Romantic Frederick
So tell me all you romantic people out there. What are your plans for Valentine’s Day tomorrow? Will you stay in and cook a special meal? Or go out to a special place and perhaps recreate a special memory? Maybe you are planning on trying that restaurant you’ve never been to but always wanted to try?
Or is Valentine’s Day just one of those Hallmark Holidays that’s just like any other day of the week?
What are the most romantic restaurants in Frederick, in your opinion? I noticed that Frederick Magazine doesn’t include that option in it’s Best Of issue anymore.


” />The Weinberg is hosting the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band in a free concert for Valentine’s day.
Husband and I are going out to dinner with another couple. I wanted to go to the Brick Ridge, but they only had 9pm availability. We’re going to Morgan’s in New Market. Haven’t been there before but our friends have and said it’s pretty good. I hope so!
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Monica
Definately a “Hallmark Moment”.
Sorry to my other half
I can’t think of many really romantic restaurants in Frederick County. On Thursday through Sunday evenings especially, most local restaurants tend to be noisy places–and a few are downright loud. And with table turnover the main focus, you’d have more luck at a crab feast.
My votes go to weeknights at Comus Inn, South Mountain Inn, Hagan’s Tavern, and the old Brown Pelican and Turning Point Inn. I can’t think of any franchises/chains that are romantic. Just outside of Frederick County, my vote goes to Antrim 1844 and to Lighthorse, in Leesburg, both upscale establishments.
Mealey’s has never struck me as romantic. Same goes for Dutch’s Daughter.
I agree with you Dude. I was trying to think of which places I considered romantic and couldn’t think of any. The Brown Pelican used to always get the vote. I’ve still never been to Hagan’s Tavern and we considered going there, but looking at the menu, I can’t eat most of the items because of all the shellfish. I still want to get there soon though.
By the way, we are going to Monocacy Crossing, our usual special occasion place. Heck we even go there if it’s not a special occasion!!
Liz, I enjoy watching classic movies on Turner. Among my favorites are the old William Holden films, which show him and his object of affection in an elegant, serene restaurant, chatting about this and that. That restaurant is always very, very quiet, except for the fine piano jazz playing in the background.
I don’t know if restaurants were ever like that, but today I think you’d have to: (a) go to a super-ritzy restaurant or (b) go to an inn, to find that level of romance and intimacy.
My vote goes to a romantic dinner for two at home. Candles, tasty food and drink, soft music, roses, no kids–and definitely no waiter kneeling while he’s taking my order.
My husband feels the same as Bill above, that it’s one of those Hallmark Holidays, blown out of proportion by the greeting card companies. But he did wish me a happy Valentine’s Day when I came into the office this morning (we work together). We tried going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day when we were dating. We went to the Orleans House in Arlington. They told us it would be a 45-minute wait so we waited in the bar. After 45 minutes, we checked in with the hostess and she said it would be 45 minutes. So we waited another 45 minutes, then checked back in, just to have the hostess again say it would be 45 minutes. We left and went to the Sir Walter Raleigh near 7 Corners – it was around 9 PM at that point. That was 18 years ago and we haven’t been out to dinner on Valentine’s Day since!
We went to the Tasting Room last night (Feb. 13), thinking it might be empty, but it was still crowded! It was an amazing meal, but not truly romantic. Tonight we’re eating at home and getting dessert at Proof. If you and your sweetie love to laugh, join us at the Maryland Shakespeare Festival. There are three remaining performances of their raucously silly show “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged]” on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 14, 15, & 16, at 8:00 PM at the Cultural Arts Center, 15 West Patrick Street, Frederick. As the Bard once said, “BOGO or not BOGO? That is the question.” In other words, in honor of Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14 only), you can buy one ticket at the regular Thursday price of $15, $10 students/seniors and get the second ticket for half price – if you can name any pair of Shakespeare’s lovers. If you’re single, name any pair of Shakespeare’s lovers and receive a 25% discount. All will receive a chocolate heart with your ticket.
Friday’s & Saturday’s tickets are $18, $15 students/seniors. Tickets can purchased at the door; for more info, go to http://www.mdshakes.org.
With three small children (ages 2, 4, 6) we gave up on romantic restaurants for Valentine’s Day a few years ago. Too much trouble findiing a babysitter on that night. So, we have a special Valentine’s dinner with the kids at the Rainforest Cafe down in Towson. This is our only day of the year that we venture down to the restaurant. And as soon as the kids hear that Valentine’s Day is approaching they start talking about the elephants, monkeys, etc. When we are there, the kids are so preoccupied with the sights and sounds of the restaurant that we get a little break from cutting meat, wiping faces, and generally, from parenting. It is our ‘romantic’ family tradition.
We actually traveled down tot MoCo for an awesome dinner at Ruth’s Chris. Mmmmmmm … Sweet Potato Casserole w/ pecan crust.
We always love Dutch’s Daughter
Tables for 2, fireplaces, quiet and good service, split the surf & turf and its a very romantic date.
Well for me since we have kids at home.. I had flowers sent to me during the day.. Then when hubby came home he had given me some perfume that I had been wanting, from him & “the kids” then later in the evening after the kids got to bed.. He surprised me with a bubble bath, with Rose pedals.. Followed by a full body massage….. couldn’t have asked for more! I Love Him!
We went to Gettysburg last night (2/14) to the Dobbin House. It’s fantastic . . . all the quiet, romantic atmosphere a few of you were talking about, plus great food and service, and just a beautiful, quiet 35 minute ride from home.
I once went to the Battletown Inn in Beryville, VA and had the most relaxing meal I can remember. Another nice place outside of Frederick is the Lightfood Cafe in nearby Leesburg, VA. It has a nice atmosphere and the food is great. To be honest I went there not on a romantic note, but I was recovering from a ROCKING Christmas Party the night before that yours truly hosted! Nonetheless, it was FANTASTIC even if I was in recovery mode!
Darrell, do you mean Lightfoot restaurant in Leesburg, instead of “Lightfood Cafe”?
Personally I went to Monocacy Crossing for the first time about a year ago. Haven’t been anyplace else since
Man, I should have never told y’all about Monocacy Crossing (haha, just kidding. I know it was well known already. I like to think of it as a well kept secret though.)! We tried for a reservation there for Valentine’s Day and they are booked. That’s great for them though!
I am curious as to everyone’s opinion of Gabriel’s Inn in Ijamsville. I haven’t eaten there in several years, but it was romantic. The food was quite good too.
Great question Bill. I’m curious too. We haven’t been for several years either even though it’s literally right around the corner from where we live.
I’m not 100% certain, but I think that Gabriel’s changed ownership a few years ago. I haven’t been there in probably 15 years, but it used to be quite an experience from the 7 course meals to the history of the place and its unique artwork.