Business in the Park - V-Day gifts

Since the 15th century, lovers have expressed their affection for each other by presenting flowers, confectionaries and greeting cards on Feb. 14. In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are a few thoughts on how to share the love with local merchants and your sweetheart for a win-win:

Be mine

Pick up a little something sweet for your sweetie. Chocolates are in good supply with Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Kilwin’s Chocolates and Winter Park Chocolate all offering some delectable desserts. From chocolate-covered Oreos and truffles to custom gifts, these are great businesses that can tailor a delectable treat. And for a retro-Valentine, stop in Sassafras Sweet Shoppe where you can find candy from your first date, a movie theater favorite or a childhood memory.

Looking for something sparkly, perhaps? Check out some of the statement pieces at our local jewelers, like Simmons, Bay Hill Jewelers and Coralia Leets. And if other accessories are in order, stop in Things and Fashion or Through the Looking Glass. Both have some wonderful choices for gifts.

And while diamonds are a girl’s best friend, the way to a man’s heart in through his stomach. A romantic dinner for two can be found at the Paris Bistro, Pannullo’s Italian Restaurant, 310 Park South, Cocina 214 and Luma on Park, among others.

An event or two

For the third year, the Park Avenue Merchants Association will present a free Valentine Concert in Central Park. The afternoon of music and romance features Central Florida’s beloved Michael Andrew and Swingerhead on the Central Park Stage from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10. Come early, bring a picnic blanket and stay afterward for dinner on the Avenue at one of the suggestions above.

The merchants will also host a Sweetheart Sip & Stroll on Thursday, Feb. 21, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sip & Strolls are a great way to experience the variety of shops and restaurants in the Park Avenue area and learn more about new additions to the downtown. Tickets are $25 and include a food and drink sample at 26 different locations. Details on both events, and reservations for the Sip, are available at ExperienceParkAvenue.com

For the love of money

And finally this month the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business, will host its annual Economic Update Breakfast. The panel discussion will be held on Feb. 26 at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center beginning at 7:45 a.m. Reservations can be made at winterpark.org or by calling 407-644-8281.

Erika Spence is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.