Celebrating love and romance in Wayne

By Carolyn Marnon – Love is in the air this month as we celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14. February is also Creative Romance Month. Where can you find romance or creative gift ideas in Wayne? Here are a few possibilities shared recently by community members.
Leo’s Jewelry and Gifts, 34900 W Michigan Ave, has been selling modern designs and classic pieces since 1956. For the person who wants to pop the perennial question of love, Leo’s is sure to have an engagement ring to suit your style. Perhaps a Pandora charm bracelet for your loved one along with a special bead (or beads) to commemorate a special time or event. Besides jewelry, Leo’s has a wide selection of Vera Bradley handbags and accessories.
Helium Studio, 3127 S Wayne Rd, is “Your HEARTquarters” in downtown Wayne. They have an amazing array of handmade gift items. You can find jewelry, special soaps, candles and so much more. Wayne Councilman Phillip Wagner says, “Helium Studio always has wonderful smelling soaps. My wife and I get these for each other a lot.” Helium Studio also has Open Craft Fridays from Noon-5:00 p.m. where you can come in and make a reasonably priced craft or two of your own. This could be a special date night outing for two. Make sure you visit Helium Studio’s facebook page to see when they are hosting the next event.
Amy Iatzko’s husband, Sean, plays at Benders, 34830 W Michigan Ave, on Thursday nights. She says “It’s always nice to go have a couple of cocktails and relax while listening to acoustic guitar.” Benders also features Karaoke Night on Fridays starting at 9:00 p.m. Who wouldn’t love to hear a love song dedicated to them by their loved one? This could be especially memorable if you are not generally fond of singing, but you do it because you love someone.
Karma Coffee and Kitchen, 35634 West Michigan Ave, will be having a Valentine’s Day dinner on February 14. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner service beginning around 7:00 p.m. The theme is “Love Bites” and owners David and Jennifer Romero will be serving small plates and paella along with dessert. Stop by or call to make reservations before they fill up.
Spend Valentine’s Day with a special sit-down meal at White Castle, 32925 Michigan Ave. This annual event helps you slow down and spend time with your loved one while being waited on at a table for two (or more). It’s a creative dining experience you might wish to try because you won’t find it at White Castle on any other day.
You can reserve a table through White Castle’s website.
Get out of the cold and enjoy heated seats at the State Wayne Theatre, 35310 Michigan Ave. Get cozy in the reclining seats, perhaps bring a blanket to snuggle under, and be transported to another world for the afternoon or evening. You can also enter the Phoenix Theatres’ “Valentine’s Weekend” sweepstakes. Five grand prize winners will receive a pair of complimentary movie passes. Visit the theatre February 14-17, take a selfie with your Valentine(s) at the theatre, post it to any of Phoenix Theatres’ social media sites and include the tag “#ValentinesDate!” After the movie, perhaps you head across the street to The Avenue American Bistro for a nightcap or Pizza Hut for a late-night snack.
For the children you love, you can take them to make a Valentine craft on Tuesday, February 12, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Wayne Public Library. Kids can make a heart made of yarn (and love) that they can then keep or give to someone special. There will also be treats and music to enjoy. The program is recommended for children over 6, and caregivers are encouraged to remain with their children. Register by calling (734) 721-7832 ext. 632.
If you are a pizza-lover, you can usually find a pizza place that makes heart-shaped pizzas on Valentine’s Day. If the place doesn’t make heart-shaped pizzas, perhaps they will place the toppings in a heart-shape for you.
Dairy Queen, 3007 S Wayne Rd, will be open just in time for Valentine’s Day. DQ will be featuring a Ghirardelli Chocolate and Strawberry Cupid Cake for only $9.99! Perfect for two lovers to share. Chocolate lovers, that is!
And if you don’t have a special someone at this time, make yourself your special someone. Do something just for you. Buy something just for you. Eat something just for you. Go somewhere just for you. You deserve it!