If you are looking for some outside-the-chocolate-box ideas for Valentine’s Day, we have you covered. From rugby tournaments to scavenger hunts, there are many ways to be creative this weekend. Many local restaurants are providing special menus with all the aphrodisiacs and sweet treats needed to create the perfect mood. If you want to keep it traditional with roses and chocolates, check out local chocolatiers Ethel M and Max Brenner, both of which have special Valentine’s collections.

Alternative Valentine’s Day ideas:

Thursday, February 10:

Blind Date at Haze: Calling all singles! Haze wants to set you up. Ladies: Be one of the first 200 females in the club and receive a heart-shaped lock. Gentlemen: Score a lock combination and start firing those pick-up lines. The first couple to crack the code wins $5,000 or “the ultimate dream date.”

Saturday, February 12

Dump Your Ex's Stuff Drive: Turn your ill will into Goodwill by getting rid of your ex's stuff and donating it to the nonprofit. Radio station 98.5 KLUC will be on hand at the Albertsons at 95 and Craig Road from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. to help collect donations. Visit sngoodwill.org for additional donation locations.

Couples and Singles Mingle at Blue Martini: Celebrate early and help a good cause. Blue Martini is hosting an event to benefit the American Heart Association. Ladies who wear red will receive a free glass of champagne, and those who donate $5 to the American Heart Association will receive a raffle ticket that can win them a Coach handbag, jewelry and more.

Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man tries to put you in a “chocolate mood” year-round, but especially on Valentine’s Day. Add a little spice to your night with the massage oil and truffle gift set or simply enjoy some delectable treats with the Love Me/Love Me Not Bonbons and the I Love You Favorites from the Forum Shops location.

Valentine's Day scavenger hunt: Las Vegas Strip Search presents a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt. Couples will start from and return to BB King's at The Mirage. Explore the Strip gathering items in the hopes of winning prizes including dinner for two at BB Kings and two tickets to Love. The entry fee is $50 per couple.

Valentine's Day shopping event: St. John at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace invites shoppers to check out the exclusive Red Haute Collection from the upcoming Spring 2011 collection. Those who spend $1,000 or more can receive an exclusive St. John icon key chain. Enjoy live music, complimentary cocktails and light fare at the event.

Kill Cupid Anti-Valentine’s Day Forget the pink hearts and the red roses. McFadden’s knows how much love stinks, and they aren’t afraid to show with their “Kill Cupid Anti-Valentine’s Day” bash. The bluesy pop duo Red Abbey will perform from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. and the featured cocktail of the evening, the Love Stinks, will be offered all night for only $3. Guests can start off the anti-lovey-dovey celebration with a $15 open bar from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. and continue the unlimited drinking from 10 p.m. until midnight for only $15 for ladies and $25 for guys.

Valentine's Day at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza: Get in touch with your domestic side this Valentine's Day. Show your lover you can actually cook, not just order, pizza. Sammy's Woodfired Pizza will be selling pizza kits. The kits start at $5 and include freshly made pizza dough and the perfect amounts of Sammy's homemade tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese and a blend of herbs for the perfect finishing touch. There's even a gluten-free option. You can pick up the kits at any of the five area locations.

Holly Madison at Tryst: America’s favorite girl next door and Peepshow star, Holly Madison will host a Valentine’s Day Affair at Tryst Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas.

Valentine’s Day fashion show: Altered Nation Designs and Flockflockflock are hosting their third Couture Community Challenge fashion show and raffle to benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation of NV. The show will feature local designers and artists such as Susan Tosches-Deneau, Jennifer Henry, Stephanie Rapp, Cari Byers, Ermelinda Manos, Jasmine Brim and Robin Barcus-Slonina, among others. Each participant has been challenged to use real Valentine’s cards, candies and decorations to create unique garments in celebration of the holiday. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door and raffle tickets will be for sale for $1 each or 15 for $10. Beer, wine, and food will also be available for purchase.

