Valentine’s Day 2024 lands mid-week this year, making it easy to overlook. And if making a trip out of town when you have work the next day isn’t on your list of things to do, consider these 12 local spots and sweetheart specials close to home.

Kewanee:

Cerno’s Bar and Grill at 213 W Third St. is featuring several Valentine specials including shrimp cocktail, a 12-ounce Porterhouse pork chop, lobster tails and a lemon-raspberry donut cheesecake. Reserve your table now. (309) 853-3469

Coco’s at 102 W Third St. will have delicious, decorated cookies and mini heart cakes to accompany their coffee drinks. But the goodies are first come, first serve.

Downtown Eatery and Bakery at 204 North Tremont St. is featuring a Valentine’s Buffet from 5 – 8 pm. Fish-friendly selections for the Ash Wednesday observers will be plentiful, as well as chicken, beef, and a large salad bar. An array of plentiful desserts will be available. Reservations are recommended by calling (309) 853-1651.

Hillside Florist at 101 N. Main St. reminds folks on their Facebook page that “77% of women remember when they last received flowers,” and are offering lovely flower arrangements and gift items. And they deliver. Stop in or call them at (309) 853-3331.

Galva:

Crescent City Tap at 336 Front St. has a special menu that night, featuring an 8 oz. ribeye, grilled shrimp with a choice of baked potato or grilled asparagus for $36.99 per couple. Adding to the evening is a live performance by Bell & Field. Reservations for the evening can be made by calling (309) 932-1784.

Mary’s Family Dining and Lounge at 1011 SE Second St., Galva, touts its Prime Rib as the featured item on their menu that evening, along with the regular Wednesday night Tacos, making two special options available. Reserve a table by calling (309) 932-2277.

Special Kneads Bakery at 326 Front St in Galva has sweet treats perfect for gift-giving that includes a wide selection of pastries, cookies and chocolate-covered strawberries that day from, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (you can always treat yourself, you know). Get your order in early by calling (309) 540-8753.

Galva Pharmacy and Hathaway’s Fresh Market, both in downtown Galva, are selling heart-shaped boxes of tasty chocolates, perfect to give to your Valentine. Consider buying two boxes and keep one for yourself.

The Rambling Rose, located at 328 Commercial St., (North of the Super 8 parking lot) sells flowers that make a nice addition to any meal. Treat the ones you love with a fresh bouquet. This florist has a wide selection of flower arrangements as well as gift items with a Valentine theme. The shop has a special on roses – a dozen of any color for $70. Their hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. You can also give them an order (they deliver) over the phone by calling (309) 781-7902.

Bishop Hill:

P.L. Johnson’s at 110 Bjorkland St. is offering a special meal that evening from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Topping the list is Swiss steak, as well as favorite items such as Swedish meatballs, baked chicken breast and great desserts. Save your table by calling (309) 927-3885.

The Filling Station located at 307 Bishop Hill St. will be serving a choice of steak or chicken from 5-7 p.m. that night. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (309) 927-2255.

The Colony Inn, located between P.L. Johnson’s and the Filling Station, will be offering a pizza special and $2 whiskeys from 2 p.m. to midnight.

Don’t let this holiday go by without enjoying some local flavors. Take your sweetheart (or potential sweetheart) out for a special dinner close to home. And don’t forget the flowers and candy! Who knows? Cupid and his bow and arrows might be nearby.