Local Merchants Can Help Make Your Valentine Smile

By Sharon Mager
Romance is in the air and Valentine’s Day is on the way! Can you smell the chocolate? If you haven’t given a thought to making your beloved smile on that special day, here are a few ideas to help - and you’ll be supporting local merchants too.
When thinking of florists look to Benfield Florist in Severna Park where you can find a dizzying array of beautiful roses and arrangements for your Valentine. Over in Pasadena, Maher’s Florist has a Valentine’s special ($30.99) for cash and carry roses, and you can still take her to dinner. Both will, of course, deliver if that’s what you prefer. That may buy you a homemade dinner with dessert and a romantic night to boot.

Wishing Well Flowers and Gifts on B&A Boulevard has similar deals with $79 delivered roses and $29.99 for cash and carry. They also have specialty items including baskets with coffee and chocolate. Wishing Well offers some great flowers including “Heart and Soul,” a heart arrangement made entirely of red carnations nestled in a cloud of baby’s breath and ferns, and presented in a tall red vase adorned with a pretty ribbon for under $40.
And yes, girls can send flowers or, if they prefer, balloons, chocolates, gift baskets and teddy bears.
Image Creators in Severna Park will have chocolate covered strawberries as the “flavor of the month” in February for those receiving manicures and pedicures. It’s sexy, fun and no calories! The spa is also offering $100 gift cards for $85. What lady could resist?
Turn to Massage Envy in Severna Park for a truly sensual Valentine’s gift. An introductory hour-long massage for couples is just $98, and you can add aroma-therapy for just $10. Just imagine you and your sweetie in a cozy decorated room with candles and soft music while your muscles are being treated to a relaxing yet invigorating massage. You’ll be stress free and ready to party through the night after a treatment like that!
Looking for a rare treat for just you and your sweetie? American Legion Post 175 is hosting a Surf & Turf Valentine's Day Party sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion on February 15 with filet mignon and lobster, beer and wine, and music by Oracle, who will be playing the greatest love songs of the past 50 years. Tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance. For more information, call 410-544-2066.
How about a romantic dinner? Head a little south to Sam’s On The Waterfront, voted Annapolis’ most romantic restaurant. Sam’s is having a Valentine’s special featuring a four course menu and live music for $85 per person.
If you want something he or she can unwrap, jewelry is a no-fail gift. Electronics are also very popular this year — think tablets, pads, phones, notebooks, readers, etc. The area abounds with local shopping opportunities. Turn to Mercado Jewelers, Ron George Jewelers, Marc Todd, Zachary’s or Sanders Jewelers for even more choices or to Annette’s Cakery for some sweet treats. And what could be better than dinner at Café Bretton to impress your valentine?
Or get creative and do something different – how about a tour of the zoo, or National Aquarium? No matter how you spend this special day, whether it be with traditional flowers and candy, dinner, dancing, or a day at the zoo, use your imagination, have fun and enjoy the time together. Text her, tweet her, no one is sweeter, oh well; you have to have a little corny, mushy fun on Valentine’s Day.