Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is nearly here… as is Galentine’s Day (to celebrate your best gal pals on February 13) and Singles Awareness Day (to celebrate yourself on February 15).
I asked the Everyday Akron community what their favorite things were to add a little joy and love to someone’s day. Hopefully we can support some local businesses while we’re at it! Here’s what everyone said…
Chocolates, Treats & Sweets
- “Conversation heart cookies from @triplecsweets” – @megbob
- Chill Artisan Ice Cream
- Indulge chocolates
- Peanut Shoppe of Akron
- “Cupcake Castle cupcakes … divine!” – @southpawpetsitting
- “Chocolate from Ben Heggy’s” – @kerrylynn74
- Chef Gina Giampietro: pastries available to pick up at Northside Marketplace and Leaf
Food & Drink
- Marques: Southern, Cajun, Creole Fusion
- “My love language is wine, [so I recommend] 750ml for a unique bottle.” – @berngibson10
- Crave and Crave Cantina
- “Brunch at Beau’s on the River in Sheraton or a box of pastries from The Blue Door” – @akronmomandkids
- Social8: Get some cocktails, apps and dinner
- “Square Scullery for dinner” – @sassosaurus_rex
- Drive ins! Swensons, Skyway, Dilly’s
- “Angel Falls for coffee. Coffee is a love language.” – @sassosaurus_rex
- “Dinner for two from The Farmer’s Rail and Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream!” – @akronmomandkids
Cards & Flowers
- Dippity and Snark: handmade cards and delightful paper goods
- Flourish Plant Mkt.
- Graf’s Garden Shop & Landscape
- “Flowers or cool plant from Leaf” – @joyloper
Gifts & More
- “I like to get my kids Valentines with crafts/books, so I’ll probably hit up Smartickles” – @berngibson10
- Northside Marketplace
- Northside Cellar
- “I always find amazing gifts at Reverie in Cuyahoga Falls” – @julene.rae
- Let’s Curate It: custom curated gift boxes
- EatSpeakLove: subscription boxes featuring local, black, women owned small business, entrepreneurs, artists, and pioneers
- “Good Life for jewelry” – @sassosaurus_rex
- Zeber-Martell Studio
- Akron Soul Train
- “Stella Blue Glass Art at Northside Marketplace! Beautiful glass and art prints.” – @stepn2mykitchen
- “Beautifully Bronzed gift certificate” – @jamie_ternes
- The Gardener of Bath: jewelry, gifts, home goods
- Candles by SweetlyCreated4U, Charlee Harris, Apothecary Candle Co., and Ritual Apothecary
Things to Do
- Rent a movie from The Nightlight’s virtual screening room
- The Candle Studio: private candle making parties
- Walk around Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
- Go for a hike at one of the Summit Metro Parks or in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Walk around Downtown Akron to see the new murals and other artwork
Photography
Need even more inspiration? Check out this past year’s Akron-Area Holiday Gift Guides, featuring more than 200 local businesses.
I hope you all have a fun, safe Valentine’s / Galentine’s / Singles Awareness Day Weekend. ❤️
Everyday Akron 