10 Unique Ideas for Valentine's Day

Explore local and celebrate the season of love

Below is a list of 10 ideas of places to go and things to do near(ish) Atlanta to help inspire your Valentine's day plans. Happy love month everyone!

1. Sips Under the Sea

Enjoy an adult-only Evening at the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium has several after hours (21+) evenings throughout the year and the next one just happens to fall on February 14, 2024.  We went for Valentine’s Day last year and had so much fun.  We even got to witness a marriage proposal in in front of the whale shark tank.  Absolutely magical!

2. Getaway for the Weekend

Take a trip to Savannah

Ok, this is more than 3 hours from Atlanta but I am making an exception because Savannah in the cooler months is so lovely. I can think of few things nicer than spending a weekend here wandering the cobbled streets, weaving in and out of the squares and admiring the architecture of this romantic city.

3. Retro Roller Skating

Go on an old-school date at a roller rink

Walking into Skate Country in Buford, GA is like walking through a time machine.  The music, the lights, the disco ball…zero has changed.  It’s 1989, you’re with your crush and life is GOOD. This venue is still popular with the younger crowd so make sure to check their calendar for one of their adult-only events. 

4. Mystery Road Trip

Secret envelopes from lead you on an adventure close to home

What’s could be better than spending the day with someone you love, having a great adventure and not having to plan any of it?  A Mystery Road Trip! This is such a fun experience (read about our trip here). They are offering sweet Valentine-themed boxes to help you celebrate. Shop here and use code MAINSTREETS10 for 10% off!

5. Love Lock Bridge

Get romantic at a Love Lock Bridge

Show your commitment with a promise to love forever at the Love Lock Bridge in downtown Helen, GA. Once located on the main bridge leading into Helen, these love locks can now be found on the riverside walkway underneath the bridge next to the Troll Tavern.

6. Mansion & Garden Tour

Get dressed up and tour the Hills & Dales estate in LaGrange, GA

If your significant other is a plant lover, they will love the greenhouse and exquisite gardens at Hills & Dales estate in La Grange! The city also has several breweries, a vineyard and art gallery downtown.

7. Visit a Winery

Sip wine and enjoy vineyard views

I never have a bad time at a winery in North Georgia.  There are so many wonderful places to choose from you can’t go wrong.  Some offer on-site restaurants (like Monteluce and Wolf Mountain) while others encourage picnic lunches.  These photos are from our visit to Stonewall Creek Vineyards in Tiger, GA

If you are looking for wineries closer to Atlanta, check out my post here.

8. Take a Hike

Get your heart pumping

There are so many great spots to choose from — Bell Mountain with the unusual graffiti, Fort Mountain for the incredible views and modest hiking or Black Rock Mountain for completely accessible views. You can't go wrong connecting in nature.

9. Go Mural Hunting

Grab some pics with you and your love

Head downtown to Krog tunnel for some artsy photos or around the corner on Wylie Street for the long mural wall. Outside Atlanta, you can find this Love sculpture in downtown Suwanee, GA (facing Buford Hwy), the I Love You mural at the back of El Barrio restaurant in Athens, GA and Hey Baby also in Athens at 220 W. Broad Street.

10. Write a Love Letter

Visit the cozy cafe Tallulah 1882 and leave a love note

Located in an old train depot Tallulah 1882 is a local coffee shop/tea room/cafe filled with cozy nooks and crannies perfect for a quiet Valentine’s date.  It is located across from Tallulah Gorge State Park if you want to make a full day of it.  Pro tip: there is a love letter writing station at the cafe where you will find hand written notes people have left behind.  It’s incredibly romantic.

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