Valentine’s Day is within a month and expressions of love come in all sorts of local packages. From sweets to flowers to dinner with entertainment, Bridgeport businesses have you covered.

 

Oliverio’s Florist will be stocked with roses of all colors. In addition to passion red and other seasonal favorites like pink and white, Owner Jerry Jolliff said there are plenty of choices for those thinking outside the box. Yellow, lavender, orange, blue and even tie-dye roses are available.

 

“There’s also a variegated red and white rose called fire and ice. They are cool and very different,” he said. “We only have them right around Valentine’s Day and a lot of people don’t know about them.”

 

Starting around $70-75, all varieties can be purchased by the dozen and, if desired, for extra cost can be embellished with teddy bears, chocolates and other novelties.

 

Orchid plants and hydrangeas are other often requested flowers for the holiday, Jolliff said.

 

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year at the local flower shop, so Jolliff advises ordering as early as possible. Though the store generally delivers to a wider geographical area, Valentine’s Day deliveries are limited to the Bridgeport/Clarksburg area. If you want deliveries made outside that area, Jolliff suggests getting a jump on the holiday and having flowers delivered a few days prior.  

 

Local bakeries will be whipping up all kinds of festive cookies, cupcakes, cakes and candies.

 

Almost Heaven Desserts’ best-selling Valentine’s Day treats are red velvet cheesecake and chocolate-covered strawberries, said Manager Victoria Simon. The popular Main Street coffee shop may also offer red velvet cookies this year, she said.

 

At Bonnie Belles in White Oaks (as well as the Nutter Fort Location), a variety of sweet treats will be available for purchase.

 

“We’ll have all kinds of adorable Valentine cookies that we decorate really nice and we’ll have our Valentine cupcakes, of course,” said Owner Linda Fowler. “We also do a little strawberry/chocolate cake that is really pretty with chocolate curls and we have our de la creme – our long-stem rose cake. Instead of buying a dozen roses, you can buy roses you can eat. And, of course, we'll have our petite fours, too.”

 

Cookie designs range from a mason jar adorned with little hearts to hearts featuring love birds.

“We also have some with cute little sayings on them like ‘kiss me’ or ‘text me,’” Fowler said.

 

Valentine’s Day is also a major day of business for Bonnie Belles.

 

“After Christmas, there is a lull in January, then February takes off like a rocket,” she said.

 

Again, it is a good idea to place orders early.

 

My Little Cupcake and Twinkles & Sprinkles, both located on Bridgeport’s Main Street, will also offer their own sweet specialties for the holiday. My Little Cupcake will feature heart-shaped cakes, iced sugar cookies, cake pops and, of course, Valentine's Day cupcakes, said Owner Kaycee Crislip. Twinkles & Sprinkles plans to offer cakepops, cookie bouquets, chocolate-covered strawberries and specialty cupcake flavors. Owner Christie Shaffer said she will be taking orders (304-933-3385 or 304-415-3460) for Feb. 14 pickup. 

 

Located inside Twinkles & Sprinkles is Diane Wickland's A La Carte Fine Chocolates, which will be offering all kinds of holiday-inspired choclate delicacies. 

 

If dining out is your preference for celebrating the holiday of love, our local restaurants will be planning specials.

 

At Oliverio’s Ristorante, reservations are needed for parties of eight or more.

 

“We have lots of two-tops,” said Andrea Myerberg, employee. “And if we need to, we’ll put in extra ones.”

 

Mia Margherita and Meagher’s Irish Pub, both located at Charles Pointe, also accommodate those celebrating the lovers’ holiday.

 

“We always run a Valentine’s Day menu; dinners for two, desserts and wine to go with those dinners,” said Ginger Morrison. “It’s a big holiday for us and we are always packed.”

 

If weather cooperates and temperatures don’t drop below freezing, the restaurant’s patio will be open for dining.

 

“That’s always nice," said Morrison, adding that the fire-lit heater gives off a nice glow and adds to atmosphere. 

 

Owner Jade Meagher said Meagher’s Irish Pub will also offer a holiday dinner feature, accompanied by live music.

 

At Best Western Plus Bridgeport Inn, dinner specials will be offered Feb. 14 and 15, along with special lodging rates for couples wanting to turn the evening into an overnight getaway.

 

Entrees, served with side salad and rolls, range from $16.99 to $28.99 per person. Menu options include sliced prime rib, served with wild mushrooms rissotta and grilled asparagus, served with au jus; Surf n’ Turf, porterhouse with two petite Maryland-style crab cakes and remoulade sauce, baby buttered potatoes and chef vegetable medley and Seafood Alfredo – sautéed shrimp ad sweet crab meat tossed in house alfredo sauce and served on bed of linguine pasta. Double chocolate cake and strawberry shortcake can be added.

 

Located on Lodgeville Road, Best Western will also host a Dugger Dance on Feb. 15. Tickets are $10 per person for those wanting to dance the night away to oldies and current pop/rock tunes.

 

Also taking place Valentine’s Day weekend is the Jazzed for Valentine’s Day dinner/dance at Bridgeport Conference Center. Hosted by Bridgeport High School Band Patrons, the event features the BHS Jazz Band and raises funds for the BHS Band. Read about it HERE.