This Valentine’s Day, consider celebrating love in a meaningful way by embracing the charm of local businesses. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, the perfect gift, or a fun activity to beat the winter blues, Belmont County offers many heartwarming ways to help celebrate your love!

Choosing to shop locally not only adds a personal touch to your gift-giving but also supports the heartbeat of 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, gifting these to your love will add a personal touch that mass-produced items simply can’t match.

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 explore downtown St. Clairsville and shop small at the “Main Street Chocolate Walk.” Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and unique treasures while enjoying chocolate samples, discounts and completing a stamped passport card to be entered into a prize drawing.

And don’t forget to 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 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 high-quality grapes from California.

But if a cup of hot cocoa is more your speed, be sure to check out Aquila Coffee or Giacinta’s Gelato & Cafe both in St. Clairsville, or Community Coffee and Tea in Bellaire. All these coffee shops offer a variety of coffee, cocoa, tea, and bakery items that are sure to warm up your romance.

And instead of generic chocolates from a big-box store, explore the delectable offerings of local bakeries. Surprise your sweetie with a gourmet chocolate covered apple or hand dipped strawberries from the Fat Apple. Or if you’re sweetheart would prefer something shiny, why not gift a custom-designed piece of jewelry from one of the many locally owned stores, like Leva’s in Bellaire.

From coffee to wine and chocolate to fine dining, treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable dining experience at one of the many local eateries in Belmont County.

Locally owned options include Main Street Barrel House in Barnesville; The Pike 40 in Morristown; Audrey’s Avenune, West Texas Roadhouse, Osaka, or Undo’s West in St. Clairsville; Belmont Brewerks in Martins Ferry and the Roosevelt in Bellaire.

But if being in nature is your love language, take a winter hike and bundle up to stay warm as you head out in the fresh, crisp air. Winter hikes, birdwatching sessions, sled ridding or building a snowman … Belmont County offers many great places to explore with your love. Visit Barkcamp State Park or Dysart Woods in Belmont, Zion Retreat & Nature Center in Flushing or Newlin Falls Nature Trail in St. Clairsville and be enamored with the beautiful scenery of our county.

Whether it’s rolling hills, meandering streams, or dense forests, the beauty of nature can provide the perfect backdrop for a special day.

On Saturday, February 22, at 1 p.m., join the Friends of Captina Creek for a winter guided hike at Raven Rocks in Beallsville. Be prepared for slippery conditions and bundle up warm for this 3-mile round trip hike through the beautiful ravines, evergreen hemlocks, and beautiful ice formations.

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable by sharing the love and supporting the heartbeat of our community with shopping local, supporting our small businesses and exploring the beauty of Belmont County!

As we all dream about warmer days and fun, community events coming soon, please continue to share any upcoming event information with us by using the calendar event submission form on our website at visitbelmontcounty.com. We here to promote and share our love of friendly, beautiful Belmont County.

Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.