50 Great Dates for 2016

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

“Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Go Geocaching.

This creative little treasure hunt is sure to impress your date as you hunt the Greater Columbia area for tiny treasures that have had their coordinates published online. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan on geocaching in the dark (so much fun!) and your phone with a GPS system. Click here for more information. There are 305 geocaches near West Columbia – the hunt is on.

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” – Audrey Hepburn

Cuteness at Crepes and Croissants

Head to Crepes and Croissants on Sumter Street and snuggle up at a table with your honey, a fresh pastry and your favorite latte. They serve Starbuck’s Frappuccino Mocha or Vanilla and they have lots of dessert crepes, as well as a variety of coffee treats. It is time to get cozy. This would be such a fun breakfast date! Opens at 7AM Mon – Fri, 8AM on Saturday, and 10AM on Sunday.

Restaurant-hop-around-the-world

It’s time to experience a the world via a Columbia international food tour. This is a date that can last the entire weekend. Start your Friday evening in Harbison with an Asian fusion starter at M Kitchen – their Crab Cakes, Rock Tempura Shrimp or Rose Tuna Tataki are divine, and they offer a full bar. Then, head across the dam to Lexington’s Mediterranean Cafe to enjoy a beautiful, healthy dinner inspired by the spices and aromas of traditional Mediterranean cooking – try a beef kofta, served with rice, tabbouleh, hummus and pita bread. By this point your taste buds should be pretty content, as they have traveled a far, though Rioz would be the perfect last stop. Enjoy one of their After Dinner Martinis from their Milky Way Martini (Absolut Vodka, amarula liqueur, Godiva chocolate liqueur, cream) to their Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini (stoli strawberry vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao, milk). Or are you craving dessert? From their Creme Brulee (a rich cold custard topped with a thin contrasting layer of warm hard caramel) to their Brazilian Flan (a rich and creamy Brazilian traditional dessert made with eggs and sweetened condensed milk) they’ve got you covered. Enjoy dessert and after dinner martinis with your honey as Brazilian cowboys serve folks with the best of the best. View the rest of their dessert/drink menu here.

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” – Aristotle

Bowl Em Over!

Do you want to surprise your cutie-pie with a groovy date? Take them bowling…in the dark, with disco balls and music! Pull an allnighter and bowl from 9:30 PM – 1:00 AM Friday or Saturday at Anchor Lanes (unlimited number of games for just $9.95 per person (shoes not included).) Irmo’s Anchor Lanes’ Rock-N-Glow is the perfect way to spend the evening! Lights down, music up, full house of fun! Northeast Columbia’s Royal Z’s Moonlight Glow Bowling is your Cosmic Bowling experience in Columbia. Laser Lights, Disco Lights, Black Lights, and Runway Lights. Haze machines pumping out fog. LOUD heart pounding music. Bowling lanes even glow in the dark during our Glow Bowling Events!

“Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.” – Bruce Lee

Movie Date

If you want to see a movie, why not kick it up a notch and head out to the IMAX theatre in the Village at Sandhill? Bonus points for seeing a scary movie in IMAX so you and your sweetie can squeeze together when the horror happens. Click here to see all of the movies currently playing at this theater. From Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (sounds scary!) to The Choice (a romantic movie) to movies like the Finest Hours, the 5th Wave, and if you haven’t seen it yet – Star Wars: The Force Awakens An IMAX 3D Experience you have got options. Have fun!

“I love being married. It’s so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner

Explore Columbia

Explore Columbia together like it’s your first time ever seeing the city! Visit all of the landmarks, parks, and touristy places you’ve never had the chance to see since you – you know – live here. Some great places to start off at are the State House, Busted Plug Plaza, the Riverwalk, and Finlay Park.

Walk Through History

Take a tour of one or more of Historic Columbia’s 4 historic houses! Visualize you’re both in the 19th century in this blast from the past. House tours, Garden tours, interactive tours (self-guided), or group tours – they have it all. Or on the second Sunday of each month, join in for a guided walking tour of a different neighborhood in Columbia. Visit the Historic Columbia Foundation’s website here for more information and enjoy your walk into the past.

“I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” – Scott Adams

Open Mic Night

Head out to a local coffee shop and attend an open mike night – Drip, Art Bar, and Ms. Scotto’s are some of the ones that open their stage for amateurs. This is a great way to discover new music you both love or for either of you to showcase your talents! With your beau right beside you, you can’t mess up!

“Men are from Earth. Women are from Earth. Deal with it.” – George Carlin

Tour a Local Brewery!

Ride the Columbia Brew Bus! The Columbia Brew Bus aims to tap into the city’s growing craft beer community by giving you a chance to visit, taste, and learn about each of the area’s breweries in an all inclusive guided tour bus experience. You and your drinking-buddy will get a behind-the-scenes look into how and why Columbia’s breweries are making their mark, while cruising in a safe, laid-back manner. Stop at places like Conquest Brewing, River Rat Brewery, and Swamp Cabbage Brewingonthe bus tour! How cool is this? Book your tour – click here.

“Love thy neighbor — and if he happens to be tall, debonair and devastating, it will be that much easier.” – Mae West

Poodle Skirts & Pony Tails

Put your date into the “way-back machine”…like back to the 1950s! Have your own dress-up party (poodle skirt and pony tail for her and button-down and Brill Cream for him – “a liitle dab will do ya”) Then head to Denny’s Diner on Harbison Boulevard for burgers and a shake to share (2 straws). After Denny’s, drive to Scratch n’ Spins Records located in the heart of West Columbia. Find great prices on used CDs, VHS tapes, cassettes, laserdiscs, 12ʺ singles, 45s, and LPs. Pick out a few oldies together. Want to go even farther back…like the 1920s? Visit the Empire Supper Club in your proper attire and enjoy their entertainment. Click here to view their weekly entertainment schedule from jazz music to special foods served on “Foreign Fridays.” Have fun doing something different – you don’t have to wait for a costume party to dress up!

“I love you no matter what you do, but do you have to do so much of it?” – Jean Illsley Clarke

Free Concerts

What is better than a romantic date centered around a musical performance that is FREE? Not much. We in Columbia are so fortunate to have the USC School of Music with local and guest talent performing in its lovely recital hall and the elegant Koger Center… take advantage of this and plan to attend. This weekend brings these FREE concerts: Feb. 12th – Michelle Story Junior Voice Recital, Symphonic Winds, Samantha Crandall Senior Voice Recital, and USC Wind Ensemble Concert; Feb. 13th – Palmetto Concert Band Concert. More info here!

“Reasons to date me: I laugh at my own jokes so you don’t have to.” – Amit Verma

Volunteer Vibes

There are so many places in and around Columbia where your time serving would not go to waste and where you could deepen your love for one another as you selflessly serve, alongside your best friend. Enjoy helping the Nehemiah Project volunteers put on events for the less fortunate, or have fun working together as dinner cooks at the Columbia Family Shelter once a week, or assist in inspecting, sorting, and boxing the donated food that comes in through community food drives at either Harvest Hope Food Bank or Sharing God’s Love. There are so many opportunities, so simply enjoy learning more of their heart and be blessed as you work together as a team to make this city and surrounding areas a better one, with a much brighter future.

