A Night on the Town

     For those looking to make one call to take care of every romantic detail, the Melting Point and Foundry Park Inn and Spa have again come through for a Dinner and Evening with Jazz Legend Francine Reed.  Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner followed by soothing jazz at the Melting Point. Couples seeking a luxurious getaway may select an overnight package including luxurious onsite accommodations at The Foundry Park Inn and Spa, a boutique property that sits on a four-acre historic site at the edge of downtown Athens. Roses, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne can be added to create the perfect romantic evening. Doors open and seating begins at 6:00 p.m. Several ticket options range from the show-only price of $25 to the all-inclusive overnight package for $245 per couple. For more information, including Spa Services for a complete romantic getaway, contact 706-549-7020, toll-free 1-866-9-ATHENS, or www.foundryparkinn.com for reservations.

   Couples can let loose and  enjoy live music while experiencing a great meal at Buffalo's Cafe. On Saturday, February 11, Elivs returns for a Burning Love  Valentine's Show, perfect to transport fans of the King to another time and place. Tuesday, February 14, features David Prince, a longtime Athens musician. There will be a full menu and beverage service available. Early seating for each event begins at 6:00 p.m., and shows will start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Elivs and $5 for David Prince, at the door.  For more information, visit www.buffaloscafe.com/athens.php.

     The Emerson String Quartet will perform at the Hodgson Concert Hall on the University of Georgia campus Tuesday, February 14. The Emerson String Quartet stands alone in the history of string quartets with an unparalleled list of achievements. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets range from $5 - $37 and may be purchased online at http://tickets.perfcenter.uga.edu or by calling 706-542-4400. 

     What could be more romantic than An Evening With the Blues? Couples can admire beautiful artwork while enjoying cocktails and a romantic dinner. The Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art present a dinner at the Museum celebrating Black History Month and in honor of Larry and Brenda Thompson. There will also be a performance by Kyshona Armstrong. Tickets will be $40 per person and reservations must be made by calling 706-542-0830 no later than February 9. 

Fine Dining

     Athens is definitely making a name for itself on the dining scene. Talented chefs take pride in locally-sourced ingredients to craft amazing plates and they'll be bringing out all the stops for Valentine's.

     The National will be serving an elegant four-course Prix Fixe meal on Tuesday, February 14. The National is known for their Mediterranean inspired food and wine while providing a casual neighborhood gathering spot reminiscent of European bars and cafés. A variety of choices will be offered for each course, including a decadent dessert. Tickets will be $50 per person. For more information, visit http://www.thenationalrestaurant.com.  Additional restaurant special events will be posted at www.VisitAthensGA.com.

An Antebellum B&B

     The Colonels Bed & Breakfast is offering a romantic two-night weekend getaway package that includes champagne or Belgian beer, fresh flowers, and snacks in a lovely setting by candlelight.  Guests will start their morning with a "Tête à Tête Breakfast" on The Colonel's finest Wedgwood china, Bohemian crystal and French chateau silverware. This package is $500 per couple for two nights and is offered the the weekends of February 10-12 and 17-19, 2012. More information about this romantic weekend getaway is available at 706-559-9595 and   www.thecolonels.net. 

Local Gifts     
      Athens' artisans make it easy to find hand-crafted sentimental gifts. Aurum Studios features a wide array of elegant  jewelry and beautiful artwork. To sweeten the deal for Valentine's, customers will receive a free beautiful flower arrangement with any purchase. The flower choices include classic roses, but also lilies, daisies, irises, and others. For more information regarding this special offer, visit www.aurumstudios.com.  

     For a truly unique and one-of-a-kind gift, Honeypot artist Andrea Cutts is creating a limited edition of Valentine's Day super-special large Honeypot luminaries featuring a plethora of flowers and carvings. They will be available via Bee Natural's Facebook Page found at www.beenatural.com, or call 706-354-0645. The price will be $45 each with special offer code HPC10.

Travel Information

     The Athens Welcome Center is open daily to provide maps, brochures, self-guided tours, and visitor information. Guided bus tours of historic Athens depart daily from the Welcome Center at 2 p.m. For more information on a Valentine's Day getaway to Athens, Georgia, contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430, or at tourinfo@visitathensga.com. The web site is a wealth of official visitor information at www.VisitAthensGA.com.

The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau is a proactive sales and marketing organization whose primary goal is to increase the economic impact of the hospitality and visitor industry by attracting individual visitors, group tours, and meetings and conventions to Athens. Tourism WORKS for Athens, contributing $220.03 million in spending, 2,390 jobs and $45.46 million in wages earned in 2010.