In the wake of COVID-19, Valentine’s Day may look a bit different than before. But Downtown Spartanburg still has ways for you to mask up, space out and celebrate the most romantic day of the year.

Note: some of these businesses will not be open on Valentine’s Day 2021, which is a Sunday. But they will be open for Valentine’s celebrations taking place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 and 13, 2021.

Bond Street Wines selection

Raise Your Glass

Start the romantic evening off with some fine wines at Bond Street Wines or Carriage House Wines.

Bond Street boasts a variety of international and local wines, with knowledgeable staff to recommend something for any taste. The shop – with in-store wine and bottles to-go available – has committed to bridging the gap between wine producers and consumers, so you don’t have to be a sommelier to appreciate their stock.

Carriage House is home to more than 500 bottles available for purchase, and a top-tier selection for anyone looking for a great bottle. If you find a bottle you like at the shop, you can buy it and have a glass poured right then and there.

And in case wine isn’t your option, Downtown Spartanburg is home to plenty of great places for a locally-brewed beer or hand-crafted cocktails.

Romantic Dinners

The go-to for many Valentine’s dinners is the classic three-course meal. There are few better places for a delicious steak dinner than The Peddler. The meal will be cooked to perfection as you enjoy the timeless steakhouse aura the restaurant offers.

The Peddler’s location along Wall Street downtown

Inspired by Art-Deco designs and incredible culinary creations, The Kennedy features some of the most photo-worthy dishes downtown has to offer. The restaurant embraces its high-end aesthetic, offering handmade cocktails and thoughtfully-designed, palette-delighting meals.

You may not be able to enjoy the views of Rick Erwin’s Level 10 this Valentine’s, but you can still enjoy a delicious meal for two. Level 10 is offering a to-go only Valentine’s meal for two if you order by Feb. 8. The meal features a strawberry and goat cheese salad, surf and turf with two Black Angus filets, jumbo lump crab cakes, potato au gratin, and a luxurious chocolate cake with cherries.

Looking for more restaurant options? Click here.

Taking in the Culture

Spartanburg’s award-winning Downtown Cultural District features captivating art galleries that give guests plenty of space to safely enjoy the cultural offerings on display.

Opened in 2011, The Art Lounge  features the work of 20 local artists at its gallery. Named the 2019 Independent Small Business of the Year by Independent We Stand; The Art Lounge works with artists to sell their work while creating a thriving arts community in Spartanburg. Not only is The Art Lounge a great place to visit, but it can provide inspiration for any couple looking for new art to bring home.

On display at The Spartanburg Art Museum  this Valentine’s day is its newest exhibit, “Counterfeit,” featuring local artists’ replications of popular paintings from Western arts canon. A “Small Museum with Big Art,” the Art Museum’s space allows guests to safely distance while taking in diverse, contemporary pieces featuring a level of local and regional art that makes for an impressive collection in Spartanburg.

A full guide to the Spartanburg Downtown Cultural District can be found here.

Something Sweet for Someone Sweet

If your Valentine’s Day normally features something sweet, Downtown Spartanburg can take care of that craving.

Smallcakes Spartanburg boasts 18 cupcake flavors, baked fresh every morning. There are classics like vanilla and chocolate, but also more adventurous options like lemon drop and wedding cake.

If you’re able to brave the chilly February temperatures, you’ll be rewarded with some truly delicious ice cream at Hub City Scoops. If you’re looking to sample, try their ice cream flight, letting you choose up to four flavors to try.

A full list of Downtown Spartanburg’s sweet treats can be found here.

A Valentine’s Weekend

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an extended staycation downtown. Spartanburg’s hotels have stepped up cleaning service and can provide you with a safe setting for your romantic weekend away.

The Spartanburg Marriott provides easy access to all of Downtown Spartanburg, and in-house restaurants Sparks Fire-Inspired Grill and MESH can serve as an easy-to-get-to romantic dinner that isn’t too far from your room.

At the gateway of West Main Street, directly across from RJ Rockers, the AC Hotel Spartanburg offers modern, sleek and welcoming rooms. The AC Hotel proudly displays a significant collection of work by leading artists associated with Black Mountain College, in partnership with The Johnson Collection.