“My philosophy of dating is to just fart right away.” – Jenny McCarthy

A Perfect Sunset

Central South Carolina in known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but how often do you and your love take the time to admire one? The Lake Murray Dam features a great paved path to walk and the perfect place to watch the sun sink below the horizon at sunset – admire the gorgeous pinks, yellows, peaches and tangerines of the sky reflecting in the sparkling lake waters. Perfect time to do a little dreaming together too. Or grab a bite to eat at Liberty on the Lake (check out their Valentine’s menu below!), as the sun sinks and glimmers along the waters of Lake Murray.

“I don’t need to add sugar in my coffee because your kisses are all the sweetness I need in my life. xoxo”

Shuckin’ on the Shoals

Oysters are considered a natural aphrodisiac. Come get your fill and support a great cause – the support and protection of Saluda Shoals Park. Come to the Saluda Shoals Foundation’s Annual Fundraiser and enjoy delicious oysters and hot chili, chicken bog, beer and wine! Also, there will be a silent auction and raffles. Bid on great auction items including trip destinations like the Bourbon Trail, Kennedy Space Center, Maui, Hawaii, Napa Valley and more! Yeti Cooler and Golf Cart Raffles! Be sure you don’t forget your oyster knife and gloves ya sweethearts. Held on Sunday, Feb. 28 from 4pm – 7pm at Saluda Shoals. For more info, click here.

Garden of Delight

Riverbanks Botanical Garden has flowers throughout, but in the winter the majority of their color comes from thousands of different pansies and winter vegetables like mustards, cabbages, and kales. Almost every garden space in the Botanical Garden has something blooming right now. The Winter Garden and Midnight Garden also boast the sweet fragrance of winter honeysuckle. Edgeworthia, the Paper Bush, has white and yellow blooms that smell amazingly sweet in the Hot Border and Midnight Garden. The main annual bed plantings boast a stark contrast between white pansies and dark purple kales. Right outside the Visitors Center, there is a plethora of Hellebores, or Lenten Roses, blooming in shades of white, pink and purple. While the Botanical Garden is still a few weeks off from their bulbs beginning to bloom, there is plenty to see throughout the Garden. During this time, there are many plants with very interesting shapes and textures that are more visible during this slower time of growth.
The South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University is another great place to explore natural gardens, nature trails and natural landscapes and streams. With over 295 acres, the Garden is home to a 70-acre Arboretum, butterfly garden, wildflower meadow and many other specialty gardens. Over 300 varieties of camellias, hollies, hydrangeas, magnolias and native plants can be found in the Garden as well. Open every day, dusk to dawn. Free of charge.

“There are only two times that I want to be with you – Now and Forever.”

Let Your Love Take Flight!

Helicopters Above Columbia offers tours that range anywhere from 15 minutes up to 2 full hours! You and your love have the option of either flying above the city of Columbia, or flying off to see a nearby city or other area. To get information on the current helicopter tours available, visit website. West Columbia Helicopter Services offers tours and rides just for you and your sweetheart! Offering a wide variety of helicopter tours in South Carolina, see the Palmetto State beautifully from a completely new angle! Tours show you the best South Carolina sightseeing locations from above, over breathtaking South Carolina state parks and tourist attractions! Pilots are experienced helicopter tour guides who fly in safe, modern helicopters and staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Visit their website here.

“I asked for a tulip, I got a garden, I asked for a drop, I got the sea, I asked for love and you were sent to me!”

Nice Day? Discover Outside Art!

Columbia has a large number of interesting outdoor art pieces, and wouldn’t it be fun to ride around and see them on a nice day? Get out of the car, take selfies in front of each and you’ll have memories to cherish!

1. Tunnel Vision by Blue Sky: Don’t try and drive through it! Amazingly realistic tunnel entrance painted on the backside of an office building. 1550 Marion St. on the rear of the building facing Taylor St.

2. Busted Plug by Blue Sky: At almost 40 feet tall and five tons, this awesome structure pays homage to Blue Sky’s father who was a firefighter. Right now it is located at 1400 Taylor St., but plans are in the works to move it to another location.

3. Hootie and the Blowfish Monument: an abstract metal sculpture that almost forms a gazebo. Musical staffs rise from the cement, and curve about, reminding one of how music flows through the air. A huge guitar pick is imbedded in the sidewalk with the various achievements of the hometown band emblazoned thereon. Santee Ave. at Harden St.

4. Neverbust Chain by Blue Sky: Look up! A huge 25 foot chain links buildings in downtown Columbia. 1500 Main St.

5. Apollo Cascade: The brick-paved Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art includes outdoor sculpture by works by Henry Moore and Robert Carroll’s fountain sculpture Apollo Cascade. 1515 Main St.

6. Sculpture on the South Carolina State House grounds: Besides being in one of the prettiest gardens in the city, the State House grounds is home to the African American History Monument by Ed Dwight, the Strom Thurmond statue, the equestrian statue of General Wade Hampton, a bronze life-size statue of George Washington and a beautiful bronze palmetto tree. 1100 Gervais St.

Stay-cation Baby!

For the ultimate romantic “getaway” weekend, check in at any of Columbia’s fabulous hotels and enjoy luxurious amenities tailored just for you and your sweetheart. Sometimes a stay-cation is just what you need.
The Inn at USC offers a stay for one or two nights in one of their opulent guestrooms or spacious suites, where upon arrival, you may find a chilled bottle of Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries or hot bubble bath. Your romantic getaway will include pillow-top bedding, free wireless high-speed Internet access and premium cable TV…also every morning, go down to the Palmetto Room for a complimentary made-to-order breakfast.
The Hilton City Center offers an Enchanted Evening Package for the perfect getaway for two. Call today and reserve a customized package, tailored to you and your love’s wishes. For more info, visit their website.
Treat your loved one to an evening of luxury and romance at the Columbia Marriott! Enjoy a night to remember with unparalleled service and elegant surroundings, that feature deluxe guestrooms and superior guest service, champagne, chocolates and breakfast for two.

Staybridge Suites Columbia offers a Romantic Escape Package perfect for anniversaries, honeymoons, or just a special occasion! Upon arrival a bottle of chilled champagne and gourmet chocolates will await you in one of their luxurious suites. The friendly staff will assist you in making reservations for a romantic dinner for two at one of the many local restaurants in the nearby historic downtown Columbia area. Look forward to a full hot complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning, complete with Wolfgang Puck coffee!
The Hampton Inn Historic District Hotel on Gervais Street offers spacious rooms, rose petal baths, mouth-watering chocolates including gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries, and a bottle of sparkling champagne. And if that’s not enough, you and your lover can enjoy a waterfall Jacuzzi surrounded by romantic mood lighting! Deluxe breakfast available in the lobby the next morning. fortress-discromance

Double Date Game Night!

