Whether you prefer Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or BOTH, it’s that time of year again! For my hubby and I, we started a tradition years ago that on Feb. 14, we stay in, avoid the chaos, and cook an incredible dinner together. Then, the next night or that weekend, we go out and celebrate val-day on the town! Whether you choose to go out the night-of, or celebrate later, Columbia has some top-notch date nights just waiting for you to enjoy.
Fight Zombies Together
What could be more romantic than fighting for your lives against a pack of flesh-eating zombies? The Dark Night Terror Trail in Elgin is hosting a very special couple’s night out on Feb. 10 and 17: a zombie survival excursion! Feeling extra indulgent? After you’ve “made it out alive,” you can enjoy a candlelight dinner catered by Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse. Buy tickets here.
Make Your Own Chocolate
Learn to make your own gourmet chocolates at Bruges Chocoloterie while enjoying French appetizers. The menu of what you’ll create includes heart shaped chocolate dipped strawberries, raspberry Belgian chocolate truffles and chocolate bark “bar” with custom toppings.
If You’re Doing the “Fancy Dinner Out” Thing, Do it Right
Spotted Salamander (which is arguably one of the best and most creative spots to dine in town) is doing a special 5-course dinner on Friday, Feb. 16. Reservations only! Jump on this one before it fills up. E-mail [email protected] to reserve your spot.
Lula Drake is hosting a 4-course Valentine’s Day meal on Wednesday, Feb. 14 in their brand-new upstairs even space. “Lula Drake is partnering with local chefs Sarah Simmons and Aaron Hoskins, owners of Rise and the renowned Birds & Bubbles in NYC, to bring you the perfect pairing for Valentine’s Day. Celebrate with us upstairs at the historic Pastor’s Study overlooking Main Street. Each ticket is $150 per person, and includes an intimate table with live music, delectable dishes, and Sommelier Tim Gardner’s perfectly paired wines and beers.”
Amore Under the Stars at the SC State Museum is the perfect Valentine’s Day date night destination this Feb. 14! This one-of-a-kind special event includes night-sky observing, a champagne bar, an array of delicious desserts, an exclusive gallery tour and more.
Make Some Art Together
Pick up some great takeout and a bottle of wine and head to The Mad Platter for a BYO dinner and drinks artistic evening of pottery painting. Or try Studio Cellar where you can take a painting class, or paint whatever strikes your fancy. Bonus: you’ll get to create a piece of art to remember your date forever!
Try Something Adventurous
If you haven’t sailed across the Saluda river at 40 miles an hour on a zip line at Riverbanks Zoo, you haven’t yet lived! Rent a kayak (and wetsuit) from Get Your Gear On or Adventure Carolina to explore our gorgeous river system. Or try your hand at escaping from an expertly-crafted Escape Room together!
Go on a Local Brew-Crawl
Are you a couple who loves local beer? Columbia’s craft beer scene is better than ever. My personal favorites? The brand-new Hunter-Gatherer Brewery in the historic Curtiss-Wright hanger at Owen’s Field (fun fact: Amelia Earhart passed through this hanger way back when), Columbia Craft (try the fruity sour beers), and River Rat Brewery (not a beer fan? Enjoy a King of Pops artisan popsicle in a glass of bubbly!).