Cherokee County

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

In 2020, Valentine’s Day became the most popular day to get engaged, according to The Knot Worldwide. Typically, Christmas Day had held the top spot, but COVID-19 has altered a variety of trends, including increasing the number of outdoor proposals. Although the pandemic brought many tragedies, it hopefully has helped us cherish time spent with loved ones and become more meaningful in how we express our love. At ALM, that means supporting local businesses and sharing the love with some of our advertisers.

So, think outside of the box (of chocolates) this month. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your significant other, Palentine’s Day with your friends or Galentine’s Day with your girls, here are eight local ways to spend quality time with those you love.

Take in a play. Woodstock Arts and the Canton Theatre are home to a variety of events each month, including plays, of course! Bring your valentine to see “Murder on the Orient Express” at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, Feb. 10-26 (https://woodstockarts. org), and “An Evening of Culture: Faith County II” at the Canton Theatre, Feb. 3-12 (www.cherokeetheatre.org).

2. Go to a wine tasting. Stop by the Gifted Ferret, a unique shopping and events boutique in Woodstock, for a wine tasting. The Red Party — Artisan Wine Tasting begins at 5 p.m. Feb. 11 and Valentine’s Sip and Paint begins at 3 p.m. Feb. 12. To register, or to look for more events, visit https://thegiftedferret.com.

3. Spend the day at a museum. The Cherokee County History Center documents the history of our county, spanning from Native American inhabitants to the industries, people and events that shaped the area into what it is today. Stop by the museum, equipped with interactive galleries, a local history library, an education center and more, Wednesdays through Sundays. https://historycherokee.org.

4. Shop for jewelry. Choosing engagement rings, necklaces and earrings isn’t always easy. But, you can have fun, and get to know your partner’s likes and dislikes, by visiting a few stores near you. The folks at Canton Jewelry (www.cantonjewelry.com) and Cultured Brilliance (https://culturedbrilliance.com) can help you navigate the ins and outs of selecting a symbol of your love. And, if you’re single, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to treat yourself!

5. Furnish your current (or future!) house. Find inspiration for furnishing your home at Southern Sky Home Outlet. The Woodstockbased store is a gathering place for design ideas, a onestop-shop for home furnishings and a respite from the daily grind. What’s more romantic than planning for your future, or giving your home a well-deserved makeover? https://southernskyoutlet.com.

6. Enjoy dinner and a show. MadLife Stage & Studios’ restaurant offers a selection of small plates, salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood. Grab a bite to eat and catch one of the many shows this month, including:

• On the Border — The Ultimate Eagles Tribute, Feb. 3-4

• Sun and the Stars — Presley, Orbison, Cash, Lewis and Perkins Tribute, Feb. 12

• The Purple Madness – Prince Tribute, Feb. 14

• Hank Williams Jr. Tribute – All My Rowdy Friends, Feb. 17

• Slippery When Wet – Bon Jovi Tribute, Feb. 24 For more details, visit https://madlifestageandstudios.com.

7. Explore the power of perspective. Visit the Reeves House for craft beer, coffee or wine, and to experience an elemental exhibition, “Corrina Sephora: Echoes of Ecology,” through Feb. 26. For this exhibition, Sephora drew on experiences and encounters with an Native American tribe, the Lakota Sioux, and created a series of boat sculptures that evolve into inanimate objects. https://bit.ly/3ZedUkM.

8. Hunt for treasure and history. Browse the collection of antiques, furniture, jewelry and gifts at Cotton Mill Exchange in downtown Canton. Strolling through more than 45,000 square feet of space within the 118-year-old cotton mill will give you and your date plenty of time to connect. Whether it’s your first date or 50th, the vintage and modern merchandise, from hundreds of artisans and small-business owners, will provide plenty of talking points. www.cottonmillexchange.net.