Valentine's Day in Oz, 2022

Dipped and decorated strawberries are just one of the delicious offerings from Ashley's in Cedarburg.

February 14th is Valentine's Day and, though many consider it a "Hallmark" holiday, the celebration actually dates back to Roman times; a fertility festival called "Lupercalia."  

Times have certainly changed.  Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated by friends, family, and lovers, alike, and whether you need a treat for your kids or a romantic gift for your significant other, there are plenty of great, local choices in Oz.

Chocolate is the most common Valentine's Day gift, and Oz is home to several very fine chocolate shops!

Chocolate Chisel in Port Washington always has fresh, chocolate covered strawberries available for the occasion, as well as a wide variety of milk and dark chocolates to choose from.  

A beautiful caramel apple from Amy's Candy Kitchen in downtown Cedarburg makes a wonderful Valentine's gift and, while you're in town, make it a gift from Cedarburg with something from Ashley's Confectionery, too!

If you're in the Grafton area, stop into Sweet Trio for a delicious variety of chocolates, candy and caramel apples, or, if you're in the southern Ozaukee neck of the woods, Mequon has the Cocoa Tree Confectionary. 

It's hard to believe, but some people don't like chocolate and candy.  If flowers are what you're looking for, you're in luck!  There are plenty to choose from in Oz.  In Saukville, try Lighthouse Florist; in Grafton, there's the Bloomin Olive.  Cedarburg has Rachel's Roses, while Mequon has the corner market with A Floral Affair, Fantasy Flowers, or La Terre at the Mequon Public Market.

Perhaps the lovely lady in your life has jewelry in mind?  You can't go wrong with Armbruster Jewelers in Cedarburg or Sharbuno Jewelers in Port Washington; both family businesses who have been in their community for many years.  Wyndrose and Pagoda Fine Jewelry in Cedarburg are also local favorites.

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This Strawberry Coconut Cooler with Boba from Java House in Cedarburg has Valentine written all over it!

Really, though, does anything say "love" better than coffee? 

Check out Java House or Cedarburg Coffee Roastery in Cedarburg, Java Dock in Port Washington, Fiddleheads in Grafton, Mequon, Thiensville and Cedarburg, or Colectivo in Grafton or Mequon.  Also in Mequon is the delightful Cafe 1505, which has treats, breakfast and lunch, and is also a full service coffee bar.

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​Looking for a special dinner out?  In Port Washington, there's Twisted Willow, The Beacon, or Beanies Mexican Restaurant, who all have special dinners planned.  Brandywine in Cedarburg is a good bet.  On Saturday the 12th, Shully's Cuisine in Thiensville is offering an amazing 7 course Zodiac Dinner for Valentine's Day that would be hard to pass up, and Foxtown Brewing has a special 4 course dinner for two.  No No's in Newburg or Messina Italian Restaurant​ in Saukville are other considerations.

However you share the love, put some Oz into it!  Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.

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