OUR TOWN

Stay cozy this month with candlelit concerts, out-of-the-box art classes and new ways to interact with nature.

by ADDIE LADNER

SHOP LOCAL FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Why not turn the most romantic day of the year into a time to support Triangle businesses? From flowers to chocolate and more, here’s where to find some classic Valentine’s Day treats.

Chocolate

Lucky for us, there’s no shortage of really good chocolate in the City of Oaks. Videri Chocolate Factory (327 W. Davie Street; viderichocolatefactory.com) in the Warehouse District is known for its hand-crafted chocolate bars and decadent soft-serve ice cream. Escazu Chocolates (936 N. Blount Street; escazuchocolates.com) offers fine, beautifully decorated truffles with unique flavor combinations. Spring & Mulberry (multiple retailers; springandmulberry.com) was founded by a local woman looking to consume less sugar after a battle with cancer. These chocolates are naturally sweetened with dates, and paired with unexpected ingredients like lavender, bee pollen and mango.

Stationery

Whether it’s sweet or funny, the perfect card is something to cherish. Visit If It’s Paper (445 Daniels Street; ifitspaper.org) for pretty, painterly stationery. Stationer Decree Company has a small selection of handmade letterpress greetings at its new downtown location (135 E. Martin Street;decreecompany. com). And for funny, edgy cards from both local and national designers, swing by DECO (207 S. Salisbury Street; decoraleigh. com) or Edge of Urge (215 E. Franklin Street, Suite 110; edgeofurge.com) to peruse the offerings.

Flowers

For truly local blooms, visit the North Carolina State Farmers Market (1201 Agriculture Street; ncagr.gov/markets) and grab a bundle of seasonal stems, wrapped in brown paper and tied up with string. Order a bouquet from Kelly Odom Flowers (102 Glenwood Avenue; kellyodom.com) for something over-the-top or if your sweetheart likes exotic blooms from around the world. Fallon’s Flowers (700 St. Marys Street; fallonsflowers.com) offers a range of bouquets, but if you prefer to make your own, visit on a Friday, when it offers single-cut stems from the cooler for 50% off.

Bubbles

From cava to prosecco to actual champagne, there are lots of effervescent options. Visit a wine shop for guidance on a bottle that’ll please your palate. Raleigh Wine Shop (317 S. Bloodworth Street; theraleighwineshop.com) offers a broad selection and a cozy back room to sit and sip. Wine Authorities has a large range of old-world European options and a knowledgeable staff (211 E. Franklin Street; wineauthorities.com). If you’re up for a drive, Rocks & Acid in Chapel Hill (712 Market Street, Chapel Hill; rocksandacidwineshop.com) was recently opened by sommelier Paola de Pano, who brings a lively vibe to her recommendations.