Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. 

The romantic holiday is anticipated by some, dreaded by others, bringing the expectation of a memorable celebration. To help your celebration live up, the Chronicle has some suggestions, with ideas ranging from where to get flowers to where to eat to local activities and more.

Flowers

Flowers are one of the most traditional and popular gifts for the holiday, with red roses being the signature bouquet. Here are a few florists within Lexington County that can meet your needs.

• Pineview Florist, located at 3030 Leaphart Rd. in West Columbia, has rose bouquets starting at $75.
• Sandy Run Florist, located at 1576 Old State Rd. in Gaston, offers Valentine’s themed bouquets and gift sets starting at $45.
• Worthy's Florist, located at 155 North Oak St. in Batesburg-Leesville, offers red rose bouquets with fillers and greenery for $79.95, the option to select the rose color.

Gifts

Don’t know what to get that special person in your life? A simple Valentine’s-themed gift basket may just be the perfect option. Try to focus on an item for each of the five senses: taste, touch, sight, smell and hearing. 

The customizable presentation allows you to create a basket tailored to its recipient. Some items to consider include: candy, candles, socks, blankets, clothing, cups, pictures, etc. This gift can be as simple or complex as you wish!

If you want to purchase gifts from local vendors, here are a few options:

• Nifty Gifty has two locations within the county, one at 104 Andrew Corley Rd. in Lexington and another at 103 Beaufort St. in Chapin.
• The Attic Gift Shop is located at 114 Main St. in Batesburg-Leesville.
• Thrifty Gift Shop is located at 1937 Augusta Rd. in West Columbia.

Date Ideas

Looking for a simple date that doesn’t require going out in public? Cook dinner at home! Whether you cook your favorite meal or buy a food kit from Target or Costco you can find a way to make any meal special.

Valentine’s is a day to feel the love you have with your significant other. One date idea that can keep the love going is recreating your first date! Take time to revisit that first ever restaurant or activity and reminisce on the first days of being with your loved one.

If you do end up wanting to go out to dinner, Lexington County abounds with fine dining options. Here are a few to consider – all of which were nominated by Chronicle readers for Best Restaurant in last year’s Lexington’s Best contest.

• Private Property, located at 220 W Main St. in Lexington, serves a predominantly cajun menu.
• Terra, located at 100 State St. in West Columbia, serves modern Southern/American fare.
• Bodhi Thai Dining is located at 126 E Main St.
• Chophouse of Chapin is located at 105 A Ellett St. in that lakeside town.
• Black Rooster, located at 201 Meeting St. in West Columbia, recently transitioned from a French-focused menu to an Italian one.

Local Activities

Looking to support other local businesses?

Here are a few local happenings occurring this Valentine’s Day:

• Craft Axe Throwing, located at 101 East Main St. in Lexington, is calling all couples to skip a candlelight dinner and go axe throwing. “They say love is a battlefield, so why not arm yourself with axes?” the business posted to facebook.
• One local coffee shop is offering guests a five course meal. The Hideout in Weco is offering a five course meal with mocktail pairing. The meal is $80 per person and prepared by Afro-Puerto Rican check Hector Sanchez. There will be two seatings, one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 8:30 p.m. There is limited seating and reservations are required.
• If you are looking at spending the day with your fur-ever valentine, Modern Companion Pet Boutique, located at 508-B Lexington Ave. in Chapin, is hosting a “Valentine’s Paw Painting”. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 14 and is $10 per dog. At the event, staff will help their furry guests create a painting with their paws, providing their owners with a keepsake they can display.