Call over your friends and make it a double date night! Whip out your favorite board games and let the fun begin! Classics like Monopoly, Clue and Scrabble will get you started, and for close contact gaming, try Twister, where the challenge is to put your hands and feet at different places on the mat without falling over. The last player standing wins! Want to play some new, fun games? Try the board game Ticket to Ride (I’ve found that the Europe version is better than the original because the Europe version has train stations included & has incentives to collect wild cards, plus the cities are trickier to pronounce in this version and you really learn the geography of other countries better!) or if you want a group game in which everyone is working on the same team try Pandemic. Four diseases have broken out in the world and it is up to a team of specialists in various fields to find cures for these diseases before mankind is wiped out in this Pandemic Game. Board games, card games, or movement games like Twister are all fun, so invite your friends over and have fun!

“The English dictionary is incomplete because it doesn’t have a word which can describe how much I love you.”

Valentine’s Day Dining

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

Gervais & Vine

620-A Gervais Street | 803.799.8463 | Hours: Mon-Sat 4pm-until

“Yep, that’s right! Valentine’s Day 2016 is almost here & we are ready for you. In fact, we are so ready for you that we’ve done something very special to show you how much we love you! We will be open Sunday, February 14th from 5pm-10pm for dinner. To delight your tastebuds, we will have a special “Sweetheart” menu crafted from mastermind Chef Jason Holowacz, and to delight your budget we will have extraordinary wine specials. For those of us whose companion this holiday will be the finest bottle of Vino that G&V has to offer, we will also have Sensational Singles Deals! We understand that it can be difficult to secure plans to go out to eat, so G&V will have these Valentines Day Specials from Friday the 12th-Monday the 15th.

As if it couldn’t get any better… We will have live music with Alex Galan on the 14th! I would go on and on about the raw talent of this musician, but you’ll just have to be here. Make a reservation!” For more information, see their Facebook page.

Tombo Grille

4517 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206 | 803.782.9665 | Hours: Mon – Thurs: 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Fri & Sat: 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Bar opens at 4:30pm)

Want to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu with delectable foods? Known for their creative comfort food, Tombo Grille is a hidden gem in the heart of Forest Acres. They have a disposition that’s hard to find anywhere else, blending sophisticated style and culinary expertise with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Want to avoid traffic downtown and unwind this Valentine’s Day? Their menu has your favorite meals crafted with a twist and made with ingredients that are fresh and regionally-grown. This Valentine’s Weekend enjoy all that Tombo Grille has to offer – great service, excellent food, and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, Foodies. If you want to celebrate a few days early (or late!), Thursday is a perfect date night with their 3 Course Dinner for two people for $49. You’ll love it! See the details on their website here.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

936 Gervais St. | 803.661.7741 | Hours: Mon-Sun 4pm-Until

Remember Casanova, the famous 18th-century lover? It is said that he ate 50 oysters each morning for breakfast to increase his sexual stamina. Too bad that Pearlz isn’t open for breakfast. BUT… they are open for Valentine’s Day! Turn to Pearlz Oyster Bar for fish, oysters, shrimp and other fresh offerings from the sea. Their menu features a Select Fresh Catch, prepared to your liking with a variety of glazes and sauces and Low country dishes as well. Climb the steps to enjoy live jazz at Pearlz Upstairz Lounge after 7:00pm from Thursday-Saturday if you find yourself there earlier in the weekend. Click here to view menu. Click here to view Happy Hour menu.

Blue Marlin

1200 Lincoln St. | 803.799.3838 | Hours: Opens daily at 11:30am. Closes 9pm Sun, 10pm Mon-Thurs & 11pm Fri-Sat. *Closed weekdays between lunch & dinner (2:30-5pm)

Treat yourself and your sweetheart to the best of the low country this Valentine’s Weekend! Savory, scrumptious, delicious – Blue Marlin invites you to join them over Valentine’s weekend. They will be offering a special 3 course dinner Friday-Sunday, so don’t miss it – take advantage of the whole weekend. This place is super-popular, so call 803.799.3838 to make your reservations now! Blue Marlin’s inspired menu offers award-winning Shrimp & Grits which features stone ground Adluh grits topped with creek shrimp, andouille sausage and tasso gravy — or their Charleston Crab Cakes with lump and claw crab meat, “skillet-grilled” served with mashed potatoes, sauteed green beans, sweet onion remoulade and roasted corn salsa. Gulf shrimp, gulf oysters, seafood platter, flounder, scallop pasta, salmon, she crab soup, New Orleans Seafood Gumbo, as well as hand-cut steaks – simply heavenly! Enjoy!

Rioz

410 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC 29212 | 803.708.3151 | Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00pm-Until | Sat-Sun 4:00pm-Until

Take your taste buds on a trip to Brazil this Valentine’s Day weekend! Share an authentic Brazilian Churrascaria dining adventure – based in the flavorful tradition of the Brazilian Gauchos – with your love at Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse. The unlimited table side service of hand-cut meats and Rioz’ gigantic salad bar provide an unforgettable experience that neither of you will soon forget.

Valentine’s Day – February 14th at Rioz! Unlimited meats and salad bar PLUS a glass of champagne and complimentary dessert – $37.50 per guest. See ad below. Visit their website here.

M Kitchen

340 Columbiana Drive | 803.764.0558 | Hours: 11:30am -10pm daily (Except Fri & Sat: Open until 10:30pm)

Fresh. Modern. Asian. M Kitchen is the 10th and latest addition to the M Gourmet Group of restaurants, and, like all of Michelle Wang’s creations, it is setting a standard in the

Asian Fusion food movement. This would be the perfect restaurant to do some romancing, as no other Asian restaurant in the Southeast compares. With its gorgeous decor of cool lime greens and warm light woods, you are stepping into a calming oasis in the middle of bustling Harbison. Be sure to order a cup of tea… your senses will be overwhelmed with the aromas of jasmine, oolong and white tea… it’s like drinking flowers! Sit outside on the patio and enjoy your lunch or dinner. Beautiful plantings surround you. The foods are prepared with such attention to detail that the dishes look like works of art. The best salmon ever. They have an awesome cocktail and bar selection too! Whether you’re a fan of their Sushi combination plates, their Asian beers, their crispy whole flounder, their awesome, alternating specials, or their Thai Style Jumbo Shrimp… have fun delighting your taste buds this Valentine’s Weekend. More info here.

Liberty on the Lake

1602 Marina Road, Irmo, SC 29063 | 803.667.9715 | Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11am – 10pm

Love is on the menu at Liberty on the Lake in Irmo. Call and make reservations today if you want to watch the sunset over Lake Murray as you dine with your sweetheart. Enjoy their three course Valentine’s Day Menu for Two for $59.95. See full menu below and let your taste buds enjoy the vacation. See ad below!

