Originally Published in the Monadnock Shopper News

This Valentine’s Day show your “local love” — love for your sweetie and your whole community — by purchasing gifts (or gift-making supplies) and meals (or ingredients) at locally owned businesses.   Last year, Americans spent $20.7 billion on Valentine’s Day.  Imagine if we shifted some of that spending to locally owned businesses!

“Talk about a sweetheart gift! If every family in the country shifted $100 of their Valentine’s Day shopping budget to locally owned, independent businesses over $7.8 billion would be directly returned to local communities,” shared our friends at Independent We Stand.

Locally owned businesses offer us much to love.  They strengthen our local economy, culture and wellbeing. Independent businesses re-circulate four times more money in our community than chain stores.  Moreover, studies show that most new jobs are created by small businesses — meaning today’s local Valentines are tomorrow’s jobs.

Here are some extra special ways to show your local love this Valentine’s Day:

• Mudita Massage & Wellness in Keene offers an Introduction to Partner Massage on February 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  Learn basic massage techniques (your partner doesn’t need to be a romantic relationship, just whoever you want to give a little extra TLC to).  Also receive a small bottle of doTERRA’s massage blend essential oil, local cheese and chocolate, all for $60 per couple.  Registration is required as space is limited. Please send a message or email at info@mudita.live to pre-register and set up payment.
• Valentine's Day Yoga with Amanda on February 14, 11:15am - 12:30pm at The Yoga Space in Keene. Nourish yourself this Valentine’s Day with a yoga class dedicated to self-love. Meditate, breathe deeply, gently stretch, and enjoy a twenty minute Savasana (deep relaxation). This class will be set to music by Eva Cassidy, with the use of organic sweet orange and lavender essential oils. For all levels. 75 min.  $16 Drop-in fee or Yoga Space Punch cards.
  
• Frogg Brewing in Marlborough and CC&D's Kitchen Market present “I Love You Beerly – A Valentine’s Day Dinner” on February 14 with two seatings — one at 5:30 p.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy meat lasagna, salad, garlic bread, a beer for each, dessert and a rose for $60 per couple.  Contact Stephanie at Froggbrewing@gmail.com to reserve your seats.
• Experience a romantic dinner at The Inn at East Hill Farm in Troy on February 13 at 6:00 p.m. Dinner includes appetizers, entrees and desserts for $75 a couple (plus tax and tips).  Add roses from Coll’s Garden Center and Florist in Peterborough to complete your evening. This is a BYOB event and reservations are required.
• Valentine's Day Dinner on February 14, 5:30pm - 9:30pm at Branch and Blade Brewing Company in Keene. Unique menu, drafts, wine, and wine cocktails. There will be two seatings, 5:30 and 7:30. $60 per couple (drinks not included).  Purchase your ticket online.
  
• Valentine's Day Dance & Fundraiser on February 14, 7:00pm - 11:00pm at Stonewall Farm in Keene.  Dress up and dance the night away with the one(s) you love! Enjoy live music, appetizers and cash bar. Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door.
  
• SOLD OUT! On February 14, the Valentine’s Day Special at Terrapin Glassblowing Studio in Jaffrey includes a 30-minute glassblowing session with a loved one to make an everlasting flower for $45 per couple.  Make reservations at Cafe 532 for dinner after your session. $60 includes dinner for two and a bottle of wine (wine option for ages 21+). If you add this option to your payment, we will make the reservations for you right after your class time. Reservations and pre-payment required.
  
• Send a Singing Valentine from the Keene Cheshiremen Chorus.  A 4-part a cappella will sing live (and by surprise) your sweetie on February 14, plus they will receive a red rose, chocolates, and a digital photo capturing the special moment.

So, show lots of local love this Valentine’s Day, and the love will circle back to you, your loved ones and — best of all — your entire community.