In the leadup to Valentine’s Day, visitors and locals have plenty of opportunities to show their love for Granville County artists, foods and entertainment.
Angela Allen is Granville County’s tourism director and the quintessential cheerleader for all things Granville.
She talked with John C. Rose and Bill Harris on Thursday’s Town Talk about all the goings-on in February – and beyond.
The big focus is on Friday, Feb. 14. It seems a ways off, but Allen said several restaurants and other establishments have special offers that may sell out fast, so now is the time to reserve your spot.
- Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. has a special Valentine’s dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes two entrees, two sides, two drinks and a dessert to share. Visit their website or Facebook page to learn more.
- Uptown 101 bar and restaurant also offers a special meal, including a starter, main course, sides and dessert, with champagne or a house mixed drink. Meal service begins at 5 p.m. There will be live music by Detroit Yancey. Check them out on Facebook to learn more and to get tickets.
- Harvest is creating a whole dessert menu to surprise your loved one with for Valentine’s Day. Check out their website to learn more.
Allen said the visitgranvillenc.com website or the Facebook page will have updates as other events come on line, so make sure you check those sites for the most up-to-date information.
There are plenty of events coming up between now and Valentine’s Day that are sure to please, she said.
- For instance, right now – at 5 p.m. – Bigfoot BBQ is cooking up some good food. The local barbecue pop-up will be at The Hub on Main until 7 p.m.
- Cedar Creek Gallery, located on Fleming Road in Creedmoor, has CUPful going on now through the end of February. There are beautiful mugs for every taste imaginable, from the functional to the whimsical.
- On Saturday, Feb. 5, “Puppy Love” is going to be held at The Barn at Vino. 3200 Bliss Trail in Stem. The quarter auction fundraiser will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will benefit Dogs Deserve Better of the Piedmont.
The Hub on Main is offering an exclusive opportunity for the first 10 people who sign up on Eventbrite called Bottle Share. The first event occurs on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. and the wine host is Hub owner Pierre Gingue.
Allen said Gingue and The Hub on Main have been strong supporters of new enterprises in the area over the years. “That’s one thing I love about the Hub – they’re always welcoming entrepreneurs.” They continue to introduce new types of businesses into the community, like the sushi Sundays and Thai food events that they host a couple of times each month. Food is prepared fresh by Sticky Rice. Stop by between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Check the website for the next event.
A cupcakes and wine pairing event will take place on Friday, Feb. 11 at The Hub. It’s a fun time to come out with your gal pals, Allen said, and taste test four different wines and how they complement four different types of cupcakes. Cost is $45 per person. Please contact The Hub or the Granville Arts Council to reserve your spot.
Allen said there’s something for children to enjoy as well – the arts center (located below the Hub) is hosting a slime-making workshop on Saturday, Feb. 12. “The great part is the arts center is doing an open art studio,” Allen said. It’s a drop-in event between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for children ages 3 and up. Cost is $10 a child. Please call The Hub or the Arts Center to sign up.
The icky, not-so-sticky goo popularized by a Nickelodeon kids’ show is something that young people just love to create themselves, and Allen said the open art studio will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
And, as only any tourism director worth her salt can, Allen offered a sneak peek into an event that will take place Mar. 26 and 27 at the Granville County Expo Center. It’s called The Viking Experience, and Allen said it is shaping up to be one of the biggest events ever held at the expo center. Details include interactive characters, musical entertainment, acrobats, dinner theatre, and ax throwing. Yep. Ax throwing.
Stay tuned.