Liberty Tap Room

828 Gervais St. | 803.461.4667

Hours:

Mon. – Thurs. 11AM – 10PM (bar until midnight)
Fri. – Sat. 11AM – Midnight (bar until 2AM)
Sunday: 10AM – 10PM (Bar until Midnight); Sunday brunch is from 10AM – 2PM

Liberty Tap Room offers an upscale casual dining experience with an emphasis on southern specialties and comfort foods. Located in Columbia’s beautiful Congaree Vista district, Liberty Tap Room serves, delicious, traditional American cuisine with a twist. This Valentine’s Weekend hang out downtown at Liberty if you are looking for convenience and a fun liberty-themed atmosphere, as they’ve achieved an impressive reputation for dishes like Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and Meatloaf with a mushroom demi-glace. They offer certified angus beef Signature Steaks from an 8 oz. Filet Mignon to a 12 oz. ribeye and juicy gourmet burgers like the Smokehouse, made with smoked gouda, bbq sauce and applewood smoked bacon. Monday – Friday from 4-7pm they offer happy hour, where you can find drink specials like $3 domestic beers and $5 appetizer deals. They have over 50 brews on tap, including a line of their own microbrews. Click here to view their menu. Click here to view their Happy Hour Menu. Enjoy ya love birds!

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

924-A Senate Street, Hilton Hotel | 803.212.6666

Hours: 11am-10:00pm (Open Fri-Sat until 11:00pm)

Looking for a fabulous dining experience in an elegant atmosphere? Ruth’s Chris is THE place to impress your sweetie this Valentine’s Day! Treat yourself to a USDA Prime New York Strip or delicious filet. Known for hospitality and quality, make your reservation today. 803-212-6666.

Known as the area’s top steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris offers a variety of delicious options, from an 8 oz. petite filet to a 40 oz. porterhouse for two, all served sizzling in butter. Pair one with a side of the house favorite, Sweet Potato Casserole, and a slice of the light and airy Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake for dessert. Bliss. Looking for lighter fare? You won’t be disappointed. Try the Harvest Salad, unique with roasted corn and dried cherries, before selecting my own fresh Maine lobster from the tank. Try one of their vintage cocktails, a specialty beer selection or a glass of wine from their award winning list. View menu here and enjoy your romantic lunch or dinner out with your honey.

Solstice Kitchen

841 Sparkleberry Ln #4, Columbia | 803.788.6966 | Hours different for Valentine’s Day Weekend

Every meal is special at Solstice Kitchen in Northeast Columbia! The chef is pulling out all the stops to offer an amazing menu on Valentine’s Weekend… PLUS they will be OPEN Sunday, February 14th for Valentine’s Day!! Get your reservation now by calling 803.788.6966 (credit card required) or visit them on www.opentable.com. And be sure to check out their menu here. They will be closed, Monday, February 15th, so Valentine’s weekend is the time to dine.

Old Mill Brewpub

711 E. Main St., Lexington | 803.785.2337 | Hours: 11am-11pm Sun-Thurs &11am-2am Fri-Sat

Old Mill Brewpub in Lexington will have some delicious Valentine’s specials from February 12th – 14th.

Crab Cakes and beer.jpg OMB offers fresh craft brews from its onsite brewery, so stop in and see what kind of ale, porter or stout is being offered! Enjoy Old Mill’s mouth-watering pub fare including huge juicy burgers, fish and shrimp, Chicken Piccata, Blackened Chicken Alfredo… way more gourmet than most brew pubs! Everyone’s favorite restaurant in Lexington. John, Kelly and their crew are masters at making everyone feel at home! This Valentine’s Weekend they will be offering the below mouthwatering specials:

Prime Rib served with Garlic Mashed Cauliflower, Sauteed Brussels Sprouts, Thyme, Compound Butter & a side of Au-Just $18.99

Grilled Mahi Mahi served with Sauteed Ribboned Vegetables, Polenta Roasted Red Pepper Coulis & Garlic Compound Butter $15.99

Pan Seared Chicken Breast served with Warm Spinach Salad, Duck Fat Almonds, Bacon, Parmesan Cheese & Garlic Mango Cream Sauce $13.99

Crêpes & Croissants

1465 Sumter St. | 803.462.4779| Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-2:30pm, Sat: 8am-2pm & Sun: 10am-2pm

Start your Valentine’s Day off with a visit to an authentic Parisian cafe! Crêpes & Croissants is a French restaurant and bakery located in the heart of downtown. Within walking distance of most hotels!, offices and shops, this is the ideal spot to stop for a Cappuccino and croissant on your way into work or to enjoy a lunch-break with your love. They offer a unique crêpe menu, featuring flavorful choices like the Greenland (with Red baked potatoes on melted Monterey Jack, sliced tomato, black olives & spinach) and the Texas (with barbeque sauce drizzled over cumin-seasoned ground beef & melted cheddar). My favorite, the Honey Moon (for love birds I’m sure!), comes from their superb dessert section and has banana, honey & whipped cream! Feeling creative? Choose from gourmet ingredients (like salmon, brie, crumbled bacon, goat cheese, mozzarella and more) for a custom-made three egg omelette or a sandwich on their flaky, buttery croissants. You can watch Laurent, the French-born owner, and his team make your order behind the counter and you might even learn a little bit of French! Bon appetit!

Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

930 Gervais Street | 803.550.9979 | Hours: Mon – Thurs: 5pm -12am, Fri: 5pm – 2am, Sat: 12pm – 12am, Sun: 12pm – Midnight

Enjoy pairing good drinks with your favorite desserts this Valentine’s Day. The Toll House pie is a favorite, with warm, gooey chocolate-chip cookie goodness in a flaky pie shell! With great portions, the red velvet cake, bourbon pecan pie and bananas foster are other popular choices. You’ll be impressed by their selection of coffee, teas, liquor, beer and specialty dessert drinks. They are also one of the only area spots to serve wine on tap. Enjoy your delectable dining experience at Kaminsky’s and fall more in love with your sweetie and the desserts you try! Click here to view their menu.

SATO

1999 Beltline Blvd. | 803.782.1064 | Hours: Lunch: 11:30am-2pm. Dinner: Opens 5pm Mon-Fri. & 4:30pm Sat-Sun. Closes 9:30pm Sun-Thurs & 10:30pm Fri-Sat.

Columbia’s original hibachi restaurant is the perfect date night location for love birds who love Japanese food. Your chef will craft your dinner before your eyes at their steaming hot Teppanyaki tables as you “ooh” and “ahh.” These are all cooked in the finest Japanese tradition and complemented by Fried Rice, Hibachi Shrimp Appetizers, Japanese Onion Soup and Salad with Sato’s Special Dressing. For something lighter, order from their fully stocked sushi bar. Try the Rainbow Roll – crab and cucumber inside with salmon, flounder, avocado and tuna on top! Add a Japanese beer, specialty drink, sake carafe or pot of green tea to top off your delicious dinner. Enjoy!

