by Lisa Massicotte
If you college students continue to procrastinate and don’t make reservations for Valentine’s Day, you’ll be out of luck.  But if you give yourself a little time to plan, this Valentine’s Day could be the best yet.
The National Retail Federation concluded the average person celebrating Valentine’s Day spent nearly $142 in 2015.  So if you get through the 14^th and end up spending around $100, you did pretty well.
According to Hallmark Cards, “Approximately 131 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged industry-wide.” My personal favorite gift has always been receiving a handwritten letter filled with memories and jokes only my partner and I will appreciate.  Making a thoughtful, homemade card will warm the heart of the receiver and save you some extra cash to go out and have some more Valentine’s Day excitement.
The New Britain Museum of American Art is hosting “Sweet ‘H‘Art Valentine’s Day at the Museum” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 14^th.  It includes a private champagne reception where you and your date can share love-themed confections followed by a private romance-inspired tour, and then enjoy a variety of love songs performed by Monika Krazewski and Natasha Ulyanovsky. Non-member tickets are $30 while member tickets are $25.
The Bushnell Theatre in Hartford is putting on the play “Love Letters” from Feb. 9^th to the 14^th.  A story about “first loves and second chances” dives into the lives of two people who are kept apart by fate, but live and love each other as they pour out the secrets of their hearts through letters for 50 years. The play stars Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal, who were paired in the hit movie “Love Story,” based off the best-selling novel by Erich Segal. Tickets range from $24 to $70.
“Romantic Willimantic” will be hosting its 12^th Annual Chocolate Festival on Saturday, February 13^th.  Local businesses on Main Street will be giving out a variety of chocolate samples and will be offering special deals to customers. If you love baking, register for the cake baking contest by Feb. 7^th and drop off your cake at the Kerri Gallery.  The festival will run from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.
If you’re feeling anti-Valentine’s Day this year bring a picture of your ex to Hooters, which is located on the Berlin Turnpike, and they will shred it before your eyes. Then you will get ten free wings once you buy your first ten.
Who needs love when you have drag queens? On Valentine’s Day Tisane in Hartford will have a special menu for two. The day after, Tisane will be hosting its annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Drag Show.  The show will start at 10 p.m. and there is a $10 cover charge.
Now you have a bit of information on the Valentine’s Day events happening around Connecticut. So if you do wait last minute to plan out a date, at least you have some ideas now! As the day gets closer, many businesses will be updating special offers so keep an eye out for some great deals.