Before we dive into this week’s issue, a quick local shout out: Farmington’s Noah Wallace Elementary is running its annual Taste of Farmington fundraiser. For $15, you’ll get a card that unlocks one time discounts at 18 participating restaurants throughout the month of March, all while supporting the Noah Wallace PTO. Participating spots include local favorites like Naples, Fork & Fire, Three Amigos, and more.

Learn more and purchase a card here.

And now, on with the show…

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I’ve been thinking about all the ways we celebrate the people we care about. Some years it’s fancy dinners and flowers; other years, it’s candy hearts taped to construction paper cards from your kids. And sometimes, it’s something entirely different, like a night spent cheering up a friend who needs a little extra love.

One of my most memorable Valentine’s Days wasn’t with a romantic partner, but with my girlfriends. Sophomore year at Providence College, a friend was going through a breakup, so we decided to take her out to dinner. Everything was going smoothly, good food, lots of laughs, until dessert arrived: a chocolate cupcake topped with a cheap plastic heart ring. That ring somehow became the breaking point. Tears, dramatic declarations about love, and a hasty exit ensued. At the time, not funny, but now, we laugh about it every February. Because love, friendship included, definitely exists.

So as Valentine’s Day approaches, here’s a reminder: you don’t need a partner to celebrate. Whether it’s with your friends, family, or kids, there are plenty of ways to make the day meaningful.

Here are some ideas to show a little love to the people who matter most.

At‑Home Galentine’s Party
Celebrate your friendships with a cozy gathering at home. Pick up a charcuterie board from Dom’s Cheese Shop in Avon, pair it with artisanal chocolates from Chokaico Craft Chocolate, and add a few cheap plastic heart rings for nostalgia and fun. Play a favorite playlist, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy an evening dedicated to laughter, indulgence, and friendship.

Pizza, Wine & Movie Night
Create a cozy night-in with a bottle of wine from a local shop for example, Wine & Liquor Warehouse in Canton or M&R Liquors in Farmington (right next to Naples Pizza). Choose a movie based on your mood: When Harry Met Sally for classic romance, Crazy, Stupid, Love for humor and heart, or Love Actually for a warm ensemble feel that proves love doesn’t have to be romantic. Then pair it all with pizza from E & D Pizza or Naples Pizza. Whether you order in or pick up and head home, it’s a perfect combo for a low-key but meaningful evening.

Dessert‑Only Date
Skip dinner and dive straight into sweets. You can swing by Elmwood Pastry Shop in West Hartford for classic pastries and eclairs, head to Le Bánh Patisserie in Simsbury for delicate French-style desserts, or stop at BouNom Cafe & Bakery in Avon, for French and Southern-inspired pastries. Bring your treats home to enjoy them by a fire or under a warm heated blanket, however you do it, it’s a sweet way to treat each other.

DIY Spa Night
Turn your space into a relaxing retreat with local, handcrafted bath products. Grab bath bombs and clean-ingredient body products from WeHa Candle Co., which has a brick-and-mortar store in West Hartford (970 Farmington Ave) and makes vegan, cruelty-free bath bombs. For relaxing scented candles, check out Westwood Provisions in Simsbury for small-batch, locally made candles. Add a few face masks, some soft towels, calming music, and perhaps a glass of wine and you’ve got a spa experience without leaving home.

Library Date
Head to your local Farmington Valley library for a low-pressure, thoughtful outing. Browse books or movies together, pick something for each other, and then take your finds home for a cozy night. If you want a book suggestion, The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center is a charming, romantic read that’s perfect for sparking conversation about rom com tropes or simply enjoying side by side.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.