Little Pigs Barbeque

4927 Alpine Road | 803.788.8238 | Hours: Wed-Sun 11am. Closes 2pm Wed, 8:30pm Thurs, 9pm Fri-Sat & 3pm Sun.

Awarded “Best BBQ in South Carolina” by Southern Living Magazine, Little Pigs BBQ is a southern gem with friendly folks and a great country-style buffet. The only BBQ joint in town that offers “Q” with all 3 types of sauce: tomato-based, mustard-based and pepper-vinegar. Another “only” – only place with RIBS on the buffet! Other favorites on their extensive buffet where everything is homemade – crispy fried chicken, collards, rice and hash, baked beans, coleslaw, creamy macaroni and cheese, tomato pie, chicken-pot-pies, hush puppies, banana pudding and more! All for one VERY affordable price. If you are looking for a great barbeque restaurant for Valentine’s Day lunch – Little Pigs is for you.

Wasabi

4561 Hard Scrabble Road | 803.736.9687 | Hours: Lunch: 11:30am-2pm Tues-Fri. Dinner: Opens 4:30pm Mon-Sat . Closes 9:30pm Mon-Thurs & 10:30pm Fri-Sat.

Wasabi is a favorite sushi spot in Northeast Columbia! While, they are not open on Valentine’s Day, dine here the day before (Saturday night!). They serve fantastic food that’s always fresh in an authentic Japanese atmosphere that is clean, cozy and family-owned. I usually get the Yami Roll, with fried crabmeat & avocado that are rolled in rice, tempura battered and fried, then topped with salmon & freshwater eel and drizzled with spicy mayo & unagi sauce. Other favorites are the (beef, chicken salmon or shrimp) Teriyaki, served with white rice and miso soup or a ginger salad, and their Bento Boxes, filled with assorted pairings of Shumai Dumplings, California Rolls, Chicken Tenders & the Chef’s Choice of Nigiri. With generous portions that look like artwork and taste like heaven, every meal from Wasabi is unforgettable!

SakiTumi

807 Gervais St. | 803.931.0700 | Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 5pm-Until

SakiTumi, located in Columbia’s historic Dupree Building, is a fusion-style restaurant offering flavorful food in a casual, upbeat atmosphere — perfect for romancing. A favorite Couple at ST of young, hip locals, SakiTumi has an innovative menu with a mix of exotic international flavors and traditional dishes. Their menu is half fresh sushi and half tasty grill – something for everyone!

Mediterranean Cafe

327 W. Main St., Lexington | 803.356.6294 | Hours: Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner: Mon-Sat. Opens 5:30pm. Closes 9pm Mon-Thurs & 9:30pm Fri-Sat.

Lexington’s Mediterranean Cafe offers Valentines a locally-sourced culinary experience second to none. A master at the grill and in the kitchen, owner Azmi presents a menu inspired by his passion for the farm-to-table movement. Much of his produce is homegrown (at Azmi’s farm or in his greenhouse) and when gathering other food supplies, he buys as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible. This fresh, flavorful approach is what makes my favorites – the beautiful salads, the Shrimp Scampi and charbroiled steaks and kebobs – so tasty! The Mediterranean Cafe’s website describes itself as upscale, not uptight… so true! – making it a great choice for your Friday or Saturday night dinner, as they are open on these days from 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

Exclusive Berries & Treats

It’s Valentine’s Week at Exclusive Berries & Treats on Two Notch Road! They’ll be open from 10am – 6pm everyday (Monday February 8th – Sunday February 14) and will they ever help you celebrate! Their exclusive Valentine’s packages include hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries, pineapples, oreos, pretzels and apples as well as heart-shaped cupcakes, cheesecake bites, rice crispy treats and brownies! They’ll offer floral arrangements, fruit arrangements and wine baskets too! The staff here at Discover Romance recently sampled a selection of hand-made delectable treats… believe us, you and your sweetheart will not be disappointed! Can’t make it to their shop? No problem. Order online and have it delivered by their staff or 256-ToGo! Visit their website here.

Romance in Art

Celebrate together with the Columbia Museum of Art as they open a new exhibit — REMIX: Themes and Variations in African-American Art. It will be opened from Friday, February 5, 2016 through May 3, 2016, so be sure to stop in to see the new artwork that will be on display. This date day is sure to spur lots of conversation about each of your creative sides and love for color, painting, and drawing. More at the CMA’s website. Also, opening on February 19th an exhibit titled, “Spoken: African – American Art in the Collection” will be open for viewing. Whether by brush strokes on a canvas or the mixed media of paper, found objects, metal, or glass, these artists have spoken. So, take your sweat heart at the end of the month to this art museum and get to see both new exhibits that feature original, vibrant art. Click here to see more about the Spoken exhibit.

Karaoke Kraze.

Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new and fun together as a couple! Tsubaki Restaurant Karaoke Lounge and Bar is located at 224 O’Neil Court, Columbia and is Columbia’s first dedicated Karaoke bar with late night Japanese cuisine and an original menu, plus it’s the perfect place to hit some notes. You don’t have to be a proclaimed singer to go and enjoy karaoke with your sweetie – just go and have fun. Drinks, food, and singing! What more could one want for date night? Shy about singing in front of others? Call 803.736.7474 to make a reservation for one of their private Karaoke rooms, small, medium, and large, each holding up to 8 / 12 / 20 people respectively. Each room is rented out by the hour and is great for couples looking to have a fun time. Their songs range from Oldies to New, and in different languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Tagalog, and a little Vietnamese! Here are a few suggested romantic tunes for your Karaoke date: Can You Feel the Love Tonight? (Elton John); For Once in My Life (Stevie Wonder); He’s So Fine (The Chiffons)!

Tour a fascinating factory together!

Located in Greer, South Carolina {A little over an hour and half from Columbia}, the BMW factory is ready for you and your lover to take a tour! BMW Manufacturing Company is currently accepting limited tour reservations, so to request a tour, call 1-888-tourBMW (1-888-868-7269). The tour reservation line is available from 9:00 a.m to 2:30 p.m. (EST)} Currently offering walking/riding tram tours (Monday, Wednesday, & Fridays) or just a walking tour (offered Tuesdays and Thursdays) for you and your sweat heart to enjoy. This is a less expensive date at $10 per adult for the walking tour or $20 for the walking and tram riding tour and is sure to teach you a lot about the manufacturing process of cars. Even if your man/woman doesn’t have a thing for cars, this date is sure to be fun and intriguing as you gain lots of fascinating knowledge! More information here.

Fun with Clothes and Photos

This is a cheap and really fun date. Head to your shopping center and pick out clothes that you’d like to see your date style. Get as creative and silly with your choices as you want! Also, don’t forget to snap a picture of them in that Bahamas shirt paired with dress pants for Facebook. Have fun dressing each other up and bring some money with you just in case your lover finds themselves a new style!

When it gets dark, feed your need for adventure!

The Congaree National Park is open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, so why not find yourself in the woods…in the dark, with your lover! Romantic, eh? The park’s trails are always open, so take a night hike/walk with your sweetie under the gorgeous Carolina sky and listen to the sounds of the forest together, as you try to identify all of the different critters you hear. Congaree National Park has over 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalk, so take your time and enjoy one another’s company in the dark on a boardwalk (or trail)! If your lover isn’t a fan of the woods…or the dark, simply hold their hand a little tighter. Want to enjoy back country camping for free? Click here!

