Say No to The Notebook

Author:

Molly Hutter

February 09, 2012

So it's my first V-Day in Charleston. And though my boyfriend lives 10 hours away in Alabama, I'm celebrating this Day of Love by doing more than just eating an entire bag of Lindt chocolates and watching The Notebook. That's right, I'm getting dressed up and I'm going out. (With a friend. Not another guy. Just wanted to clarify). You know why I insist? Because there are just too many dang reasons not to. Take a look:

Step out of the heart-shaped box with one of these standout happenings about town:

A Concert by Jay Clifford: Have Charleston singer, songwriter Jay Clifford serenade you with tunes from his new album Silver Tomb for the Kingfisher at this intimate show.

The Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., www.jayclifford.com

8 p.m., $17.50; $15 in advance

Love Under the Sea Valentine’s Day Dinner: Get to the Aquarium at 6:15 p.m. for a pre-meal tour, then enjoy a three-course meal accompanied with wine and a surprise gift (Hopefully it’s a pet otter).

The South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, (843) 720-1990, www.scaquarium.org

Dinner starts at 7 p.m., $165 per couple

The 2012 Valentine’s Charity Masquerade: Complete with magicians and acrobats, masks and jugglers, this is what I call a celebration of amor.

Suede Supper Club, 816 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant,

(843) 793-8535, www.2012valentinesmasquerade.com

8 p.m.-1 a.m., $40 per person; $30 in advance

Valentine’s Day at the Cocktail Club: Enjoy $5-each cocktail trios and share your best jilted lover stories. The stand-out storyteller gets a dinner for two at Oak Steakhouse.

The Cocktail Club, 479 King St., www.thecocktailclubcharleston.com

Or up the romance factor with a little wining and dining. Check out these prix-fixed, specialty menus:

17 North

A three-course dinner, $75 per couple; $100 with a bottle of wine or champagne

3563 N. Hwy 17, Mt. Pleasant, (843) 606-2144, www.17north.net

Circa 1886

A six-course dinner and glass of champagne, $100 per person

149 Wentworth St., (843) 853-7828, www.circa1886.com

Eli’s Table

A four-course dinner, $55 per person; $75 with wine pairing

129 Meeting St., (843) 405-5115, www.elischarleston.com

High Cotton