Love is in the air
Published 9:03 pm Monday, February 10, 2014
Tim Johnson of Johnson’s Gardens works on an arrangement of roses for Valentine’s Day at his shop on Holland Road on Monday. He and other business owners say Valentine’s-related business has been brisk this year.
Local business owners believe the felicitous calendar quirk that puts this year’s Valentine’s Day on a Friday — and a full moon, incidentally — is contributing to higher-than-normal business surrounding the lovers’ holiday.
Tim Johnson at Johnson’s Gardens got a shipment of 3,000 roses this week and expects to have to order more. He’s had a lot of orders for his delivery service, he said.
“The phones have been ringing off the hook,” he said. “It’s on a Friday. People like getting flowers at work.”
He worried about the potential for wintry weather earlier in the week hampering his delivery drivers. The National Weather Service expects a slight accumulation of snow and sleet on Wednesday, according to its website.
But Johnson, along with others, are hoping that doesn’t deter folks hoping to celebrate the day with their loved ones.
“Hopefully the restaurants will be busy too,” he said.
Teresa Mullins, who with her husband Brian owns Vintage Tavern and River Stone Chophouse, said both restaurants are full for Friday and have a waiting list.
“A lot of people are opting to go on Saturday or Thursday,” she said. “People really like to come out on Valentine’s Day. It could also be from having these snowstorms and people getting stuck inside. They’re that much more anxious to get out and spend a night on the town.”
For sweethearts ages 55 and over looking to celebrate, Suffolk Parks and Recreation is having a Sweetheart’s Ball at the Planters Club, 4600 Planters Club Road, on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entertainment, food and fun will be available. Tickets are $10 each. Call 514-7265 for more information.
On Friday at 8 p.m., the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave., will host the Bank of America Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series. Tickets to “Jazz for a Swinging Valentine’s Day” are $25. Visit www.suffolkcenter.org or call 923-2900 for tickets.
A final celebration planned on Saturday by CornerStone Missionary Baptist Church will begin at 4 p.m. at the Holland Community House. Adults’ tickets are $25, with children ages 12 to 17 and children 11 and under are free. Door prizes and food, as well as entertainment, will be available. Call 652-3459.
