Photo from H. Rose Instagram.
Valentine’s Day: love it or hate it, the annual day of romance is right around the corner. On Feb. 14, sweethearts of all ages will celebrate love and romance with the exchange of flowers, cards, kissy-face devotion and hard-to-get dinner reservations. A festival of candy, cupids, chocolates and love, our modern holiday is a beautiful time that deserves some attention. If you have not already made plans for that special someone, perhaps you want to consider taking a stroll in downtown West Chester. The local businesses that line the streets are filled with Valentine’s Day sales, specials and events in honor of the holiday week.
If your dream Valentine’s Day involves a romantic sit-down dinner, Mercato Restaurant and Bar will feature a special Valentine’s Day menu with a plethora of entrees, including lobster ravioli and the addition of a local brewer. The Teca menu will be à la carte on Friday 14. The Iron Hill Brewery will serve a special Valentine’s Day menu from Feb. 13 to the 16. The band Blend will be serenading Valentine’s Day patrons at Slow Hand, where there will be a caviar special, $6 red and white wine and more.
Perhaps the traditional route of dessert and flowers is the way you want to go. Yori’s Bakery on North Church St. has trays and bundles of Valentine’s Day-themed treats— from cookies and brownies to cheesecake and chocolate covered strawberries. Éclat Chocolate has selected their Valentine’s Day favorites, and you can’t go wrong with giving the gift of chocolate. Dia Doce Gourmet Cupcakes has six different cupcakes available for special order from Feb. 4 through to the 14.
Gemelli Artisanal Gelato & Dessert Café is offering mini gelato cakes and a special selection of flavors for Valentine’s Day. And don’t forget about flowers– Kati Mac Floral Designs offers same-day Valentine’s Day Flowers, roses and gift delivery around town— on top of their beautiful in-store selection.
You could mix up your date night by painting your own pottery at The Painted Plate . They invite you to spend Valentine’s Day with them painting hearts (or anything you want) on an array of pottery, and enjoying the free coffee and sweets that will be served after 5:00 p.m., Feb. 14 only. For a Valentine’s Day show, TribeSound Records will be featuring the “incomparable” Alan Dynin, playing Beatles love songs on Feb. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
If you are more into the idea of a little Valentine’s Day shopping, H. Rose currently has a holiday sale of 30% off everything aside from new items, and 50% off select pieces. The Green Elephant is offering all heart shaped necklaces at $16.00 and select heart shaped jewelry at $8.00. Blink boutique on West Gay St. always gives 10% off to West Chester University students, but starting this Thursday, everything pink and red will be a 25% off and celebratory drinks will be served on Friday while you browse.
With a literal list of ideas and opportunities at your disposal, take advantage of everything that the small businesses of West Chester have to offer– they truly want to make your holiday a special time. And with that, Happy Valentine’s Day!
Emma Bickerstaffe is a third -year English writings major with minors in journalism and anthropology. EB891492@wcupa.edu