Are Reptiles Sexy?

If you think so, head on over to the Jamil Temple at 206 Jamil Rd. from Feb 6th- Feb 7th and enjoy this 10 year old festival, together! Reptile vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and more. Educational live-animal seminars & frequent free raffles, too! How often do you spend some time learning about reptiles together and have either of you ever owned one? Learn more about each other at this festival and if she says she doesn’t want to hold a snake…she does NOT want to hold a snake! 😉 Who knows you may leave with your first mutual pet…you never know! Open on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM & Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM—check it out!

Valentine’s Day Cinema!

Harbison Theatre is offering a viewing of Valentine’s Cinema: Roman Holiday at 8 PM on February 13th. A high-spirited princess plays hooky from her royal duties in beautiful Rome – unwittingly inviting an undercover reporter along for the ride – in the Oscar-winning film Roman Holiday. Stars Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, who won an Academy Award for her performance in this romantic comedy, will charm fans new and old. Join them for their fourth annual Valentine’s Cinema event, complete with fun souvenir portraits, sweets and bubbly in the lobby before the film beginning at 7PM.

Instead of just sending ʺherʺ or ʺhimʺ to the spa alone, why not go hand in hand…

and find your inner nirvana at a spa like, Urban Nirvana, together!? Performed in a private room with a therapist for each client, couples can share an integrative massage while enjoying each other’s company. Want a quiet, peaceful place to talk and feel relaxed? Go on your first spa date together and walk away refreshed and rejuvenated in your relationship!

Collect Antiques!

Visit the Old Mill Antique Mall where you’ll both find a wide range of antiques, collectibles, and furniture by over 75 dealers; all under ONE roof! The Old Mill Antique Mall is nestled just across the river from downtown Columbia and is located in the historic West Vista. Furniture, glassware, lamps and chandeliers, old book and albums and more! Discover old finds that could spruce up your home/future home together! Visit their website here.

Let’s make beautiful pottery together!

Southern Pottery located at 3105 Devine Street offers 8 week session ceramics classes that you and your sweetie could totally conquer together! Their adult wheelthrowing class schedule is online and can be found here. This appears to be a great class for couples who work and could use some intentional time spent together after the hectic work day, as they offer Monday or Tuesday night classes. Don’t want to commit to an 8 week class session, but you still want to create with your honey? No problem! Try The Mad Platter located at 3101 Millwood Avenue because they require no reservations – just show up. There is a $6 studio fee for adults ($4 for kids) and then you can choose your piece – they have over 500 pieces of pottery in stock everyday to choose from. Pieces range in price from $3 to $85, plus they have over 80 colors in stock, bursting glazes, writer bottles, specialty glazes, and so much more! You’ll leave your projects with The Mad Platter for glazing and firing and then your items will be ready for pick up in 4-5 days.

Dance – Enhance the Romance!

So you find yourselves slightly out of sync or stepping on one another’s feet when the music begins…Capital Ballroom Dance Studio can help! Dancing sparks romance and y’all get to choose the dance you want to learn, so why wait until your wedding or your friends’ wedding to learn how to dance together? The dance floor is waiting for you. Capital Ballroom Dance Studio offers dance lessons for couples and appears to be very flexible and fun! Call 803.799.2080 for details and prices! Learn the art of dancing and enhance your love…who knows it may become one of your favorite things to do together in the evening hours, plus learn a new, fun dance!

*Don’t know how to shag? Want to learn how to ballroom dance? Seven Oaks Parkis your answer. From February 17 – March 23 enjoy Shag lessons every Wednesday from 7-8pm. And guess what the best part is? Only $52 per couple! Call Seven Oaks Park at 803.772.3336 for more information and to register you and your honey. Seven Oaks Park also offers drop-in ball room dancing lessons for only $5 per person from 3-4pm on Saturdays, so give them a call at 803.772.3336for more information.

High on love? Go Sky-Diving!

Are you and your sweetheart adrenaline junkies? Fall for each other all over again at Skydive Columbia! With professional instructors to walk you both through this exhilarating adventure, they will be with you the entire skydive and parachute drop back down. The jump would include approximately 60 seconds of free fall from 10,000 to 14,000 feet above South Carolina, followed by a canopy ride that lasts anywhere from 7 to 9 minutes. You can also request to steer the parachute! Love is brave + daring, so what about that skydiving date?

Gorgeous Sunset Views!

There are places all over Columbia that boast gorgeous views, but you can’t beat the one from the Roof Top Lounge! The Roof Top Lounge, above the Sheraton on 1400 Main Street offers breathtaking views of the center of the financial, entertainment and historic district of Columbia, SC. Enjoy sunset views as you sip Roof Top martinis in the lounge.

Beer Drinkers

Wouldn’t it be fun to learn how to brew your own? Hopyard’s How to Make Beer class is the best way to get into home brewing. It’s always better to learn any new skill the right way, from the beginning. This class is designed to save people the trial and error experience of home brewing, and let you go from novice to expert faster. They cover every aspect of beer so that you will know how to brew by the end of the class. Classes are held one Saturday per month in Lexington. Next class is Saturday, February 7th 10:30 am – 12:30 pm and Saturday, March 7th 10:30 -12:30 pm. Cost is $25 per person. ONLY 6 SEATS LEFT SO CALL OR EMAIL NOW. 803-476-5845 or email oldmillbrew@yahoo.com. More info on the Hopyard Facebook page.

Up Up and Away in My Beautiful Balloon

Take a journey to a totally different world as you float gently across the open sky as if you were a majestic bird! Romance fills the air as the sunrise puts on its spectacular show just for you! Or soak up the sun before it slowly sets into the horizon. Embrace the calming silence of the skies above, occasionally broken by a blast from the burner or a spoken word to spectators below as you gently float by. Just a 2 hour drive from Columbia, SkyScapes in Anderson will take you on a fabulous date you’ll never forget! Visit their website here.

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

Fresh Air at the Sesqui Trails

Feeling like you need to get back to the basics with your honey and re-connect? Fresh air, open spaces, hiking or biking at Sesquicentennial State Park could be such a fun date for the couple that loves adventuring together! Pick a nice day, pack a picnic lunch (suggestion: grab one from Little Pigs Barbecue on Alpine Road nearby – open Weds – Sun) and enjoy a morning or afternoon in the great outdoors. Pets are even allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept on a leash not longer than six feet, so bring your four legged friend with you too!

Sesquicentennial State Park is located 3 miles northeast of downtown Columbia and offers 1419 acres of fun. With all of the trails open, enjoy a leisurely hand-holding stroll on one of their hiking trails, like Sandhills Hiking Trail that is 2 miles in length and circles 30-acre Centennial Lake. Boardwalks keep your tootsies dry when trails cross over wet areas. Jackson Creek Nature Trail is a short loop trail (just under a half mile) that offers interpretive signage so you can have an educational walk if you get tired of talking about how much you love each other. And you two aren’t the only lovebirds in the forest! They also have a 6.1 mile long mountain bike trail that is sure to have you both breaking a sweat. Bring a pair of binoculars to do some bird watching if you plan on hiking. Listen for the whirring and drilling of pileated woodpeckers and the sweet little calls and chips of songbirds. After your walk, head back to the picnic area near the lake for a relaxing lunch under the pines. Picnic tables and shelters available. Admission is $2 per adult. Visit the Sesquicentennial State Park website for more information and enjoy this date!

