Five Valentine's Day Date Ideas Off the Beaten Path

Are you still looking for unique ideas on how to spend Valentine’s Day? Patch editors have compiled a list of lesser-known spots in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., suburbs and small towns.

1. The  has been listed as one of Open Table's Top 10 romantic spots,according to the Washington Business Journal.  The inn is a restaurant and event hall in Elkridge’s historic district. It’s also a popular location for weddings.

2. It’s a day early, but if you want to capitalize on the fact that , you should hop by a party for Howard County bloggers on Feb. 13. The party is from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Corner Stable, 8630 Guilford Road, Columbia. There is no cost to attend, but you should register in advance. There will be plenty of delightfully “nerdy” conversations going on about the news of the day.

3.  If you’re looking for a place with a little historical charisma, try the , at 1835 Frederick Road in Catonsville, which is housed in a building from the 1800s. It’s a longtime Catonsville establishment, and also a hot spot for weddings.

4. In Sykesville, E.W. Becks Pub, located near the train tracks, has a special Valentine’s Day menu that features bacon-wrapped scallops, crispy salmon and desserts that include chocolate-covered strawberries with champagne whipped cream.

5. Owings Mills locals recommend both  and the  as top Valentine’s Day picks. The Artful Gourmet is described as “upscale contemporary” and is located 9433 Common Brook Road in Owings Mills. Food is a mix of Mediterranean, American, Latin and Caribbean-inspired dishes. Linwoods, at 25 Crossroads Drive in Owings Mills, is a fine dining establishment that offers an eclectic cuisine, ranging from Southern to Asian fare.