Brandon Patch Guide to Valentine's Day

Next up is a celebration of the concept, if not the attainment, of love, as people nationwide get set to indulge in candy, flowers and gifts, all in the name of St. Valentine.

Here at Brandon Patch, we'll keep you posted with notice of guide places to shop, restaurants to dine, movies to watch and things to keep in mind as the days unwind to Feb. 14.

We'd love to hear from you as well, those people, places and events you'd like to showcase as the season of red gets under way in your homes, your schools, the community and places of commerce.

Let us know in the comment box below, those items you'd like to share and see posted, and give a shout-out as well to the special love of your life, whether it's your newborn baby, your spouse of 50 years or any special love along the way.

SHOP LOCAL FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

• Downtown Divas, in the Winthrop Town Centre off Bloomingdale Avenue, between Watson and Providence roads, is hosting a “Sweetheart Party” on Feb. 12, from 6-9 p.m. “Bring your sweetheart, best friend or anyone else close to your hear,” owner Camille Schwabe said in her event announcement. “Shop while enjoying sweets, with special discounts featured this night only.” Added treat: Trunk Show by Star’s Jewelry, with makeup by Mary Kay.

• , a specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing and more offers a guide to projects for Valentine’s Day, featuring  gifts to “Say I Love You” to “kids, with flowers, with treats, with cards and with gift cards.” The online guide offers step-by-step instructions using materials ready for purchase at Michaels, which in Brandon is at 2564 West Brandon Blvd., in the Regency Square shopping center across the street from the Brandon Boulevard entrance of the Westfield Brandon shopping center.

• Walgreens joins other retail establishments in offering a sale on Valentine's Day items days before the celebratory month. Its most recent flyer has candy; chocolate-filled, heart-shaped boxes; plush and animated toys; and candles at prices ranging from 39 cents (for heart-shaped candies) to $49.99 (for a jumbo stuffed bear). "Hot Buys" include an in-store $1 off coupon for Hershey's Valentine chocolate, which brings the sale price down to $2 for $4. The current circular, through Jan. 28, is posted online.

RESTAURANTS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

• The in Brandon, at 1107 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., has scheduled  “Sweetheart’s Brunch and High Tea” for Feb. 11 and Feb. 14.  First seating is at 9 a.m.; last seating, at 4 p.m. Billed as an event for “sweethearts or the sweetest of friends.” Actually, there are two tea themes available: the “Pink Hearts Valentine’s High Tea” or the “Sweetheart’s Brunch” — a brunch for two.  Menus for both teas are posted online. Order a special Valentine photo as a keepsake. If a gentleman calls to make a reservation, he will be advised of a gift to give and receive a coupon good for 50 percent off one item in the tea room’s gift room. Call: 813-654-6543.

TOP MOVIES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

• "Valentine’s Day," “a look at a day in the life of love,” stars 19 actors strong enough to demand top billing: Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Hector Euzondo, Jamie Fox, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, George Lopez, Shirley McLaine, Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts and Taylor Swift.

VALENTINE'S DAY BOOKS FOR KIDS, ADULTS

• For kids, "Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You," by Nancy Tillman.
• For teens, "Along for the Ride," by Sarah Dressen.
• For adults, "the Five Love Languages," by Gary Chapman.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAY

• The holiday is centuries-old; the saint in whose name the celebration is known is mysterious, at best; and history is rich for rituals and customs, from Rome to Victorian England and beyond. Did you now:
  
  
  • The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named "Valentine" or "Valentinus," and all there were martyred.
  • One legend has one Valentine writing his own signed-letter, "From your Valentine," to the daughter of his jailor.
  • Some historians claim that Valentine's Day was an attempt by the Christian church to celebrate a feast day in February that would "christianize" celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival.
• For more on these, and other facts, visit the Valentine's Day page at History.com.