Fish and a Kiss

fishing buddies

Dating is all about spending time together and staying focused on each other. Working as a team – baiting hooks, casting your lines and sharing the excitement of reeling them in – can make for a great date. No matter how many fish you catch, you’ll be catching kisses for sure! We know lots of places you can go to fish, but here’s a favorite: Dreher Island State Park, located on Lake Murray outside Chapin, is home to largemouth bass, stripers, catfish, bream, crappie and yellow perch. You can fish from the shoreline or use one of their 3 boat ramps to launch your vessel. You’ll need SC Fishing Licenses {SC residents can buy 14-day freshwater licenses for just $5: Info here}. Don’t have your own tackle? No problem.The park offers a Tackle Loan Program with their tackle shop onsite at their little campground store. Pack a picnic lunch to share at a table overlooking the sparkling lake. For information on the park, visit Dreher Island State Park online. Admission is $2 per adult.

Improve Communication by Cheering Loudly

The University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team is undefeated so far this season — they are #2 in the nation and they could use the support – your cheering, heart beat racing, complete support, lovers! Get tickets to one of their home games this month (Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 28) and enjoy the night with your sweetie. We are certain that if you cheer loud enough throughout the entire game, you will strengthen your vocal chords, which may just lead to longer conversations between you and your sweetie. So, this is a great date idea for improving conversational ability, really. Plus, sports ignite passion, teach sportsmanship, and assist in building strength and teamwork – go enjoy a basketball date this month! Ticket info here! Woohoo!

Adventure Carolina – Skiing!

Winter is here folks and with that came snow. Not necessarily snow here in Columbia, but North Carolina and West Virginia have a good amount on their slopes which makes a day trip skiing irresistible to turn down. Sundays: Adventure Carolina is headed to Blowing Rock, North Carolina’s Appalachian Ski Mountain. Have you ever been skiing in North Carolina with your love? It’s close, great day trip material, has lots of snow, plus Sundays are usually a less crowded day over Saturdays, so the lines shouldn’t be to bad. They leave the Adventure Carolina parking lot in West Columbia at 6:00 am sharp and they’ll have you back in West Columbia by 10:00 pm. The trip includes transportation to and from Appalachian Ski Mountain and any rental equipment you may need (snowboard or ski). Reservations and fitting of any rental equipment need to be made at least 48 hours in advance. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride with them, so this might be the perfect date day for many of you – especially if it’s your first time skiing. Strength in numbers, right? Also, don’t worry about the drive – they handle it. COST: $100 per person. More info here. Call 803.796.4505.

Pitch a Love Tent

It’s time you two connect with your wild side! Reserve a camping spot for the weekend Camping Couple and set up camp together, as a team. Enjoy campfires, s’mores, lots of stars, warm snuggles and wonderful fireside conversations! Our favorite places within an hour of Columbia:

Aiken State Park The Edisto River, the longest free-flowing blackwater stream in North America, flows through the park. Cool, refreshing, unprocessed water can be yours from the three artesian wells inside the park. Campsites are on packed sand with water and electrical hookups. Details here.

Lake Wateree State Park The park provides access to 13,800-acre Lake Wateree. The lake is popular for fishing, boating and other water-related activities. Each site is paved and has individual water and electrical hookups, and picnic table. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers. 15 sites are waterfront. Details here.

Dreher Island State Park The park provides access to Lake Murray. The lake is popular for swimming, fishing, boating and other water-related activities. They have 97 paved sites which may be used by both RVs and tents, while 15 sites are for tent campers only. Each site has water and electrical hook-ups and a picnic table. All sites are convenient to hot showers and restrooms. Details here.

Congaree National Park For more experienced campers. Longleaf Campground is a 14-site, primitive campground with porta-johns, fire rings with grills, and picnic tables. Bluff Campground is a 6-site primitive campground, accessible by hiking in. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. Additionally, you may camp in the wilderness by hiking or paddling in. Wilderness camping is primitive with no facilities. No fires but backpacking stoves or contained cooking units are permitted. Keep your eyes and ears open to see and hear wild pigs and pileated woodpeckers. More info here.

Jam Together at the Monster Jam

The Monster Jam is coming to town this February 5 and 6. Not exactly what you might think of upon the words “romantic date,” but it is an action packed one. Grave Digger, Soldier of Fortune, Bounty Hunter and Scarlet Bandit (truck personalities) will be there in all their muddy, butt kickin’ glory. Matched by no other family entertainment property, Monster Jam electrifies crowds with breathtaking stunts and the awesome power of the world’s most popular Monster Jam trucks. Try it… you’ll like it! More info here.

Skate Date

When is the last time you have been roller skating with your bae? Head over to Three Fountains Recreation in West Columbia! Nothing like a little spooning on skates, plus it is definitely okay if you fall – it offers a chance for your partner to grab your hand and help you back up! Re-discover the reason you fell in love with each other, on wheels!

Every Saturday night is Special One Price Night from 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM – $7.00 to skate AND play unlimited miniature golf.
Sunday Nights (adults only. Must be 18 or older) from 8:00pm – 11:00pm with a $7.00 admission.

Impress your girl or guy with your roller skating skills, or simply fall a lot and they’ll be on the ground too because they’re laughing so hard! Good times await! More information here!

Local Music + History Date

Photo by Harold Wayne Turner, Dulcimer, 2010, red maple, walnut (poke berry stain), pearl inlay, McKissick Museum Collection, 2011.04.01

Through July 16, 2016, on the 2nd floor in the South gallery of the McKissick Museum you can explore the exhibit, “Heard at Every Turn: Traditional Music in South Carolina” with your sweetheart. Wouldn’t it be fun to learn more about the music that’s mixed with our rich history and heritage? South Carolina’s culturally diverse history has contributed to a wide variety of contemporary traditional music in the Palmetto state. For hundreds of years, music traditions in South Carolina have mingled and evolved from their pre-colonial antecedents to the present, creating vibrant communities with rich forms of musical expression.

Heard at Every Turn: Traditional Music in South Carolina looks at the many cultural groups that brought music traditions with them to South Carolina, how these traditions evolved since their introduction, and what they sound like today. Exploring the role that music plays in South Carolina today, the exhibition will examine the foundations of its various music traditions – from Gullah and Old-Time Country to Spirituals, Gospel, Norteño music and Bluegrass – tracking the individuals who passed these traditions on, the instruments they used, and the new generations of musicians that are carrying music of the Palmetto State into the future. More info here. Discover our rich music history with your honey this year!