USA Sevens Rugby at Sam Boyd Stadium: The HSBC Sevens World Series is returning to Las Vegas so if your idea of a romantic weekend is watching sweaty men grunt their way across a field, then this is the event for you!

Bulldog Kissing Booth at The Soggy Dog: If you've never been kissed, now is your chance. The Soggy Dog in Henderson welcomes the Las Vegas Bulldog Club and their kissing booth to their dog wash. Beautiful bulldogs will be doling out smooches and helping to raise funds to support bulldog rescue in Southern Nevada. Show some love to your pup on Valentine's Day with a wash and blueberry facial.

Valentine Zombie Walk: Just when you thought you have seen it all—Vegas goes and one-ups itself. Join your fellow undead Downtown for a walk down Fremont Street. Start at The Plaza Casino and follow the crowd to Vanguard Lounge where all drinks will be half off for those in zombie gear.

My Bloody Valentine 3D screening: Leave it to the Sci Fi Center to combine a screening of My Bloody Valentine 3D with a children's book drive. Bring a new or gently used book to donate to Spread The Word Nevada, an organization aimed at promoting literacy by among children across the Valley.

Sunday, February 13:

Laughter Hours Valentine's comedy show: Butterscotch Entertainment presents a "For Lovers and Others" Valentine's Day package at Laughter Hours at Foundation Room. This week's featured comics are Brandt Tobler, Booya, Louie Muhammad, Gooch and Spence. The special package includes VIP seating, a bottle of Perrier Jouet Champagne and a box of chocolates.

Monday, February 14:

Valentine’s Day Cruises at Lake Las Vegas: The Village at Lake Las Vegas puts a unique spin on Valentine's Day. Couples are encouraged to come aboard the LaContessa for the annual Valentine’s Day Cruise along Lake Las Vegas, starting at 6 p.m. Then at 7:30 p.m., a Non-Valentine’s Day Cruise will set sail. This singles mixer will include a complimentary glass of champagne and a cash bar for additional beverages. For reservations call please call 702-568-8965. Following the cruise, dine at one of The Village restaurants. Sunset and Vines and Bernard’s Bistro are offering special menus.

DJ duel: Rhumbar presents a female DJ duel featuring DJ Soxxi and DJ Mika Gold, who will fight to the musical finish on the romantic Strip-side patio. Couples can also cuddle up with passionate date packages for two, featuring Rhumbar Snuggies and belly warming S’mooches and S’mores cocktails.

Love Is In The Air zipline rides: Flightlinez and the Fremont Street Experience present the “Love Is In The Air” event, giving lovers and particularly those who get married on Valentine's Day, unique way to commemorate their wedding day and share their love with the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. For a $15-$20 donation benefiting NCCF, anyone can take a ride down the zipline through Downtown Las Vegas.Brides and grooms who show up to the zipline in their gowns and tuxes can ride for free on the 14th.

Valentine’s Day shopping party: Come celebrate with Harper’s Bazaar at the re-opening of French Connection’s Las Vegas Flagship at the Miracle Mile Shops. Enjoy a live DJ and shop the magazine’s “Editor Picks” from the Spring 2011 collection. All shoppers will enjoy 20 percent off everything storewide.

Couples special at Minus5: Don't get cold feet. Tell your significant other how you really feel at Minus5 Ice Bar where couples can enjoy the holiday special with fur coats and a champagne toast for $50. The special is valid at both Minus5 locations.

Special Valentine’s Day menus:

• Beso’s special menu created by Chef Matt Piekarski includes a selection of amuse bouche followed by country terrine served with a spiced date chutney and toasted bread. The main course offers two favorites: mouth-watering filet mignon with succulent shrimp, accompanied by roasted baby fennel and cippolini onions, confit fingerling potatoes and peppercorn jus. For dessert, guests will enjoy a hazelnut chocolate cake paired with cherry ice cream and a signature garnish.

