, and even a little hair care. We’ve done facial scrubs, masks, and even some hair coloring fun!
🚿 A Spa-Like Bath or Shower
Sometimes, the best gift is creating a little oasis at home. My husband has set up the bathroom with soft towels, candles, and essential oils just for me to unwind with a hot shower or bath. Those little moments of care mean the world!
🎶 Little Surprises Go a Long Way
Surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures that play to their interests—a favorite meal, an unexpected date, or something as simple as sending them love songs throughout the day.
