Check out holiday happenings in and around Hamilton with your loved one
For 2021, the day designated to celebrate love will look a little different than it has in previous years. There aren’t as many planned events to choose from when deciding what to do with your significant other. But that just means it is time to get creative! Here are some suggestions on things to do in and around Hamilton to help you keep busy — in the name of love.
Play some pinball
Hamilton’s newest hot spot is Pinball Garage, where you and your date can get some tokens and have friendly arcade-style competitions while enjoying adult beverages. It even offers a new beer called Shotgun Wedding …. a brown ale aged on vanilla beans perfect for trying on Valentine’s Day weekend! Pinball Garage is open 4-10 p.m. Feb. 12, noon-10 p.m. Feb. 13, and closed on Sunday and Monday, Feb. 14-15. 113 N. Third St., Hamilton; www.facebook.com/pinballgarage
Do a Tasting at Hanover Winery
Beth McDonald, one of the owners of Hanover Winery, says they will be having wine tastings and chocolate pairings from noon to 7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 13. Visit the website or call for more information. 2121 Morman Road, Hamilton; (513) 863-3119; www.hanoverwinery.com
Sharpen your pottery painting skills
The Studio in Hamilton is the place in Hamilton to sit together and paint. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations may be made as well. The Studio also offers a “Pottery-On-The-Go” kit that you can take home to work together to make creations. The venue is open noon-8 p.m. Feb. 12 and Feb. 13 and noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 14. http://thestudioinhamilton.rocks
Visit with adoptable animals
This activity will take some time to plan and prepare for ahead of Valentine’s Day weekend. Animal Friends Humane Society, a pet shelter at 1820 Princeton Road in Hamilton, offers the opportunity to volunteer and play with the pets! But it requires an orientation prior to assisting the staff. Perhaps in offering your time to the shelter you and your loved one(s) will find puppy or cat love and take one the adoptable pets home with you! Get more information and fill out the application form online at animalfriendshs.org/ways-to-help/volunteer.
Go bowling
Pohlman Lanes & Family Entertainment Complex has been having live bands on the weekends. Take your date and head there to dine at Scott’s Bar & Grill and do a little bowling, too. Hours on Valentine’s Day weekend are noon to 1 a.m. Friday, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. This is also a great place to catch a game on the bar’s many TVs. 954 Pyramid Hill Blvd., Hamilton; pohlmanlanesfec.com
Get your dinner shopping list checked off
Oh, we know it’s cold out there. We’ve had our extra layers laying on the floor by our coat closets for several weeks now. But it might be worth dealing with those temps to get to the famous Oxford Farmers Market. Open from 9 a.m. to noon Sat., Feb. 13, the Oxford Farmers Market is known for having unique vendors with both fresh food and homemade gift items for sale. Plan to cook a meal at home with your love on Valentine’s Day weekend and get fresh peppers, sweet potatoes, squash, lettuce, chicken, eggs, pork and more! There are baked goods, too. Memorial Park, 20 S. Main St., Oxford; oxfordfarmersmarket.com
Have a (lovely) dinner at a church
Winton Road First Church of God is hosting a lasagna meal that includes the pasta, a salad, bread, dessert and drinks for $15 per person or $25 per couple. There are door prizes and a photo booth. People must RSVP so the church can plan on socially distanced seating. This dinner is set for 5-8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 13. 6200 Winton Road, Fairfield; (513) 829-0924
Spend it with your kids
Have Valentine’s Day weekend time with your children at “Will You Be My Valentine Mommy? (Or Daddy)” with your own private, decorated table. It includes a small hot chocolate bar with cocoa bombs. Together you will do a painting activity and take a photo at a photobooth station. Noon-2 p.m. Sat., Feb. 13. Time With You, 9292 Cincinnati Columbus Road, West Chester; www.timewithyouevents.com.
Hamiltonian Carryout Challenge
This is a big boredom buster: The Hamiltonian Magazine invites locals to take the Carryout Challenge. Use our scratch-off card featuring 30 businesses to visit and make a purchase. Take a photo of your carryout food and receipt at each location. Hit up a couple of them on Valentine’s Day weekend with your partner! Once you have completed this, send the pictures to us. We’ll confirm the photos, and you may receive a lifetime subscription. Get more information at justhamilton.com/hamiltonian-carryout-challenge.
Other Valentine’s Day ideas:
• Do a coffee shop hop around the town. Where are your favorite places to get a cup? Map it out!
• Visit Richards Pizza and get a Heart Shaped Pizza!
• Follow the Donut Trail. Butler County has several donut shops, and each have places you can take selfies! Get the trail details at gettothebc.com.
• Visit historical markers throughout the area. Connect with the Butler County Historical Society for a list of locations.
• For those who feel safe enough to go see a film, there are movie theaters open in the area. They have limited viewing options, but some are even allowing you to rent the whole theater for a low price!
• If it’s warm enough, visit a park. Take your dog to the Bark Park on New London Road in Hamilton or the Furfield Dog Park on River Road in Fairfield.