You say you’re wondering what you can do special for Valentine’s Day and you don’t have a lot of money and you just really don’t want to have to drive into the big city to celebrate your sweetie? You just might be surprised at how many choices you will have right here in Effingham County.
If you want to get a jump on things, you can enjoy the Heart’s Delight Father/Daughter-Mother/Son dinner and dance at the Effingham County Recreation Department’s Gym on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Designed for kids in grades 5-8, where they can bring their mother or father and have a fun night of food, games, prizes and music. RSVP by Feb. 4 by calling 754-6339 ext. 4400. St Boniface will also host their annual Valentine’s party and auction on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and they recommend calling ahead for your tickets at 754-7473.
You also can help put a sparkle in the eyes of some senior citizens by making a donation at Harvey’s grocery store in Springfield. You can put your spare change or folding money into canisters at each store cash register and the money will be used to purchase flowers and balloons to take to the Effingham Senior Citizens Center just prior to Valentine’s Day to brighten their day and help them enjoy Valentine’s Day just a bit more.
Butterducks Winery will have Wine and Chocolates weekend at the winery on Feb. 13 from 11a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Feb. 14 from 12:30-5 p.m.
Across the county, you can take your pick of different restaurants and meal choices to celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day. Since the big day actually falls on a Sunday this year, most of the restaurants are offering their special treats on Friday and Saturday. For some of them, you’ll be able to just walk in and hope there’s not much of a wait, and for others, you can call and make dinner reservations. Here is a sampling of your choices.
Faithfully Southern Cooking, at 120 Highway 21, will be taking reservations for Saturday night and will feature candlelight and “love music” from 6-10 p.m. The menu will feature steaks, fish and shrimp with accompanying side dishes in addition to red velvet cake and double fudge chocolate for dessert.
Kelly’s Tavern in Springfield is featuring full course meals with a choice of surf and turf or stuffed pork tenderloin for $50 per couple. Seatings will be at 6 and 8 p.m. on the enclosed patio. Dinner will be accompanied by singer Don Coyer. The patio area will be smoke-free for the evening. There is a 20 percent discount for active duty military and reservations are recommended.
Frank and Linda’s in Rincon at 5932 Highway 21 S. will offer their Valentine’s Day specials on Friday and Saturday evenings. They are planning on a very romantic atmosphere, with candlelight, soothing music and fine dining. In addition to their regular menu, they will feature Dinner for Two specials along with homemade mouth watering desserts. Wine is also available on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are recommended here as well.
At the Olive Branch restaurant in Guyton, they will feature a special Steak and Shrimp dinner along with their regular menu for both Saturday and Sunday evening dining. Reservations are not required. The Olive Branch is at 65 Central Blvd.
— Rick Lott
