As Valentine’s Day nears (Thursday, Feb. 14, in case anyone was in need of a reminder), the thought of getting a gift, going out to eat and spending the day with significant others looms in the mind.
Make this the best Valentine’s Day yet by checking out these places to get all the necessities.
Be prepared to shell out the most money for flowers. The closest floral shop to campus is Avalon Floral on Water Street. A half dozen roses at Avalon cost $39.99. Brent Douglas Flower’s and Artist Gallery on Barstow Street offers a large selection of arrangements that range from $30 to $80.
An alternative to the traditional roses of Valentine’s Day is a potted plant. They’re usually much cheaper and will last longer than a floral arrangement.
Edible Arrangements, the easy way to get flowers and chocolates in the same gift, isn’t cost effective. The plain chocolate dipped strawberries, the cheapest thing on the menu, is $29. You’ll also have to shell out money for shipping, because the nearest store is in Minnesota.
Consider buying your chocolate locally! Blakelee’s Chocolates and Sweet Things is located on Water Street, so it’s easy to get to and from campus. They offer a range of candies as well as truffles and ice cream.
A romantic Valentine’s Day dinner is usually spent at a romantic, sit-down restaurant. Mona Lisa’s on Water Street satisfies that requirement. Mona’s Lisa’s serves Italian and Mediterranean dishes, along with vegetarian options, with prices ranging from $20 to $25.
If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper and more fun place to get your Valentine’s sustenance, head to Fuji Sushi and Steak on Keystone Crossing (just pass the mall). Dinner prices are between $16 and $20, and include sushi, a lobster, shrimp, and scallop entree and vegetarian options. Don’t expect a quiet dinner, though, because Fuji has a hibachi grill. If you plan on heading out on a double date or on a date with all your single friends, go here.
After the meal is finished, consider heading over to Boyd Park for Volume One’s “Winter After Hours.” If you want to avoid the mass of people that will be out and about on Valentine’s Day, consider celebrating a couple days beforehand.
L.E.Phillips Planetarium offers shows to the public (for a small fee) at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. “Constellations, Myths and Legends” is February’s show. It’s a romantic date under the stars, but at the Planetarium you and your beloved will stay warm.
Plan ahead for Valentine’s Day, to make sure the day is great, even if you are single!