• The District at Green Valley Ranch offers up several fun Valentine's Day events. Presidio’s “Celebrate Love” special will include a three-course meal and a glass of champagne for $39 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 702-320-8100.

• Those who wish Cupid would have an archery accident and prefer the “Love Stinks” atmosphere can enjoy a shot and a beer for $8 as well as $2 Jell-O shots across the row at Al’s Garage.

• Valentine's diners at Hank's Fine Steaks & Martinis can enjoy a special a la carte menu including items like kusshi oysters with dandelion mignonette paired with a Belvedere Bloody Mary, seared scallops with pop corn beurre blanc and blood orange syrup, yellow fin carpaccio, seared Wagyu with trumpet mushrooms, pea tendrils, king crab soufflé and port shallot reduction. Save room for the White Chocolate Lovers Cups for dessert.

• Social House inside Crystals at CityCenter, will offer guests the choice to have some fun with Valentine’s Day by selecting from either the Love or the Hate menus prepared specifically for the holiday. Each menu will feature a delicious six-course pre fixe dinner for $85 per person. Menu highlights from the Love menu include: edamame, sudachi butter poached lobster, salmon wasabi creme roll and a nutella chocolate chip push pop for dessert. The Hate menu includes crispy phyllo oysters, grilled truffle crusted lobster, crispy unagi roll and a blood orange creamsicle push pop for dessert.

• Bar + Bistro Downtown at the Arts Factory celebrates Valentine's Day with a special menu starting with a choice of roasted tomato soup or the B+B salad followed by pan seared scallops. Main course choices include spiced sea bass or New York steak pavi. For dessert, enjoy a warm chocolate ganache cake served with a glass of Prosecco. The menu is priced at $40 per person and reservations can be made by calling 702-202-6060.

• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar presents a romantic sharing menu in honor of Valentine’s Weekend. The menu is created especially for two, and is available February 11-14 in addition to Fleming’s regular a la carte menu. To give couples another reason to celebrate, the Summerlin restaurant is offering each couple dining during this weekend a complimentary $25 Fleming’s Dining Card to use toward a future rendezvous with their sweetheart.

• Koi Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino offers a special menu to heighten the senses including lobster velvet soup, heart-shaped sushi roll, screaming orgasm roll and surf & turf featuring grilled kobe sirloin steak and half lobster tail drizzled with yuzu butter sauce, served on a bed of shishito mashed potatoes. The menu will be offered Friday through Monday, and locals will receive a 15 percent discount. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine or champagne will be served on the evening of Valentine's Day.

• Strip House offers a special menu Friday through Monday featuring a warm goat cheese salad, a 14-ounce bone-in filet and a rack of lamb with mint jelly plus a chocolate fondue served with orange-scented pound cake, bananas, brownies, marshmallows and almond biscotti for dessert.

• Michael Mina at Bellagio will offer a special tasting menu featuring a six-course menu showcasing Michael Mina classics, like Lobster Pot Pie, for $125 per person. An optional wine pairing will be offered for an additional $65 per person.

• Chef Kerry Simon hosts a Singles Soiree at Simon at Palms Place featuring mini crispy crab cakes, crispy sesame rice with spicy tuna, parma prosciutto-wrapped dates, crispy rock shrimp with a sweet chili sauce, truffled mac and cheese tarts and red velvet brownies. Prize giveaways include gift cards to Sunset Tan, Drift Spa and Hammam and the Palms. Muster up the courage to take a swing at the heart-shaped pinata.

• Yard House at Town Square will be serving up Kung Pao calamari and shrimp ceviche to start followed by entrees such as pan roasted halibut, lobster mac & cheese and grilled rib eye. For dessert, try the s’more brownies paired with a Youngberry Chocolate Brew, Lost Lover cocktail, Love Letter sparkling cocktail or Shaggatini martini.

