Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, have any plans made yet? I didn’t think so. 😉 A lot of people view Valentine’s Day as a Hallmark, consumer driven holiday, but honestly aren’t we all needing a bit of love and hearts by mid February…especially this year? And what is better than some local “South Shore” love?

For a lot of our local businesses, mid winter can be a bit of a slog with storms, icy roads and a lot of people just hunkering down and staying home. In order to have these unique, places here to show off and frequent during the rest of the year, we need locals supporting them during the slower times as well.

Monica’s Floral Design

Flowers probably top the list for many people when they are considering a Valentine’s Day gift. Monica’s Floral Design is one of our many local florists, who offers a personalized touch when making a selection. Conveniently located in Hebbville, minutes from Bridgewater, Monica can help you with a special Valentine’s Day arrangement or with any other holiday, anniversary, proms, get well flowers and more.

Port Grocer Valentine’s Day Dinner

Looking for a delicious Valentine’s Day Dinner with some local inspired dishes? A nice romantic drive to The Port Grocer in Port Medway could be just what you’re looking for! The Port Grocer is quickly becoming its own destination location with its Sunday Brunch, Wednesday take-out lunches and of course their popular Friday Night Pub Nights. The dessert menu alone is making me want to check them out for Valentine’s Day. No reservations required!

Lanna Thai Kitchen

You know that when a place is awarded “Best Place for a First Date” that it would be a good fit for a special Valentines Day Dinner. Lanna Thai Kitchen has their regular menu with some added Special Valentine’s Features. You can have pizza any night, but flavorful, healthy, fresh Thai food…right here in Bridgewater…that’s worth celebrating! Lanna Thai is serving on Valentines Day from 4:30pm-8:00pm and reservations are strongly suggested.

Petite Riviere Winery-Valentine’s Day Wine and Chocolate Pairing

Looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the weekend? How about with wine and chocolate? For the second year in a row Petite Riviere Winery is hosting this popular Valentine’s Day Wine and Chocolate Pairing event. It includes the launch of Old Lucy, the latest in their Drumlin Wine series, and Chocolate provided by renown chocolatiers Peace by Chocolate and also Maritime Morsels. Petite Winery describes it as “The event that really kicks off our year, cuts the winter in two and improves your love life…” Sign me up! 😉

Kate’s Sweet Indulgence

Maybe you are planning to stay home for Valentine’s Day, well you can still make it special with a nice dessert or treat. Kate’s Sweet Indulgence in Lunenburg, has some offerings that will make anyone feel loved, or that you and some friends can enjoy. Valentine’s cookies, truffles and cupcakes and the one that caught my eye, a “heart-shaped dark chocolate cake filled with raspberry butter cream and finished with chocolate ganache.” Be still my heart. 😉

White Point Beach Resort- Valentine’s Weekend Getaway

If you’re really looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing better than a weekend away at White Point Beach Resort. Two nights on the beach, local wine and chocolates upon arrival, delicious meals in the dining room and even a dance if you so choose. White Point has a Valentine’s Getaway Package that is so amazing, all you need to do is show up and let your romantic weekend begin. You can find all the package details here.

Art Happening Bridgewater- Painting Date Night

Painting Nights are becoming really popular and what a better way to reconnect than with paints and brushes and creative expression! Art Happening has a fun event with all materials provided and you can even bring in your own refreshments. Registration has been extended and you can check it out here

Hell Bay Brewing Company- Cocoa and Malt-Chocolate and Dark Beer Pairing

Here’s another great Valentine’s Day “experience” you could consider! Deliciously rich Chocolate Cakes, Tarts, Truffles and Mousses all paired with a variety of Dark Ales from HELL BAY and other Nova Scotia Breweries. The memories from these type of experiences will last a lot longer than a gift you might be considering purchasing. I love this idea and if you’re interested in seeing what the blossoming Craft brewery industry here in Nova Scotia is all about, why not start with Hell Bay in Liverpool? You can find all the details on their Facebook events page.

However you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether with friends, your partner, significant other, or even with your family, there are lots of unique local offerings and experiences to consider. There’s a couple big storms in the forecast here and we all know it doesn’t matter what the calendar says, there is still a fair bit of winter to go. It’s the perfect time to celebrate a mid February Holiday with some local “South Shore” love.