What’s Your Valentine’s Day Style
What’s Your Valentine’s Day Style
From Pop-Up Shops to Tea Time to a Simple Yet Elegant Evening Out
Jessica Gilbert, owner of Ava Grace Fashions in Ellicottville, will set up shop at HoliMont this Saturday from 9:00am-4:00pm, along with other great V-Day vendors.
It’s not that you need a special day of the year to show your loved one how much you love them, but Valentine’s Day gives us an opportunity to “think outside the box” when it comes to planning a little something extra special. For those on a budget, it can be hard to come up with fun, creative ideas that won't break the bank. Luckily, there are some great inexpensive options that you can choose from locally to make this year’s Valentine's Day a sure-fire hit. From cooking classes and adventures on-snow to DIY gifts and a cozy night out on the town, we’re listing a few unique and memorable Valentine's Day ideas for couples.
No significant other? Gather your girlfriends, plan a daddy/daughter date… heck, treat yourself to a fun pair of socks from The Purple Doorknob, an inspirational read from Kazoo II, and snuggle up on the couch with your K9 companion… it all sounds pretty dreamy to me!
POP-UP SPECIALS
Coffee bar, dessert bar… how about a flower bar? You may remember our feature article back in December on Katie Samland, whose “Great Valley Christmas Cabin” was chosen to be featured in this winter’s issue of Country Rustic magazine. Known as @littleblueranch on Instagram, Samland has made quite a name for herself as a result of her Covid-19 hobby - DIY home decor projects. Now, she is bringing her side passion to downtown Ellicottville, where she will set up a full Flower Bar inside Daff Dry Goods.
“Come make your own felt flower bouquet for your loved one this Valentine’s Day,” expressed Daff owner Laura Solly. “Stems range from $2-$5 depending on the flower, so to build a bouquet for that special someone will only be about $20-$25! It’s a great gift that will last forever!”
Samland and Solly are teaming up to offer Samland’s Little Blue Felt Flower Bar this Saturday, February 11th from noon-3:00pm.
Another sweet (literally!) pop-up event is scheduled for the same day at HoliMont and will feature Cupcaked, Silver Linings Jewelry, and Ava Grace Fashions. Shop and indulge anytime between 9:00am and 4:00pm. You can’t go wrong with fresh baked desserts, beautiful handmade necklaces, bracelets and other accessories, and fashionable women’s clothing that scream “I Love You”.
“Ava Grace Fashions is so excited to be back at the pop-up event at HoliMont again this year,” said shop owner Jessica Gilbert. “I will have great Hearts and Love-themed sweaters and tees available, as well as our signature amazing hoodies that everyone loved last year.”
Not to be left out, Gilbert is also bringing a selection of great gifts for kiddos, including a new line of 3-D puzzles, alongside pampering items for moms. “I love being able to set up and make shopping that much easier for the skiers who attend this event,” continued Gilbert. “I will see you there!”
TEA FOR TWO
Lucky Day Homestead recently launched a diverse calendar of workshops focused on the art of homesteading. Passed down from generation to generation, owner Emily Tingue is sharing her family recipes with the public, and what a great way to spend time together with your significant other or good friend… (or go it solo!)
There are still a few spots open for this Saturday’s “Blending Spices and Loose Leaf Teas” class, where participants will learn about different herbs and edible flowers, the drying process, and how they can be used throughout the year. Discover various blends, their benefits, and create your own brews and spice sacks to take home, for drinking and for cooking.
Additional details about the class, including time and cost, plus a list of upcoming workshops, can be found by searching Lucky Day Homestead on Facebook. If you miss out on Saturday’s Blending Spices and Teas workshop, you can still treat your loved one with a future Lucky Day adventure.
“Give the gift of a Lucky Day experience… gift cards for other workshops, forest foraging guides, cooking classes or a stay in the Couples Cabin would be a great way to spend time with your other half,” expressed Tingue.
TONY N’ TINA’S WEDDING
A 30-minute drive south of Ellicottville and you can treat your date to a live performance of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding at Togi’s Playhouse. Produced by Bradford Little Theatre, this fun and interactive show casts the audience members as the wedding guests. Be sure to use the bathroom before the curtain rises - I hear this play is downright hilarious… (and features a rowdy reception! It may be the most fun wedding you’ve ever attended!)
Togi’s Playhouse is located at 18 Welch Ave., Bradford, PA. Performances are scheduled for February 16-18th at 6:30pm each evening; doors open at 6:00pm. $35 per person includes dinner and show; cash bar. Find additional details at bradfordlittletheatre.org.
MAKE IT AN ADVENTURE, OR KEEP IT SIMPLE
For those that love the great outdoors, living in an adventure town makes date planning easy peasy. Get out on the snow together - whether you’re skiing, tubing or snowshoeing, you can count on having a blast, and no doubt you’ll build up an appetite after all that activity… let’s eat!
You can never go wrong with a traditional sit-down Valentine’s Day meal at any of Ellicottville’s fine dining establishments, including the Silver Fox (Ellicottville’s only steakhouse), Villaggio (Italian anyone?) or Dina’s (upscale and locally sourced). Katy’s Fly-In of Great Valley has a special “Valentine’s Dinner for Two” menu planned; $60 per couple includes two glasses of wine, beer or champagne, one appetizer to share, two entrees and a dessert to share. Find the menu on their FB page and call in your reservation before they fill up!
For more sweet V-Day ideas, turn to the centerspread of this week’s issue and view our special #shoplocal #eatlocal Valentine’s Day gift guide. Happy Heart Day!
