To Spread Love This Month, Look Local

Jackie DeShannon said it best when she sang, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” While released several decades ahead of our global pandemic, her song still rings true as we approach Valentine’s Day. What better way to celebrate Cupid’s birthday than to shop or eat local?

CAFE MEZZANOTTE

During Valentine’s weekend of Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14, experience Cafe Mezzanotte’s delicious cuisine by dining in or carrying out. Diners will enjoy a romantic ambience from a masked, strolling accordionist each night, as well as the full menu with special chef’s additions and lobster (three-pound) or steak (36-ounce cowboy steak) dinners for two.

On Valentine’s Day, brunch and dinner boxes for two are available for preorder. Here’s what you can expect in these mouth-watering meals:

Brunch Box: Shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, spinach parmesan frittata, hot Italian sausage, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, pastries and chocolate-covered strawberries. Costs $75.

Dinner Box: Oysters Rockefeller, crab stuffed shrimp, lobster bisque, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, mixed berry salad, fresh pasta, roasted vegetables and chocolate-covered strawberries. Costs $75.

Optional add-ons: Prosecco 187-mililiter ($10), lobster tail and butter ($20) and dessert platter ($15).

Learn more or order your box today at www.cafemezz.com/whatshappening.

THE COTTAGE

Each year, The Cottage staff looks forward to helping customers pick out the perfect Valentine’s gifts for their loved ones. Below are just a few gift ideas, and remember that The Cottage offers curbside pickup, as well as free local delivery on orders of $100 or more. Place your order at www.shopthecottage.com. The staff will gift wrap the item and drop it on your doorstep.

For the jewelry lover, Kendra Scott’s new heart collection is something all ages will love. You can also add some gorgeous sparkle with Swarovski or choose a special sentiment with beautiful, handcrafted bracelets from Ronaldo.

Prefer to pamper your loved one? Farmhouse Fresh offers a fabulous array of lotions, serums, masks and foot care products.

Fashion and accessories always make for great gifts. The Cottage has several new brands and styles including Tribal, Free People, Liverpool, Barefoot Dreams, and Hobo, to name a few.

Still stumped on gift ideas? You can never go wrong with a gift card for The Cottage.

Finally, the best place to find all the fun and gift ideas from The Cottage is on Facebook and Instagram @ShopTheCottageSP. The team has live events planned and will post all promotions and new arrivals. Save the date for a Valentine’s jewelry event on Saturday, February 6.

HOMESTEAD GARDENS

You can never go wrong with sharing a beautiful flower during the season of love. Homestead Gardens has stunning orchid displays at its Severna Park and Davidsonville locations. Did you know that orchids are one of nature's most spectacular displays of love? Each orchid plant adapts its color, petal shape and even petal size to attract pollinators. Some orchids emit a special perfume and others have adapted a system of entrapment in their petals. A collection of orchids makes a wonderful display in the home. Choose for yourself and gift a romantic variety to someone special. Homestead's orchid display is open during store hours from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily. Gift cards and orchid care information are available.

PEACEFUL PETALS

For anyone who has spotted the adorable, teal Volkswagen flower truck (fondly named JoJo) driving around Severna Park or Annapolis, you’ll be pleased to learn that there’s a website where you can order flowers for delivery and now a physical store in Severna Park. At the store, you can individually pick out your gorgeous stems or do “grab n go” bouquets for $35 or $55.

For the holiday, Peaceful Petals will offer three specials:

Be My Valentine: $75

You Are My Everything: $100

I Cannot Live Without You: $150

Please note: Each bouquet is unique and includes a mix of pinks, reds and whites. Price is reflective of the number of stems used to make it.

Order online at www.peacefulpetalsflowertruck.com/valentinesday2021.

If you’re looking for a bonus gift, follow Peaceful Petals on Instagram @peacefulpetalsflowertruck. I can personally say the gorgeous flower photos will brighten your day.

Now, go spread some love today and every day, and don’t forget to shop and eat local!