Oooh la la, zee love, zee romance, zee passion … zee Valentine’s Day.
OK, we’ll can the bad French accent for a minute in order to relay to you some legitimate good news about spending February 14 in the South Strand: it’s fun, it’s gorgeous, and it’s not at all cheesy. So whether you’re a “Gimme a dozen red roses and keep ‘em coming” kind of person or more of a homebody, we’ve got some great ways to feel the love — morning, noon and (wink, wink) night
A.M.: We hope you’re (ahem) sleeping in…
Late A.M.: Rise and shine, love birds! Time to pack up a picnic courtesy of Get Carried Away Southern Takeout and head to the beach for an intimate but casual lunch with your loved one. We dig their simple but tasty lighter options, such as the Palmetto Cheese Sandwich (think pimento cheese, but better). For $6.50, it comes with a side of fresh fruit or chips with a sample of their Palmetto cheese and OMG! (Onion Made Goodness) Dip. Spread out on the blanket, munch on delicious vittles, and watch the waves crash onto the sand. Resist the urge to crack open the wine, however, since alcohol is prohibited on the beach. Oh well, there’s plenty of time for that later.
Midday: Turn right around, sweethearts, and head back to the Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort for your next treat — a romantic and relaxing couples massage at Stox & Co. Salon and Spa, right on the premises. You’ll each enjoy getting rubbed down by your own massage therapist in a relaxing, romantic and private environment ($190). Be sure to call ahead and make reservations, as this is the “most romantic day of the year” so other couples might be thinking the same thing.
Late afternoon: Time to get the blood pumping, folks. Oh, geez, not like that. Well, sure… but… you know what we mean. We’re talking about getting out and seeing the sights. Brookgreen Gardens tends to come up again and again, but for a reason. A stroll through the gorgeous grounds holding hands with your sweetheart will the thaw the chilliest winter (which isn’t that chilly here, if you recall). But since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, it coincides with Brookgreen’s Winter Tea Party, which features hot teas, sweet treats and savory nibbles served in the Pavillion Restaurant. Tickets are $30 for members, $35 for nonmembers, and this event requires reservations (843-235-6016). Seating is at 4 p.m., and runs Saturdays and Sundays throughout February.
P.M.: Break out the fancy duds and pop the Champagne — it’s dinner time. Pawleys Island is a hotbed of romantic, cozy and delicious restaurants and several of our faves will be featuring special Valentine’s Day menus. Both Bistro 217 and Frank’s Restaurant & Bar— well-loved Pawleys mainstays — will be revealing their plans within the next couple of weeks, but they weren’t available at press time. Do check back, and of course, make reservations. But don’t forget the ultimate looooove food, and that is one for which we’re famous — they oyster. Since we’re an “R” month (FebRuaRy), they’re at their peak. For a bounty of the bivalves to precede your romantic date, stop by Pawleys Raw Bar, which is admittedly more of a casual family joint than a sexy destination. But when you’re slurping down the freshest raw oysters around and staring into your “lovah’s” eyes, who cares?
C’est l’amour.
Have you ever spent Valentine’s Day in Pawleys Island? What’s your favorite romantic thing to do here?
(Posted: 1/19/15)
