Living like a local: That’s amore
Little Dipper Fondue sets the stage for a fun, romantic dinner with a picturesque location and built-in entertainment from cooking your meal at the table. (Photo by Megan Deitz)
It is the season of love, amour or amore. Whatever your language of romance, Cupid is calling on us to spoil our loved ones with flowers, gifts and nights out on the town. Valentine’s Day is a time for happiness! Whether you have a special someone, a group of friends or just want to treat yourself, you have a lot of great options in the Port City.
The Little Dipper Fondue is a fun place to start. This is an adorable fondue spot with diverse seating options including a nice bar area, outdoor seating or the real treat – the dining room. It is intimate and comfortable. There are plate glass windows that look out on South Front Street, which makes for some excellent people-watching. For the first course of fondue, there are multiple options of melted cheese from which to choose for dipping bread, fruit and veggies. The cheese, no matter the type, is my favorite part. Next, you can go for an entree with shrimp, chicken or steak with choices for different flavors of broth with herbs and spices. Cooking a meal at your table makes for excellent entertainment and conversation. If you’ve saved room, and believe me, you must save room, it’s time for chocolate. The chocolate comes with fruit, marshmallows and all kinds of treats for dipping. Come to think of it, this is my favorite part; I know whatever I choose to dip, I will love it.
Another option for a nice, upscale dining experience is The Second Glass. Located in the South Front district of downtown Wilmington, they have an awesome wine list and the staff is very knowledgeable and down-to-earth. I always feel comfortable asking questions about the wine, and they often have featured varieties from which you can choose. The menu offers small plates that change seasonally along with specialty items that are always available. The Second Glass is a great spot to go for a bottle of wine and some charcuterie, a combination that is enjoyable on Feb. 14 or throughout the year.
Going out on the town may not be the way you want to share your love. If this is the case, you should shower your sweetheart with flowers and gifts! Julia’s Florist is a beautiful, locally owned boutique full of fun surprises. The shop has so many great decorations, ornaments, birdhouses and other eclectic mixes of elegance and fun. Examples from my own finds are a gorgeous ceramic wine chiller embossed with starfish and seahorses and a children’s book featuring a quirky flamingo who is tired of being pink and starts eating everything under the sun to change her feathers – hilarious. You never know what you may find.
You can also have flowers delivered. You don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day, by the way; I know I like flowers delivered any day of the week. When you stop in, say hi to the always helpful and smiling owner, whose name is – you guessed it –Katelyn! Fun fact: there is no Julia at Julia’s Florist. You will however find owners Katelyn and Jason on site and ready to help.
Valentine’s Day is a great time to honor the traditions of love and kindness, and our little city is just the place to do it. I hope you enjoy your own celebrations. Cheers!
