Elkridge Furnace Inn

The “charm and warmth” that wowed Oliver and Mandy Higgs are palpable throughout Elkridge Furnace Inn’s many small dining rooms.

“There’s a working fireplace in every dining room we have,” says office manager Matthew Balan. “That’s always nice to dine by.”

Balan explains that the fireplaces were originally built out of necessity — since when the home was built, central heating was not yet available — and they have since been converted to gas (for ease of function).

The Inn’s layout also lends itself to romance.

“The dining rooms on the tavern side of the mansion are pretty small, so there aren’t a lot of people in them and they’re never very noisy, which helps create an intimate setting,” he says.

Elkridge Furnace Inn, 5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge; 410-379-9336, elkridgefurnaceinn.com

Treaty of Paris at The Maryland Inn

Located in the basement of the Maryland Inn and dating back to the 1700s, Treaty of Paris in Annapolis is a romantic standout in a town filled with bits of history at every corner. Not only does the building exude 18th century charm, it also has all the hallmarks of a great date night spot.

“Nice fireplaces and low lights make it a cozy place,” says restaurant supervisor Erkan Yurekli.

Dim lights and roaring fires are even better when paired with great food by Chef Tim Johnson and centuries of history all around.

Treaty of Paris, The Maryland Inn, 16 Church Circle, Annapolis; 410-216-6340, historicinnsofannapolis.com

Peacock Restaurant at the Inn at 202 Dover

Since it was built, around 1874, the building that houses Peacock Restaurant and The Inn at 202 Dover in Easton has served many purposes.

“It was originally a private home, many years ago,” says Shelby Mitchell, a co-owner of both the Inn and the restaurant. “It was medical offices and apartments and it was very run down and neglected.”

Thanks to Mitchell and her partners, the space has been returned to its former glory, with many original architectural elements and plenty of hidden spots perfect for romantic assignations.

“We have tables along what used to be the porch of the building, where the lighting is soft, and some particularly nice tables set off in the corners,” says Mitchell. All perfect spots to enjoy a private moment — and Peacock’s food, which Mitchell promises is “interesting, innovative and pleasing both to the eye and the plate.”

Peacock Restaurant, The Inn at 202 Dover, 202 East Dover St., Easton; 866-450-7600; www.innat202dover.com

By Kit Waskom Pollard

For more date night ideas, visit ChesapeakeFamily.com/lifestyle/out-on-the-town.