• Nothing says “I love you” like meat on a stick! Texas de Brazil is offering specialty cocktails to accompany their 60-item gourmet salad area and a meat parade of beef, pork, lamb, sausage and chicken. Cocktails include the Brazilian Rose, the Brazilian Kiss, the Raspberry Cream Dream, the Espresso Delight Martini and the Milky Way Martini.

• If you can’t go to Italy for Valentine’s Day, you can still get a taste of Tuscany at Brio, which features Northern Italian cuisine. The special Valentine’s Day menu includes primavera formaggio, beef medallions with black pepper shrimp and a fresh catch with lobster and shrimp salad. For dessert, indulge in housemade seasonal crème brulee, butterscotch pecan bread pudding and raspberry mascarpone cheesecake.

• Via Brasil Steakhouse will be celebrating with a special menu and live jazz playing all four nights from Friday through Monday. In addition to the regular fixed price “Rodizio” menu of more than 16 meats including chicken, pork and fish plus the salad bar of more than 30 hot and cold dishes, the restaurant will serve oysters on the half shell and shrimp cocktail. The restaurant will be decorated with red flowers and candles for just the right mood. Call 702- 804-1400 for reservations.

• Morels Steakhouse & Bistro The Executive Chef JL Carrera of the Palazzo restaurant has created a special celebratory menu. Aside from the regular menu, guests can enjoy Truffle Tagliatelle featuring a bounty of shrimp served with pasta and of course, truffles. The special menu also includes heart-shaped ravioli packed with ricotta and spinach.

• Executive Chef Eric Klein has created a special six-course menu for Valentine’s Day at Spago. The dinner will begin with an amuse of Russian golden Osetra caviar, followed by tuna carpaccio & tartare thenc hoices of chilled Maine lobster “A La Gargouillou” and American U.S.D.A. Prime beef tenderloin. Enjoy the trio of chocolate tasting bites for dessert. The menu is available for $100 per guest. For reservations, call 702-369-6300.

• For $55, couples at Cabo Wabo may choose from a variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts including ahi tuna ceviche, grilled chicken tostadita salad or Cadillac cheese nachitos for starters. Entrée choices include lobster enchiladas, a Baja surf & turf or a carne asada. For dessert, diners will have the choice of a warmed chocolate brownie sundae or the trio flan with coconut, vanilla and sweet potato. All Valentine’s Day meals are paired with two Waboritas. Call 702-385-2226 for reservations.

• Chef Mark LoRusso will serve a special six-course tasting menu at Boteroat Encore featuring Maine lobster salad, ricotta cannelloni with duck ragu plus a tasting of desserts from pastry chef Sara Steele. The price is $110 per person.

• CUT at the Palazzo will offer a variety of special menu items this Valentine’s Day including Maine diver scallop sashimi, Fuji and honey crisp apple salad and Dungeness crab & Carolina shrimp “Louis” cocktail. The entrée selections will include U.S.D.A Prime bone-in rib eye steak aged for 21 days, braised Snake River Farm’s beef short rib and Maine lobster pot pie. For reservations, call 702- 607-6300.

• Trattoria del Lupo at Mandalay Bay will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special menu including blue crab salad followed by a sun choke agnolotti with Maine lobster and black truffle caviar and then red wine braised Osso Buco with creamy polenta and horseradish cream. For dessert, enjoy the Decadent Chocolate Pudding for two with vanilla bean ice cream and Valrhona chocolate filling. This tasting menu is priced at $55 per person. For reservations, call 702-740-5522.

• Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina will offer a three-course tasting menu this Valentine’s Day. Start things off with a choice of roasted tomato-piquillo pepper soup, warm goat cheese and Tuscan olive oil or citrus marinated baby beet salad. The next course will offer saffron orzo risotto with mussels, shrimp and manila clams or mesquite grilled Colorado lamb sirloin. For dessert, enjoy the Decadent Chocolate Pudding Cake served with vanilla bean ice cream and Valrhona chocolate filling. This tasting menu is priced at $45 per person. For reservations, call 702- 238-1000.

• Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill’s special menu features a choice of yellowfin tuna Sashimi or D’Anjou pear salad for starters. Next, guests can enjoy a course of grilled prime beef tenderloin or pan roasted loup de mer. Finish the meal with a choice of a delicious “Hot Date” cake with preserved apricot, sticky toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream or glazed decadent exotic fruit Chocolate Torte with passion fruit crème, banana marmalade and raspberry sorbet. This menu is offered at $55 per person. For reservations, call 702-891-3000.

• DJT, the signature restaurant at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas is celebrating by offering a special six-course meal starting with a delectable sparkling passion fruit apértif and sour cherrie compote, followed by Manhattan clam-chowder, a crostini with prosciutto, figs and mint and saffron risotto with zucchini blossoms and crunchy chicken spring roll. Entrees will be served family style and include Chateaubriand with miniature double baked potato and vegetable pot-au-feu, sauce béarnaise, spice-coated rack of lamb and pan seared duck breast and duck confit. Dessert options include chocolate covered strawberries and New York cheesecake with fresh raspberries. The dinner will be offered from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and costs $130 for two guests. Call 702-982-0000 for reservations.

• The Valentine’s Day feast at d. vino includes burrata and marinated tomatoes, heart-shaped ravioli stuffed with lobster, a roasted rib eye for two with foie gras-truffle potato croquets and asparagus plus an espresso and chocolate tart sprinkled with sparkly, sugar diamonds for dessert.

• To celebrate Valentine’s Weekend, all three locations of Hash House a Go Go will feature specials Friday through Monday. Bruch menu items include drink specials like the Tangerine Kiss, Pink Teddy, Champagne Super Nova, Blueberry Mocha, Butterscotch Latte and Spicy BLT Mary plus the golden raspberry pancake, sage fried chicken quesadilla, mahi mahi and all-blue crabcake and a sweet strawberry cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. Dinner options include a spicy BLT Mary with jalapeno bacon and pan tostado, a mixed grill featuring bison, boneless ribeye and Maple Leaf Farms duck breast on garlic mashed potatoes with barbecue cream and a 14 oz. porterhouse served with bacon cheddar mashed potatoes and sautéed wild mushrooms. Dessert options include chocolate pecan bread pudding and peanut butter banana cheesecake.

• Lovebirds can enjoy shots of Tequila Rose strawberry cream liqueur at T&T. After a tequila toast, move on to desserts like T&T’s Morenita Sundae features a warm chocolate brownie topped with homemade vanilla ice cream and caramel glaze. The Valentine’s Day special is priced at $14. A special offer will also be available to all Twitter followers. Retweet T&T’s Valentine’s Day special @tacosandtequila and show your mobile device to receive a complimentary dessert with the purchase of two entrees on February 14.

• This Valentine’s Day, guests at Alize can begin with an amuse bouche of Belon oyster with Oscetra caviar followed by a choice of roasted king crab, Fuji apple and fresh Perigord truffle or Andre’s foie gras terrine with duck confit, toasted brioche and endive marmalade. The second course is a choice of arugula and citrus marinated hearts of palm salad with apricot confiture or seared diver scallops. Main course choices include macadamia crusted northern halibut, roasted free-range chicken, sautéed filet of beef or a Veal Loin Chop. For dessert, choose from passion fruit and milk chocolate Bavarian terrine or fresh long stem strawberries with chocolate fondue and shortbread cookies or salted honey-milk caramel cake with crispy almond praline. The price is $125 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 702-951-7000.

• PBR Rock Bar & Grill at Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino invites lovebirds to “Get Some Mac On” with PBR’s famous Dorito crusted mac n’ cheese or enjoy the “Smokin’ Hot” smoked chicken gumbo or finger licking Memphis-Style BBQ Pork Ribs. Dessert options include Belgian waffle hot fudge banana sundae or the drunken peach cobbler.

