Share your love for local this February in Belmont County

This Valentine’s Day, consider celebrating love by embracing the charm of local businesses and events.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, the perfect gift, or a fun activity, Belmont County offers many ways to help celebrate love.

If your love language is gift-giving, shopping locally not only adds a personal touch to your gift-giving but also supports our community. From Barnesville to Martins Ferry and everywhere in between, Belmont County offers local shopping options for everyone. Whether it’s handmade jewelry, custom artwork, or locally crafted home decor, these special gifts add a personal touch that mass-produced items simply can’t match.

Valentine’s items at Fur Pet’s Sake Resale Boutique

Don’t forget the flowers! Visit your local florist for a bouquet that tells a story. Local florists often source their blooms from nearby growers, ensuring fresh and vibrant arrangements. Belmont County is home to many options like The Flower Gardens in Barnesville, Lendon Floral & Garden in St. Clairsville, Rhodes-Talik Florist in Bridgeport, Shadyside Flower Shop, and Ferry Flowers and More in Martins Ferry.

Elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration with a bottle of wine from Vino Di Piccin Winery & Tasting House in Lansing, a family-owned winery that produces a variety of different wines made with local grapes from Ohio and California. The winery is currently closed until Valentine’s Day, so in the meantime, pick up a bottle at a Riesbeck’s location or Hanover Fuel Stop in Martins Ferry.

But if a warm drink is more your speed, be sure to check out Aquila Coffee or Giacinta’s Gelato & Caffè, both in St. Clairsville, or Community Coffee and Tea in Bellaire. These coffee shops offer a variety of coffee, cocoa, tea, and other goodies that will warm up your romance.

Valentine’s drink menu at Giacinta’s Gelato & Caffè

Instead of name-brand chocolates, explore the delectable offerings of local bakeries that’ll be sure to sweeten the date. Surprise your valentine with a gourmet chocolate-covered apple or batch of hand-dipped strawberries from The Fat Apple. Or if your sweetheart would prefer something shiny, why not gift a custom-designed jewelry piece from a locally owned store, like Leva’s in Bellaire?

Valentine’s Day isn’t complete with sharing a grand meal at a local eatery. Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable dining experience in Belmont County.

Steak Dinner at Undo’s West

Locally owned options include Main Street Barrel House in Barnesville; The Pike 40 in Morristown; Audrey’s Avenue, West Texas Roadhouse, Osaka Japanese Steakhouse, or Undo’s West in St. Clairsville; Belmont Brewerks in Martins Ferry and The Roosevelt in Bellaire. Make sure to make a reservation to secure your table!

Get out and about this month with special love-themed events. On Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the St. Clairsville Main Street Small Business Association is hosting a lovely opportunity to shop small at the “Main Street Chocolate Walk.” Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts while enjoying chocolate samples, and discounts, and complete a stamped passport card to be entered into a prize drawing.

For the gal pals, have a sweet evening decorating cookies at the Kevin Barr Event Center on Wednesday, February 12th. You and your galentines can enjoy decorating cookies and sampling local wine from Vino Di Piccin.

If being in nature is your love language, bundle up as you head out in the fresh, crisp air. Visit Barkcamp State Park or Dysart Woods in Belmont, Zion Retreat & RV Park in Flushing, or Newlin Falls Nature Trail in St. Clairsville. Be enamored with the beautiful scenery of our county as you hold the hand of the one you love.

On Saturday, February 22, at 1 p.m., join Captina Conservancy for a winter guided hike at Raven Rocks in Beallsville. Prepare for slippery conditions and dress warmly for this 3-mile round-trip hike through the beautiful ravines and evergreen hemlocks.

Hikers at Raven Rocks

If you’re single or just aren’t into the whole “season of love” thing, gather your friends (or go out by yourself) to celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day. A great anti-valentines activity is to let off some steam by going axe-throwing. Head to Route 40 Lumberjaxe in Belmont, where you can order from a full-service bar, listen to live music and try your hand at axe throwing. Or head towards the river and test your skills at The Axehole in Martins Ferry.

The Axehole in Martins Ferry

Need a quiet and romantic getaway? Stay with us here in Belmont County and enjoy all the perks! Candlewood Suites in St. Clairsville is offering a one-night stay for $169 that includes sparkling cider and chocolates, a $30 gift card to eat at Longhorn or Osaka, and late check-out. Call 740-695-9200 to book your suite. The Wingate by Wyndham in St. Clairsville is also offering a sweet package for $149 that includes a $40 gift certificate to Undo’s West, overnight room accommodation, and a bottle of wine to share. Call and mention the Valentine’s package at least 24 hours in advance. This special deal is available throughout the whole month.

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable by sharing the love and supporting the heartbeat of our community. Shop local, support small businesses, and explore the beauty of Belmont County!