This week, love it or hate it Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you're looking to impress here's a run down of some of the best (and alternative) Valentine's goings-on in the city…

A few years ago, my best friend's bloke e-mailed to tell me he planned to propose and was looking for some ideas on how to do it. I responded with three, very long, pages of inspiration (including extravagant boat rides with banners on bridges). He ended up having a few drinks, being too excited/nervous and got down on his knee as they went to bed one night. I think this is incredibly romantic. Unplanned, surprising and totally uncommercial: all the things, perhaps, that Valentine's Day is not.

However, whatever you feel about V Day, the date is looming and your date (real or wished for) is likely expecting some acknowledgement of good old Saint Val. The problem is, without some careful planning, it could all go wrong as every year, without fail, restaurants are over-booked, cheesy cards sell out and there's a national shortage of chocolates. So, with this in mind, I thought I'd give you a heads up on some of the best - and more alternative - romantic goings on in the city next weekend.

50 Shades of Grey @The Grosvenor

Valentine's Day is usually various shades of red and pink, which may be the colour you turn your paramour if you take them to see 50 Shades of Grey next weekend. The controversial flick, and adaption of the E.L. James erotic novel, is being released next Friday and is likely to be the most popular cinema date of the weekend.

If you want to turn the date into a #nicepacakge, why not book in to The Grosvenor for a three course meal, glass of bubbly and bottle of wine plus two tickets to see the film. As Anastasia Steel would say 'Oh my'.

Rom Com(?): £90

Trapeze Workshop @ Spinal Chord

If you would bend over backwards for your loved one - what about booking in for a Valentines Day Tra-peze Workshop together? Or pop along with a pal and learn some moves that may find you love on the dance floor!

Next Saturday, Glasgow aerial school Spinal Chord, will hold a beginners workshop for doubles trapeze. The two hour class will include: one on one supervision, warm up, the basics of both singles and doubles trapeze and some cracking photo opportunities.

Romantic Hoopla: £20pp

Oysters @ Roganos

Aw shucks, you want to say it with oysters? Well, they are meant to be an aphrodisiac.

So, as oysters are one of the oldest aphrodisiacs in the world, it makes sense to find somewhere to eat them with a wee bit of history. Roganos is one of the best known Glasgow seafood restaurants and has been shucking oysters to the masses since 1935. In addition to their main restaurant area, they also have the beautiful Oyster Bar which serves bar snacks, outstandingly good cocktails and, yes, oysters. Bottoms Up!

The world (and your date) will be your oyster! - £9.50 for six, £14 for nine, £19 for twelve.

Romeo and Juliet @ Clyde Auditorium

O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Well, if you've found yours and you can manage to drag him along to the ballet, well done you (I'm not being sexist here, many wonderful men love the ballet, I'm only talking from personal experience)! So, as a classier alternative to my shady cinema trip, what about a romantic night out at the theatre?

In a special, one off performance, Ballet West will present Shakespeare's greatest romance, Romeo and Juliet at the Clyde Auditorium (the Armadillo) next Saturday at 7.30pm. This beautiful production combines a reworking of Profokiev's score and some seriously fit dancers. Swoon.

Avoiding a (star) crossed lover: tickets from £25

Feast and Forage @ Galloway Wild Foods

Finding 'the one' can sometimes feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, or perhaps a snack in a forest. So, if you've found yours, what about taking them on an alternative Valentine's Day out, and going foraging.

Green Aspirations Scotland is hosting a unique Valentines event with a foraging walk, finding wild treats (oi oi) and having a taste of nature (ditto) followed by a wild food cook-off with all the delights you've discovered. The event will be hosted by Mark Williams of Galloway Wild Foods and will end with a romantic camp fire. For the seriously bold, there's also an opportunity for some wild camping. The bonus being, in this weather, direct body heat will certainly be needed!

Love in the Wild: £60pp including all food and elderflower champagne, £10pp extra for camping.

Wee Bird Recommends

Stepping away from the love birds for a moment, Wee would like to recommend a different kind of slap(stick) that might tickle your fancy. Extra dates have been added to the sold out performances of the revival production of The Real Hoosewives Fae Glesga at The Pavilion next week. So, Valentines or not, snap up a Real Hoosewife Fae Glesga no doubt you'll get plenty more than you bargained for!