Purple Camellia

A camellia at Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley, Georgia

4 Romantic Dates that Won’t Break the Bank

Planning the perfect date or getaway for Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to include expensive champagne, diamond jewelry or five course meals. This Valentine’s Day, why not spend less money on things, and spend more time together?

Here are four romantic dates in Georgia that won’t break the bank, but will give you some quality time with your honey or the entire family.

heart
The water tower at Fort Mountain State Park includes a heart-shaped stone.

Hike to the Heart

Hike the 1.6-mile Fort Mountain loop trail at Fort Mountain State Park in North Georgia and see if you can find the heart-shaped stone located in the Water Tower. During the 1930s, a Civilian Conservation Corps mason carved the stone for his sweetheart, setting it into the fire tower. The lad’s romantic gesture must have won her heart, because they were married 59 years.

Camellia

Gather some "Winter Roses"

Why buy just a dozen roses when you can have an entire garden? Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley is hosting the Festival of Camellias throughout the month of February when the flowers are at their peak. Camellias are known as “winter roses,” and the gardens showcase thousands of varieties. For the truly frugal, celebrate a little early; the gardens offer free admission on Saturday, Feb. 1.

 

glass floats created by local artists on Jekyll Island
Search for glass floats created by local artists on Jekyll Island.

Go on a Treasure Hunt

In the early 1900s, fishermen used hollow glass balls on their nets as markers. Occasionally these balls would wash up on Jekyll Island’s beach for lucky beachcombers to find. In the spirit of those early “finds” Jekyll Island commissions artists from across the country to create one-of-a-kind glass balls. Throughout January and February, treasure seekers can hunt for the glass balls around the island. Each float is marked with a special tag and instructions for treasure finders to register their find at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center.

Fernbank Science Center
Fernbank Science Center

Stargaze

What’s more romantic that looking at stars? The Fernbank Science Center planetarium has several different programs running in February. In addition, Fernbank’s observatory is open on Thursdays and Fridays for viewing the real night sky.

Published: January 2020
Written by: Sue Rodman
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