Guide to Valentine’s Day in Stonington

Valentine’s Day is here.

For many children it’s the chance to head to school with Valentine’s to hand out to every classmate, and for some adults it’s when they rush to the store to pick up those last-minute gifts. But hopefully, no matter you’re age you get to spend the day with the people you love whether it be the love of the life, your best friends or your family.

Local Events

• Get married for free at the Olde Mistick Village during their annual ‘get married on Valentine’s Day’ promotion.
• Donate blood at the Ledyard Lions Club Blood Drive from 1:30 to 6 p.m.
• Last year Stonington and Groton Patch readers had a cupcake food fight. Spend the day sampling some of the cupcakes at their recommended places.
• Enter the Patch Valentine’s Day Contest for the chance to win a stay at Mohegan Sun.

Valentine’s Day History

The history of the Feb. 14 holiday is a long and complicated one linked to Christian and Roman traditions, according to History.com.

"In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia," the website says. The American tradition of exchanging hand-made valentines likely began in the early 1700s.

Last Minute Gifts

If you’re one those people rushing out to the store, don’t worry we have you covered.

• Stonington-Mystic Patch users recommended some great gifts including gift certificates to Stonington Gardens and the Oyster Club.
• Cook a romantic Valentine’s dinner at home for two.
• Sign up for cooking classes at the Gray Goose Cookery or Semolina Pasta Shop
• Stop by Bank Square Books and buy a book for the reader in the life.
• Stonington Natural Health for massages.

And if you’re still not in the Valentine’s Day mood, haven’t been shot with Cupid’s arrow yet or your Valentine is yet to be found, fear not. You can celebrate as Singles Awareness Day. It’s great to be single on Valentine's Day because you don’t have to please anyone or care about anyone’s opinion of what you want to do. Go see that horrible or cheesy movie, enjoy being with your friends or get takeout from your favorite restaurant.

Tell Us Since it's Valentine's Day, what do you love the most about Stonington, Mystic and Pawcatuck?