When Jessica and I first discussed our February Monday Musing, we knew we wanted to focus on couples and feature a few local date night spots. (Although this year I am actually quite looking forward to some Galentine’s day options!) While thinking of ideas I realized how great this area is for big groups, special events, and casual nights out with the family. But it was a little tough to find some romantic, private getaway options. I’m thinking that might be because everywhere you go, you run into someone you know! (Small town feel and good people, for the win!)

So I realize this may be unnecessary to say, but it is so important to remember to make time for each other! Whether it’s for Valentine’s day, during the planning of a wedding, celebrating an anniversary, or maybe you have 2.4 kids at home and you can’t remember the last time you went out to eat with your significant other. Put on that button up shirt or your favorite wrap dress, grab your boldest lip color, head out the door together and don’t look back! Maybe Tom and I are an anomaly, but we seem to connect so much better when we’re out of the house. Whether that’s on a hike or out to dinner, we’re much more in sync when we don’t have to focus on who’s doing the dishes, who’s taking Parker out, did you switch the laundry, and why did you put my sweater in the dryer!? Sometimes we can end up looking past each other rather than focusing on what we each need from each other, right then and there.  

Aren’t they cute!?! Fun headshot snap by Melissa of Farfalla Photography.

Our Date Night

Tom recently started another semester of grad school so we wanted to be sure to have some quality time before he was back to school and work seven days a week. The original plan was to go to Pittsburgh, but we just couldn’t get our act together. I ended up planning an evening for us in Morgantown, WV instead and I was lucky that Tom was willing to go with it.  

I packed a bag for us, picked him up from work, checked in to the Hotel Morgan and we enjoyed an amazing dinner at Tin 202.  After dinner we went to the nearby 123 Pleasant Street for a show and without having to worry about who was driving, we trotted back the two blocks to our quaint hotel. We slept in, had brunch at the Iron Horse and headed home, back to the studying, laundry, dog walking, etc. It was a perfect little getaway just across the West Virginia / Maryland border. 

Here are a few Garrett County date night suggestions for you and your significant other, no matter the occasion!

The Winter Hike

If you’re feeling a bit wallet conscious after a busy holiday season, plan a DIY date night out to one of our many State Parks. Make some bite size sandwiches, pack up a hot mug of tea (or wine) and head out for a snowshoe to New Germany or Herrington Manor State Park.

The Corner Table

I knew Tom was a winner when he suggested the Cornucopia Cafe for our first date. The customer service is some of the best in the county (in my opinion!) and the food is always delicious. They have a great selection of coffee drinks or beer and wine.  

That Coastal Feel

Deep Creek Seafood has frequent specials and is a great choice if you’re looking for a menu that’s a little different than the norm. Just be prepared to run into other friends with the same idea as you…you may end up with a table for 10 instead of 2!

The Cozy Morning Session

Tom sometimes has random Sunday mornings off so if we’re not sleeping in, we occasionally hop over to Trader’s Coffee House.  They’re usually open at 7am so the couches are free for us to curl up with a coffee, a great breakfast sandwich, and the Sunday Paper.  

The Staycation

I have never personally been here, but I was recently recommended the Lake Pointe Inn Bed and Breakfast. I love the idea of a staycation (see our Date Night above) and I hear they have wonderful food, warm hospitality, and if you happen to go on a sunny summer day (which were all dreaming of right now, amirite?), you might just get lucky with a boat cruise around the lake!

While these suggestions in no way cover the range of fun date spots around Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County, this is definitely a good sampling of our favorites. I really just can’t emphasize enough: get out there, enjoy each other, and enjoy this beautiful place we live in…together!  Coming soon: live music and great beer spots… 🙂