Sweets from The Flower Basket in Cottage Grove. MIKE ROTHGEB
Valentine’s Day is a special holiday where couples can show one another how much they care. While this should be true of every day, it reminds us to take that extra effort in the name of love. Residents of Southern Lane County have numerous ways to show that special someone what love is all about; from wineries to restaurants, Southern Lane has it all. Whether you prefer a romantic outing in the countryside or an intimate dinner by candlelight, there are countless options to choose from.
And what’s Valentine’s Day without the flowers and gifts? The Flower Basket & Gift Boutique on Sixth Street in Cottage Grove can be your one-stop shop for everything related to Valentine’s Day. The Flower Basket offers a wide assortment of beautiful bouquets featuring radiant roses, tantalizing tulips, pretty posies, lovely lilies and so much more.
Carol Reeves and her welcoming staff have over 100 years combined experience and have been building relationships in the community for the past 33 years. Besides flowers, The Flower Basket offers a diverse and delicious selection of candy featuring Oregon-made chocolates, Le Grand Truffles and Jelly Belly.
Unique and quality items are also available, including fine jewelry, clothing, home and yard decor and other hidden treasures. There’s no better place to shop for that perfect gift than The Flower Basket.
Patton’s Country Gardens is another popular stop for many couples on the days leading up to February 14. Located on Delight Valley School Road, Patton’s Country Gardens offers flowers for all occasions: weddings, banquets, anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentine’s Day. Patton’s Country Gardens Floral Designer Bonnie Helsel shows off her talent with stunning bouquets and flower arrangements.
Dozens of fresh roses, bouquets and other romantic floral designs are available at prices that fit everyone’s budget. In addition to affordable prices, Patton’s Country Gardens delivers to both homes and businesses in Creswell.
A special night out can build intimacy, spark enlightening conversation, and nurture both new relationships and decade-long marriages. Creswell, Cottage Grove and Pleasant Hill offer amazing dining experiences with unique restaurants such as Jack Sprat’s, Busters, Stacy’s Covered Bridge, The Axe and Fiddle, Creswell Bakery, Creswell Coffee and Hilltop Bar & Grill.
Creswell Bakery at 182 S. 2nd St. offers a romantic meal you can take home. Why go out to a crowded, loud restaurant, when you can stay in and let us make your night simple and relaxing? Their dinner includes braised short ribs from our own farm, a bottle of J.Scott wine, and a delicious raspberry cream puff to top it all off!
Special Valentine’s Day pre-orders at Creswell Bakery are available in their online store at CreswellBakery.com. Get in your orders now for pick up on Valentine’s Day. Deadline is Saturday, Feb. 10. Call 541-895-5885 for more info.
My Boy’s Pizza at 96 N. Mill Stree in Creswell has heart-shaped pizzas you can order in, take out or have delivered. You must order by Tuesday, Feb. 13, by 4 p.m. Choose up to three toppings and spread the love this Valentine’s Day with My Boys Pizza! Call 541-895-4505 or stop by.
Be sure to visit Cottage Grove on Valentine’s Day and reserve a table at Stacy’s Covered Bridge Restaurant. For nearly two decades, Stacy’s Covered Bridge has been offering residents of Cottage Grove the ultimate fine dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing night in the smooth ambiance of the lounge or feel like an intimate dinner for two, Stacy’s has you covered.
Starting at 4 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Stacy’s Covered Bridge offers their Sweetheart Couple specials featuring soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Entrees include ossobuco pork shank, crab, lobster and steak. Sweetheart specials range from $30 to $60. A large selection of wines and champagne by the glass are always available, and if you forgot to buy candy for your sweetie, Stacy’s offers chocolate-covered strawberries.
Reservations are required for the dining area, but walk-ins are welcome in the lounge.
If celebrating Saint Valentine’s holiday with local music, good food and couple’s activities is more your cup of tea (or glass of wine), then head over to Saginaw Vineyard at 80247 Delight Valley School Road, halfway between Creswell and Cottage Grove, on Feb. 10 and 11.
Saturday, Feb. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. is their annual Wine & Dine Your Valentine Celebration. Diners have their choice of a three-course meal featuring either meat or spinach vegetable lasagna by Shady Oaks. For entertainment, couples can take part in a new spin on the Newlywed Game and enjoy original and cover love songs performed by Scott Austin.
The event is open to the public, but reservations are required. Wine Club Members receive a discount and wine and beverages are sold separately.
On Sunday, Feb. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m., Saginaw Vineyard will host their Love You Every Day event. Both beginner and advanced artists can enjoy a special couples painting activity led by West Coasters Art Studio. Contact Wendy Johnson with West Coasters Art Studio for more information and registration.
Complimentary wines are also available and participants are encouraged to bring their own meals for a brunch potluck event. Tickets are $30 per person and Wine Club members receive an additional 20 percent off the ticket price.
While it’s true that Valentine’s Day is just another day, it doesn’t mean we can’t get lost in the festivities and have an excuse to spend it with the one we love. Relationships should be catered to and cherished, and what better way of doing that then splurging on that bouquet, taking that special someone out to dinner, and raising a glass of wine to toast to health, happiness and love?
This Valentine’s Day, remember, it’s not the quantity, but the quality of time you spend with one another. Make every moment count and appreciate each other for who and what they are: special.
Eat locally, buy locally, celebrate locally. Enjoy all that Southern Lane County has to offer and make this a Valentine’s Day to remember.