• Dos Caminos has created a special “Dia De Los Enamorados” menu for the lovers wanting to add some spice to their night. The menu featuring Habanero Lobster Bisque as a starter and Mar y Tierra or Cocoa Dusted Long Island Duck as an entrée is available February 12-14.

• Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace offers up a special menu featuring sun choke soup, slow-roasted salmon potato cake, quail and waffles, butter-poached lobster lemon rosemary gnocchi, bison tenderloin and for dessert, a choice of red velvet cheesecake or German chocolate mousse.

• Morton’s The Steakhouse offers a Valentine’s dinner for two through Valentine’s Weekend, with its signature three-course steak and seafood experience. Guests can start with either a traditional Caesar salad or Morton’s signature salad. The second course includes two single cut, USDA prime-aged fillets and a choice of two of the following: broiled sea scallops and colossal shrimp Alexander, jumbo lump crab cake, one signature potato to share or one fresh vegetable to share. Couples can pair the dinner with a pre-selected bottle wine for an additional $45. For dessert, enjoy Morton's Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake, key lime pie or creme brulee.

• The three course menu at Marche Bacchus includes a choice of saffron and shellfish salad or duck breast salad, followed by a choice of grilled salmon or roasted bluenose bass, followed by a choice of rack of lamb or filet mignon. Dessert will be a strawberry trios laitages gateau.

• Fix at Bellagio starts off their Valentine’s Day menu with Osetra caviar short stack, blue fin toro tasting, followed by a second course of lobster bisque or smoked salmon. Entre choices include truffled chicken, shellfish tasting, filet mignon wellington or surf ‘n turf for two. Finish off the meal with a berry trifle for two.

• Union at Aria offers up the Valentine’s Cherry Menu for Two featuring a first course choice of tuna carpaccio or melon and burratta cheese salad, a second course of lobster risotto carbonara and an entrée selection of roasted chicken “coq au vin,” Union signature steak frites, seafood paella or lamb pappardelle pasta.

• Enjoy a special "Aphrodisiac Menu" at The Country Club at Wynn including dishes such as chilled oysters on the halfshell with cucumber ginger granite and chocolate fondue for two with berries, pineapple, vanilla macaroons and port-macerated figs. The dishes are available as a multi-course meal and can also be ordered a la carte. The cost is $95 per person.

• Chef Theo Schoenegger will offer a four-course "Sinatra Seduction" menu at Sinatra at Encore that includes lobster-filled ravioli with sweet wine and saffron clam broth, honey glazed Colorado lamb with bell pepper timbale and a symphony of chocolate and banana for dessert. Each will also receive a long-stemmed red rose and a copy of Frank Sinatra’s Seduction CD. The cost is $198 per person.

• Stack at Mirage presents a special menu of champagne paired with yellowtail and caviar to start, then a choice of apple tart or fig and burrata cheese salad as a first course. The second course is a Main lobster risotto followed by a choice of steak frites, organic chicken or butter-roasted salmon.

• Chef Kim Canteenwalla's three-course Valentine's Day menu at Society Cafe will include petite filet mignon with potato and bacon hash and a classic iced shellfish platter of Alaskan king crab, Kumamoto oysters and poached tiger shrimp. An XXXL chocolate cake covered in dark and white chocolate shavings will be served for dessert. The cost is $120 per couple.

• Brand Steakhouse and Lounge offers a Valentine’s Day menu featuring a choice of beef carpaccio or velvety white bean soup to start followed by a second course of butter lettuce salad. The entrée selection includes a 12-hour prime rib, roasted chicken or a 1.5 lb. stuffed Maine lobster. For dessert, enjoy the “ultimate strawberry tasting” including lemon poppy seed strawberry short cake or warm strawberry rhubarb cobbler.