HM&D Top 10 Picks For a Hampstead, MD Small and Local Valentines Day
Small town living has become so romanticized lately in the media, and rightfully so, small towns like Hampstead, MD offer the kind of personalized and custom care that “city slickers” take for granted. For me it’s all about the hat tipping, waving to your neighbors, and main street shopping feeling that make this place wonderful and that spark so much love for me.
I am highly focused on small and localized shopping, if I can get it without leaving Hampstead, I am going to. Small town life can’t flourish without support from the community-hard stop. I’ll be breaking down where in town to find everything you need for the perfect Valentines Day this year, whether you’re on a budget or looking to blow this one out of the park, ala Andy proposing to Angela on the Office.
We’ll be starting in South Hampstead and working our way up Main Street to North Hampstead.
#1 Fine Dining at Michael’s Steak and Lobster House
This gem is tucked away in the Roberts Field Shopping Center adjacent to where JOS. A. Banks was previously located (soon to be our new tap house, fingers crossed). While Michael’s of Hampstead is still technically in their soft opening (as of January 2020) with a limited menu and some unfinished decor issues, you’ll find that a date night out here will leave nothing to be desired. The service is excellent and the owner has always come to check on my table when I have dined here, the cocktails are great, and they have really ironed out their kinks, so give them another try. I also hear that a two course Valentines Date Night Special just might be a thing that is happening. If this is out of your budget, stay tuned for #2 as the list goes on and we’ll cover medium/budget priced dining as well.
Pro-tip: Valentines Day will be super busy, if you don’t have reservations make then now, and if you can’t get reservations plan your evening around an early or late dinner to save face.
#2 Feels Like Fine Dining
So Michael’s and Fretelli's is out of your price range, you can still have a great meal and date night without the added expense. Try Luna Zul, this small and local Tex-Mex joint is located in the newer Illiano’s Plaza 2 and the prices can’t be beat! The owners also own other Mexican Themed Restaurants in Carroll County, I promise you are in great hands. They also have excellent wait staff and the margaritas are awesome!
Fun Fact: I have no idea what witchcraft they are using, but try an order of Luna Zul French Fries, their plain french fries are amazing, better than Five Guys, I have no idea what’s going on in the kitchen but somehow the Mexican Joint has the best fries in town.
#3 Dine Her, Then Wine Her
After a delish dinner for two you’ll want to continue the romance at home with a bottle of wine. Main Street Liquors located in the older Illiano’s one Plaza Shopping Center at 907 S. Main Street has an incredible selection of Wines, Craft Beer (you can even fill a growler there), and spirits. The owner Eric is a staple in our community and does so much for our youth baseball program, you’ll definitely want to support his business and grab a bottle of wine to share with your valentine, or by yourself if your single, no judgement here!
#4 Don’t Forget The Flowers
Don’t be that guy buying grocery store flowers on Valentines Day, either order ahead or stop by Petals and get a hand crafted bouquet or arrangement that she’ll love. They usually have a fully stocked fridge of incredible arrangements just for this holiday, so do yourself a solid and make this bouquet a special one with high quality flowers. This is also a great budget friendly place, you can get something small or large, just let the florist know what you want and how much you want to spend, she can usually craft something just for you in less than an hour.
#5 Take Her Somewhere Amazing
If she needs a break from your kids, work, or stress in general, consider a trip someplace warm and sunny. Maybe she has always wanted to go to Disney, or how about Ireland? The choices are kind of endless here. Stop into Absolute Travel and speak with Melissa Granger about planning a romantic get-away for two. Melissa is a wizard at getting you the most amazing travel deals, and her customer service and follow through are second to none. If you want an all inclusive vacation somewhere warm, she’s your gal. Disney on a budget, say no more. If traveling with your love is what you’re after she’s your go-to.
#6 Manor of Thyme
If you have driven by this gorgeous Victorian style home converted to retail location and not stopped in, what are you waiting for?- they literally have THE BEST GIFTS. Manor of Thyme has an incredible selection of bath bombs, beauty products, mugs and tumblers, totes and purses, jewelry. I highly recommend stopping in, there is quite literally something for everyone.
#7 Make Your Love Permanent
If you haven’t already scheduled this amazing Valentines date opportunity, consider booking now for next year. Hampstead is home to Ink Master Famous tattooer Jason Lynn. His shop House of Madness is eccentric, fun, and inviting, and matching tattoos are really what every girl wants right?- Ok maybe not, but there is definitely a niche market for a couples tattoo on valentines and this is the place to get that. So show her how committed you are by stabbing your skin hundreds of times with needles and eternalizing (I may have just made a word) your love.
Pro-tip: Let Jason or the tattooer know what makes you an awesome couple and let him come up with your design himself, you’ll always get something better if you give the artist creative freedom. Duh.
#8 Put a Ring on it
If your relationship is due for an upgrade and your in the market for a piece of jewelry, don’t travel to Westminster or go to Wal-mart, stop into Shipley’s Fine Jewelry, they have been in business literally For-Ev-Err, and it’s about as small and local as you can get. They have just as big of a selection as a larger retailer and she’ll appreciate that blue velvet Shipley’s bag/box it comes in.
#9 Pamper Her
One of Main Street’s newest additions is Salon: Main Street Beautique, owned by local Anna Hooper. If you’re looking to pamper your special someone with a hair cut, manicure and pedicure, or massage, Main Street Beautique has all that, plus great atmosphere and customer service. This new-ish shop is located at 1363 N. Main Street, you’ll know that as the old Hampstead Diner Shopping Center. I for one love the massaging pedicure chair, but maybe she’s due for a cut and color and just can’t bring herself to spend the extra money, either way, get a gift card here, you can’t go wrong.
#10 Sweets for Your Sweet
Do not settle for chocolate covered strawberries this year. Visit Hampstead’s best bakery (in my opinion), Bertucco’s and get her an assortment of their amazing truffles, they also have some incredible cookies and cream cupcakes, and if your love is gluten free, this is the best place to score home made gluten free cookies and cakes. They have a ton of fresh baked items to choose from, and amazing customer service to boot, the once owners of Snickerdoodles have moved on and now run Bertucco’s, and I can taste the age and wisdom in each bite, their recipes haven’t faltered over the years, I promise.
Honorable Mentions
JJ Hoffmans- Not mentioned because in February it’s typically pretty cold, so I would prefer something more decedent over ice cream.
Jill’s Jams, Jellies and More- They don’t have quite the variety of gifts for the younger couple, but if you’ve got to get something sweet for your mom, or are in the market for some locally made jams and jellies, I can highly recommend Jill’s. This location is right across the street from Greenmount Station.
Steamin Mad Crabs- Want to give her crabs for Valentine’s? face palm, only in Maryland Steamin mad has crabs, make sure to call ahead and place an order to pick up on valentines day. They also had crabby deviled eggs you should try.