Love is in the air across Maryland, which means your special someone is probably wondering if you have anything special planned this Valentine's Day.

This year, consider supporting an independently-owned business close to home. According to these small businesses, buying local not only bolsters the economy, it can also up the romance.

• <strong>Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge</strong> Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge prides itself on exceptional personal service and using locally sourced ingredients to create an ever-changing menu.

• Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

• This farm-to-table restaurant and bar prides itself on exceptional personal service and using locally sourced ingredients to create an ever-changing menu.

• "In a smaller business like ours, we take care of our guests because they take care of us.We remember the names of our regulars and they remember us. Our chef Steven Grant takes great pride in the farm-to-table aspect of our restaurant. He actually takes time to visit local farms and has the freedom to be creative and change our menu every season. We want you to be able to sit down and feel comfortable, especially on a night like Valentine's Day. You should feel comfortable having some drinks, having dinner, having dessert and then having coffeeand still not feel rushed. I think that's the best part of coming to a restaurant like ours," said bar manager Frankie Seuss.

Check out independently-owned restaurants and cafes in your community.

• <strong>Red Zone Adventures</strong> Red Zone Adventures offers laser tag, a laser maze challenge, a light space play floor and other active attractions for all ages.

• Timonium, Baltimore County

• This amusement center offers laser tag, a laser maze challenge, a light space play floor and other active attractions for all ages.

• "First of all, it's fun. Secondly, it's cheap. And once the adrenaline gets going and the heart is pumping, it's a workout. You put those things together and you've got a quality date night. Almost all family amusement centers are small and local. As the owner of a small business like this, I am actively involved in ensuring that the service we provide is very high quality. People know they can come here and let their hair down in a way that is safe and exciting. Personally I take great pains to make sure that is happening, from the way we set up our facility to the staff we hire," said Red Zone Adventures owner Darin Winick.

Check out locally-owned amusement and sports centers in your community.

• <strong>Brampton Bed and Breakfast Inn</strong> Brampton Bed and Breakfast Inn, a restored manor house constructed in 1860, combines old-world comforts, like wood burning fireplaces, with modern amenities and locally sourced organic offerings.

• Chestertown, Kent County

• This restored manor house, constructed in 1860, combines old-world comforts, like wood burning fireplaces, with modern amenities and locally sourced organic offerings.

• "We are a romantic getaway destination for Marylanders. As they support us, we are able to support other small businesses. As much as we can, the food that we serve, from our eggs to our herbs and vegetables, are sourced from local farms or grown right here on our property. Even the wood provided for the fireplaces in our rooms is harvested from our own property. Our bed and breakfast also carries a lot of history. It all brings an added warmth to the experience, We offer very personal service and an insider's perspective on our community, from where to find the best crabs to the best quirky weekend attractions," said innkeeper Rachel Jorgensen.

Check out independently-owned bed and breakfasts, inns and hotels in your community.