Palmetto Armory Shooting Range

Guys, help your ladies with their aim (or vice versa) by spending an hour or two at Shooting Range Kissers Palmetto Armory’s shooting range located at 3760 Fernandina Road in Columbia. Open Monday through Saturday, 10am-7pm, and Sunday 1pm-5:30pm. The range is 25 yards long with 18 lanes. Range fees are $10 per half hour for the first person, and $8 per half hour for the second person sharing a lane. Once you go over 40 minutes, you’re into unlimited time ($20 for the first person and $15 for the second person). Bring your own firearm (see their website for regulations) or rent handguns and fully automatics on site along with targets, ammo and other supplies. It’ll be a BLAST! More info here.

Sushi 101 Class

Love it raw? SakiTumi Grill and Sushi Bar has been offering sushi classes to couples for over 4 years now, and they have been a huge success. It’s one of the only restaurants in the area offering classes of this type, and the best part about it is you call and choose the date/time you want to take the class. For more info or to book a class, please call them after 2:00 PM: 803.931.0700. Or click here for info.

Have some fun at Frankie’s Fun Park!

Do you both crave action? The Dark Ride😄 is now at Frankie’s and awaits you and your Dark Ride XD.jpg date! The best interactive shoot-em-up ride you’ve experienced! Rich multi-sensory adventures with cutting edge graphics and visual FX! Spend your next date at Frankie’s Fun Park in Harbison and whether you’re 17 or 71… you’ll have a ball. Challenge each other on the nicest mini-golf course in the Midlands, chase each other around playing laser tag, or satisfy your need for speed on their go-kart tracks. Frankie’s has the latest and greatest Arcade Games too. Come play the new Lost Land Adventure! Have fun and remember what it was like to be a kid again, together! More info here.

Theatre Night

Theatre is alive and well in Greater Columbia. Local theatre companies deliver outstanding performances and it’s nice to sit side by side and be thoroughly entertained, plus you can hold hands the whole time too. Whether your preference is a musical, comedy or drama, there’s a good chance you’ll find it being performed somewhere in town. Some favorites:

Town Theatre is offering The Honky Tonk Angels from February 19 – March 6, 2016. A touching play about friendship. Watch here for tickets.

Chapin Theatre Company is performing Duck Hunter Shoots Angel from Feb. 26 – March 6, 2016. This is an uproarious story of two bumbling Alabama brothers who have never shot a duck, but think they shot an angel. Rare comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt lesson. Get your tickets here.

Trustus Theater is performing, “Appropriate” January 29th – February 13th, 2016. Beneath its slicing humor and deep emotional intelligence, Appropriate a merciless portrait of an American family caught in a venomous bubble and doomed by their own ignorance to exhume and perpetuate the wrongs of the past. Tickets are $30 for adults and $28 for seniors (60+) and military.

On Stage Productions is presenting, “Miracle in Memphis – A Musical” February 12 – February 21, 2016. This show is funny and a showcase of southern charm and humor. Call them at 803-351-6751 with any questions.

Giddy on Up!

Couple with horses

Haven Hill Farms, located on 54 acres of rolling hills, offers horseback rides on Saturdays (occasionally on Sundays!) – perfect for a couple looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you are an experienced rider looking for a challenge, or just want to go for a casual stroll, they have a horse that can provide you with a ride to remember. Haven Hill Farms is located in Batesburg-Leesville, SC {I-20, Exit 39}. Click here for details or call Marlene at 803.920.9575 for more information.

Restoration Ranch in Ridgeway, SC offers a private trail ride for 2 for $140. Click here for more info and pictures. Take your cowboy/cowgirl horseback riding and truly celebrate the day upon these gorgeous animals! Be sure to call Lugene at 803.600.4143 for more information and to put it on the calendar.

Live, Love, Run!

Combine teamwork, fitness, and encouragement as you experience running a fun race together this month. Train together and encourage one another as you grow together. Here are a couple fun races happening in Columbia this month that should be fun:

Lagniappe 5k :: Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 1005 Airport Blvd, Columbia, 29205

This mostly flat course allows you to run in a costume to get into the Mardi Gras spirit, plus pay an extra $5 and bring your dog! Even enjoy beer donated by River Rat Brewery at the finish line. ($30 for 5k run and $35 5k run with dog) Race begins at 8AM, a parade follows at 10AM.

Annual Cupid’s Chase 5k Run :: Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Maxcy Gregg Park

Choose from “Available” or “Unavailable” T-shirts to let fellow runners know whether you’re taken or not! Race begins at 10AM and if you register on or before February 12, 2016 the cost is $30.

Race for the Place 5k :: Saturday, February 20, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church

The race begins at 8AM and the course is flat and fast through Shandon. Costs $30. Kids’ Fun Run begins at 9AM and costs $12. 5k participants receive a race T-shirt and finish line refreshments.

Lexington’s Race Against Hunger :: Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church

5k Fitness Run/Walk begins at 8:15 AM and costs $15. The 10k run begins at 8:20AM and costs $30. Lastly, the 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 8:25AM and costs $15. Register here. Also, well behaved, leashed dogs may come!

Strong Threads

On February 20th from 11 am-4 pm, take your sweetie to Strong Threads, an annual SERCO event in Hopkins. Meet celebrated Lowcountry artist Jonathan Greene, hear live music and storytelling! Food, poetry, games, dancing and more. St. John Holistic Wellness Center, 222 J.W. Neal Circle. Call 803.719.1871 for more information. Jonathan Green-painting

Dance the Night Away

Love to swing your partner, round and round? Want to dance the night away? Here are some of Columbia’s most popular dance floors:

The Woody in the Vista! On Wednesdays they have Salsa Night (with lessons), Thursdays line dance lessons, followed by all your favorite dance songs, and on Fridays & Saturdays they simply have some of the best dance parties in town! Surprise your sweetie with shag lessons from The Woody!

The Skyline Club is a country music club in West Columbia by the airport that has the largest dance floor in the state and features live music every Saturday night! Don’t judge a book by its cover… humble on the outside but inside it’s nice!

The Empire Supper Club, located on Lady Street, is a Gatsby styled, 20s themed restaurant featuring exotic tapas, classic drinks, and live entertainment. Dance the night away at this roaring establishment.

Heart n’ Soul Valentine’s Dance

On Friday, February 12, 2016 from 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm at the Lourie Center, a senior citizen center. Old love birds and young love birds a like can dance with their partner and dance the night away. Cost: $15 per person in advance or $20 at the door. Call the Lourie Center at 803.779.1971 with any questions (tickets, etc.) or email stephalise@gmail.com

*Don’t know how to shag? Want to learn how to ballroom dance? Seven Oaks Park is your answer. From February 17 – March 23 enjoy Shag lessons every Wednesday from 7-8pm. And guess what the best part is? Only $52 per couple! Call Seven Oaks Park at 803.772.3336 for more information and to register you and your honey. Seven Oaks Park also offers drop-in ball room dancing lessons for only $5 per person from 3-4pm on Saturdays, so give them a call at 803.772.3336 for more information.

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Kathy Gardener