Valentine's Day doesn't have to be limited to a fancy dinner and bottle of wine. Here are some date ideas for beer-loving couples who are looking to do something a little different this year.

Take Friday off and enjoy a weekend trip up North starting at Bent Paddle Brewing in the West End neighborhood of Duluth. Then swing into Canal Park Brewing to take in the lake view while enjoying a late-afternoon beer or two. Follow that up with a romantic sunset walk to Fitger's Brewhouse to enjoy a wonderful dinner and stay for the beer and music. Wake up on Saturday and take a cruise up to the gorgeous, frozen Gooseberry Falls. Swing into the new Castle Danger Brewing taproom in Two Harbors on your way back to Duluth and explore their selection of beers by ordering a flight.

If you want to stay closer to town, take a day trip out to Stillwater and swing into The Wedge and Wheel for a cheese flight and ask owner Chris Kohtz to help you pair it with a beer or cider. For dinner, walk over to LOLO American Kitchen for a tasty meal and sip on one of the many craft brews or fancy cocktails available on their menu.

Host a fun couples evening where each duo brings a different beer and appetizer pairing to share with the group. A nut brown ale would pair nicely with an aged gouda and a big, hoppy IPA with a blue cheese.

For a more intimate night-in take your date to one of the many local bottle shops around town and pick out a mixed six pack to pair with a home cooked meal. Pair a nice IPA such as Hop Dish from Lift Bridge with a spicy Thai dish, a vinaigrette salad with a Saison such as CynicAle from Surly, and a nice Stout such as Foundation from Badger Hill Brewing with a rich raspberry chocolate cake.

There's nothing more romantic than creating and learning something new together and brewing beer would surely fit the bill. Start by heading to Midwest Supplies or Northern Brewer and picking out one of their starter sets. Then pick out a pre-made beer recipe kit (instructions will be included) and "hop" to it! You can celebrate again in a couple weeks with a bottling date and keep the love alive next month when your beer is finally ready to drink.

Cheers to all the "hoppy" couples out there!