Everyone’s wallets are feeling slight, what with our current economic condition, but that’s no reason to skip Saturday’s sweet holiday.  If nothing else it’s a great reason to remember those we’re close to and to celebrate our loves or friendships. 

Who can afford sparkly jewelry, fresh flowers or a lavish "pity party" girls’ night out?  Why not go back to the basics and shop for chocolate?!  And who doesn’t love this decadent creation (even those girls who say they don’t want "another box of chocolates" will appreciate it - you know they’re just gunning for the jewelry). 

And to make it even more special, shop locally.  Peterbrooke Chocolatier started right here in Jacksonville in 1983.  Local lore goes that Phyllis Geiger, founder, made Peterbrooke famous when she threw some of her rich, milk chocolate over popcorn borrowed from a nearby movie theater during a neighborhood celebration.  The chocolate company has been flourishing ever since and currently has 13 shops in Northeast Florida and several others outside the region.  So, there’s no good excuse to stop in one of those big box stores - this local chocolate legend is in every neighborhood, even yours.

And the selection for Valentine’s Day is amazing.  Of course there’s the chocolate covered popcorn, hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries, gift baskets, teddy bears holding chocolate assortments, chocolate dipped wine bottles (yes, real wine on the inside and yummy chocolate on the outside - you supply the wine bottle) and more!  Small, business card chocolates with sweet messages make the perfect little treat for a special friend.  And if you have lots of friends - or Valentine’s, no one’s judging you here - every customer who spends $50 receives a free box of those yummy chocolate covered strawberries.  Yum!  I would keep that little gift for myself. 

And if you want to get especially creative with your pals or date, why not hit up one of our historic movie theaters in honor of that first batch of chocolate covered popcorn - I can’t help mentioning it again; it’s my favorite!  The San Marco Theatre is showing Slum Dog Millionaire.  Don’t forget to grab some tasty nachos or a pizza and beer on the way to your seat.  Recently opened 5 Points Theatre is showing Milk, another award-winner, and on Valentines Day the theatre is showing a free matinee screening of Doable. 

And if you must throw in dinner with the movie why not get a great deal while you’re flexing the wallet muscles.  Cozy Tea and 5 Points Theatre are partnering to offer a four-course Indian dinner for $21.99 (usually $24.99) and a movie ticket for $6 (a savings of $2.50 per person on the movie ticket) on Friday and Saturday nights.  Reservations are required. 

There is no reason to skip Valentine’s Day this year.  Head to your neighborhood Peterbrooke and pick up a delectable treat!  I’m looking forward to my bag of chocolate covered popcorn (I had to, just one more time).