Romantic evenings out may not be happening this year – helllo face masks are just not that romantic – but that doesn’t mean you can’t put together nice celebration showing your loved one you care while supporting local small businesses.
Most local businesses will be welcoming guests in person this year. However, with the need to social distance, expect locations to be full and plan to make reservations in advance where possible.
If an at home celebration is what you’re after, many local businesses are providing unique at home experiences to help you keep the romance going even if you aren’t able to celebrate like you have traditionally.
If you need some Valentine’s Day inspiration, we encourage you to start with these local businesses and members of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Frederick
Book a Tour of Tenth Ward Distillery
Tenth Ward tour guides will lead participants through how to nose and taste a spirit, the distillery production process, and discuss how barrel aging works.
Tours happen on Saturdays and can be booked via their online portal here: Visit Tenth Ward
Not ready for a tour yet?
That’s cool! You can grab a taste in their cocktail lab or even pickup your spirits curb side to go!
Learn more here: Tenth Ward Distilling Company
Celebrate Romance on the Big Screen at Warehouse Cinemas
More than just your everyday movie theater, Warehouse Cinemas offers a movie going experience like no other. With a full bar featuring 28 self-serve taps, cool cocktails, wine and a creative food menu, a night out at the movies might be a perfect way to celebrate with your sweetheart.
To make the holiday a little more lovey, Warehouse Cinemas will be showing romantic retro films such as “The Notebook” and “50 First Dates” at their Season of Love Valentine’s Movie Event. They will also have a popcorn a special “Cupid’s Crush” and a drink special “Heart Throb” to make your visit even more lovely.
They’ll also be offering a Galentine’s event as well as a Bloody Valentine Horror event.
Learn more here: Warehouse Cinemas
Get Crafty Together at AR Workshop
If you’re a crafty couple, AR Workshop is the perfect place for a Valentine’s Saturday night date night! You can book a reservation for you and your sweetheart to visit and make together.
Want a more intimate craft night at home? You can purchase a DIY kit to go and bring the making home with you.
It’s also a great place for a galentine’s event.
Learn more here: AR Workshop Frederick
Get Your Game on at Spinners Pinball Arcade
If you and your sweetheart enjoy gaming, a visit to Spinners is a great way to enjoy a fun night out together.
This fully-inclusive, local pinball arcade has a ton of retro pinball games and other games to offer a full evening of competitive play time. They also serve refreshments including beer and wine.
Learn more here: Spinners Pinball Arcade
Get Away to Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Looking to get out of town with your Valentine? Rocky Gap Casino Resort with their breathtaking setting overlooking the mountains and Lake Habeeb in Rocky Gap National Park, offers the perfect locale for a romantic weekend getaway.
Consider booking their date night package that includes four chocolate dipped strawberries and a spa credit to enjoy a visit to their rejuvenating spa to help you unwind before a night of gaming. You can make your getaway all about relaxation or you can enjoy some of their other on-site or local area attractions.
Learn more here: Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Enjoy a Cooking Class in the Comfort of Your Own Home
Perfect Little Bites brings the cooking class to you! In-home personal chef, Chris Spear, brings the experience directly to you with a memorable, restaurant-quality food experience in the comfort of your own home.
Not up for being in the kitchen but a nice, chef-prepared meal sounds fabulous? Chris does that too and he even leaves your kitchen spotless when he’s done.
Learn more here: Perfect Little Bites
Enjoy a Romantic Meal Out… or Grab it To Go
- The Wine Kitchen on the Creek
- Bonefish Grill
- Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery
- Distilled
- Glory Days Grill
- Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar
- Madrones
- Oscar’s Alehouse
- Pistarro’s
- Pretzel and Pizza Creations
- White Rabbit Gastropub
Valentine’s Gift Ideas
For your favorite coffee lover
Try Dublin Roasters. They’re selling handcrafted, heart shaped charcuterie boards when you buy a pound (or more) of coffee to help bring a little more love to your favorite coffee lover’s kitchen.
To give the gift of flowers
Abloom Ltd. has been creating custom floral arrangements from their Walkersville location for more than 20 years. Check out their special Valentine’s Day arrangement options to get something special for your Valentine.
For the book lover in your life
Frederick Book Arts Center has handprinted cards that you won’t see on the shelves at your local grocery store.
For those who need a little relaxation:
For those who love sparkly things:
For those who enjoy beauty products:
For the outdoorsy type:
Other retail locations:
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.