I Love Local this Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day, we're asking you to give a little love to local businesses. Supporting our local economy in turn supports our community.

Did you know that 600% more of the money you spend at local businesses recirculates in within our community, making it 6 times more likely to come back to you.  

A little bit of love sure goes a long way. Here are a few suggestions for meeting your V-Day needs via local businesses.

For Sweet Treats - Yum Yums Delights
These cupcakes are as tasty as they are creatively designed. Always fresh and darn cute... you've got to check out their adorable Valentine's Day Cupcakes! Last week, I had to stop into the shop just to admire them. Custom orders (of course!!) are available in 12 different flavors. Yum Yum, indeed.

Dinner & a Show - The Avenue Grill & The Vintage Theatre
Strut your stuff along 17th Avenue in Uptown while having a classic night out comprised of dinner and a show. The Avenue Grill is known for it's classy ambiance (minus any pretenciousness) and penchant for serving local fare. I recommend making a reservation because they will most certainly be busy. Want something lighter? Their appetizers are full-flavored, but not as heavy as a meal. Enjoy them at the bar with one of their countless *stellar* drinks. Now walk on over to the Vintage Theatre for Auntie Mame, a epic of comedic delight empowering one to live life to the fullest. Check their website for showtimes, including a V-Day mattinee.

To Get Away - The Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast
Scrumptiously sustainable, this B&B takes it to the top. Start your morning with a local and organic breakfast. Relax the day away in either their deep soaking whirlpool jet tub for one (Hey, I'm my own valentine this year!) or in their deep jetted hottub for two. Not enough? Happy Hour is celebrated daily from 5-7pm with complimentary Colorado wines & cheeses. Each room is loaded with its own unique charm, so browse (a.k.a. drool) thoroughly.

Intimate Gifts, Literature, & More - Hysteria
 After 5 great years, Hysteria is regrettably closing its doors this Valentine's Day. Everything in this sex-positive boutique is 20-70% off, and things are selling out quickly! Personally, I was down there just last night, and I had an absolutely great time (and got some seriously great deals). And don't forget about their V-day party on the 13th.

For Flowers - Moss Pink Flora & Botanicals
There's a super special V-day menu worth oggling over. There's so much variety, from lush to modern; these arrangements will blow your mind while warming your valentine's heart. Deliveries span both the 13th and the 14th, so get your order in early!
 
Hello Date Night!  - Ceramics in the City
Take your valentine to this paint-your-own pottery and mosaic studio where art is entertainment. Perhaps you can paint a tea set for two? Info and seating times for both Saturday and Sunday at their website. 

Gift Baskets - A La Carte Gifts & Baskets  
"Stop by studio before Feb.12th to see our pre-made Valentine Designs, or just call to have the custom made!" Low on ideas? Don't worry! Check out their online catalog of over 150 designs where you can search by price range, theme, recipient type, and more!

Make Your Own - MoonDance Botanicals
Do-It-Yourself Valentine's Potions on Saturday Feb 13th from noon - 4pm. It might not be Love Potion #9, but it'll surely come close since it's made by you with LOVE. Come in anytime Saturday afternoon to create your own Valentine's potions like aromatherapy cologne oils, aphrodisiac spritzers, silky milk or chocolate bath blends and mood-enhancing herbal truffles! Make your own Valentines to boot!

For Your Environmentally Conscious Valentine - Dragonfly EcoGoods
I've saved my favorite for last. I absolutely love this Valentine's Tree. It was built out of unrepairable bicycle wheels gleaned from Derailer Bicycle Collective. What a wonderful example of creative reuse!

More about the location: This place is loaded with stuff from kitchen scrubbies to fountains to cards, but everything is thoroughly selected for being environmentally-preferable. In other words, these items have low ecological footprints and/or help you lower your own impact on the environment. Granted Dragonfly EcoGoods is carrying lots of V-Day themed gifts, but I say to each their own this Valentine's Day. Personally, my eco-geek heart is wooed most by the 2 tier stainless steel tiffin set as well as the reusable hemp coffee filter.

UPDATE: Special thanks to the sweet boy who sent me the two items listed above. They were a lovely surprise to come home to.

Whatever you love, wherever you love, please make it local this Valentine's Day.