Greeley, Windsor small businesses offer great gift alternatives to the typical flowers and candy
ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING GUIDE FOR NORTHERN COLORADO
FEBRUARY 2023
Welcome to the first A&E Spotlight Super Edition of 2023!
The A&E Spotlight Super Editions are replacing our Northern Colorado Life magazine, which was published by the Greeley Tribune and Loveland Reporter-Herald six times per year.
While the A&E will be replacing NoCo Life, you can still count on reading about local art and entertainment events, food and drink, outdoor adventures and much more.
As with NoCo Life, each
Tamara Markard
A&E Spotlight Super Edition will be based on a theme and include a variety of articles and information relating to that’s edition’s topic.
In between the months, don’t miss out on what’s
going on in the region by flipping through the weekly A&E Spotlight either online or included with the Friday editions of the Greeley Tribune and Loveland Reporter-Herald.
This month, we kick off the first edition with our Love is in the Air theme, celebrating the Valentine’s Day holiday and everything love.
And when it comes to love, you can count on Loveland to provide the guide with its annual Sweetheart Festival.
Looking for gift ideas other than the typical flowers and candy? Then check out our story on
what local small businesses have to offer.
Need a gift idea for that special man in your life? Take a peek at our gift list for men.
In addition to gifts and flowers, don’t miss the list of Go+Do Valentine’s Day events in and around northern Colorado.
I hope you enjoy this A&E Spotlight Super Edition as much as I have enjoyed creating it. Keep an eye out for our April edition that will focus on home projects, gardening and other topics.
As always, thank you for reading!
Best, t.
Event brings the love to northen Colorado
PAGE 12 MISS
Meet the 2023 winner: Ellie Heiser
PAGE 8
TREATS FOR YOUR SWEETS
Ditch boring candy for Valentine’s Day
PAGE 17 FOR HIM
Unique gifts for the men in your life
PAGE 22
SMALL BUSINESSES
Shop Local for unique Valentine’s Day gifts
PAGE 26
By Tamara Markard tmarkard@greeleytribune.com
Got plans for Valentine’s Day or are you looking for something fun to do with friends, family members, your significant other or even just by yourself?
Then check out these 21 festive events taking place throughout the month of February in and around Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins and northern Colorado:
Sunday, Feb. 5
1. Mythmaker Brewing Valentine’s Market will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at 1035 W. Taft Hill Road in Fort Collins. The event, open to adults age 21 and older, will include craft beers, vendors, local artisans and makers. Admission is free. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/ 3J0R3np.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
2 Prepare to whip up a romantic meal for your sweetie by tuning in to Cozy Valentine Cooking with Thirsty Radish at 4 p.m. on Zoom. The program will teach viewers how to take a cozy cooking approach to the holiday as well as a festive dessert demonstration. The program is free and open to adults age 18 and older. For more information, or to receive the link to the program, go to http:// bit.ly/3wexIrh.
3. Join the Bottled Olive Pantry for Galentines at 6 p m at 1550 Main St , Suite 130 in Windsor Ladies and gentlemen of all ages are invited to come and try Rose’ toast points, fresh salad,
rosemary lemon chicken with blueberry sage sauce, duchess mashed potatoes and chocolate mousse Recipes for each item will be available to take home after the class. The class is demonstration style so no cooking skills are necessary. All ages are welcome to attend. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online at http://bit. ly/3Wj1oxS.
4. To honor all the heartbreak, the Greeley Hatchet House is hosting Axe Your Ex Weekend from 4 to 11 p m Friday and Saturday at 820 9th St , Unit A Guests age 13 and older can bring
in a photo of their ex that will be placed on the target boards for you and your friends to aim at To soften the blow, the first drink is free for those bringing in a photo. Lane rentals are $25 per person for two people and $35 per person for 3-10 people. For more information, or to reserve a lane, go to www.greeleyhatchethouse.com.
5. Spend time celebrating Valentine’s Day with friends at Galentine’s Day at 6:30 p.m. at Words of Windsor, 631 Birch St., Unit B, in Windsor The event will feature painting with Chill Potz, dessert and a Blind Date with a Book The event is open to guests age 18 and
older and admission is $40 per person For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to http://bit ly/3GSB73K.
6. Join Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch for a weekend of love at the ranch’s Sweetheart Getaway. Couples can choose from two different packages a onenight or two-night stay for a fun and adventurous Valentine’s Day celebration. Both packages include a cabin, dinner, western dance night, and breakfast the next day. Packages range from $308 per person to $515 per couple For more information, or to book a package getaway, contact Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
at (970) 667-3915.
Saturday, Feb. 11
7. Sweetheart Yoga will take place at 3 p.m. at Black and Blues Music and Brews, 423 N. Cleveland Ave., Loveland. Bring your partner, a friend, sibling, kid or whomever you want to share the day with and enjoy a drink from the bar’s special menu as well as a full yoga flow class All ages and skill levels are welcome to attend Admission is $21 for single and $40 for couples. Attendees should bring their own mats. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to http://bit.ly/3kvOr6u.
8. Pick up a unique and special gift for your Valentine at Artists in the Loft at 10 a.m. at Words of Windsor, 631 Birch St., Unit B, Windsor. Local artists, including Kickwheel Creative, will be onsite selling a variety of handmade gifts for adults, teens and children of all ages Admission is free and all ages are welcome to attend For more information, contact Words of Windsor at (970) 658-2669.
9. Spice up your love life by attending An Afternoon Delight with Cupcake Cabaret at 5 p.m at Loveland Aleworks, 118 W. 4th St. The saucy sexy ladies of Cupcake Cabaret will entertain guests ages 21 and older with classic burlesque. Admission is $25 per person. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to http://bit ly/3iL8cXv
10 The Golden Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4171 is hosting a Valentine’s Dance
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from 6 to 10 p.m. at 15625 W. 10th Ave. Music will be provided by the All American Big Band and the VFW will furnish appetizers. All ages are welcome to dust off their dancing shoes and enjoy and evening of fun. Admission is $10 per person at the door For more information, contact the Post at (303) 279-2119
11 The Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 2033 W. S. 1st St. in Johnstown. The free event will feature games, dancing, refreshments, crafts and more for dads and like-a-dads and young ladies of all ages. Registration is requested by texting “DANCE” to (970) 517-2855.
12. Communication Class with Paul Sterling presented by the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District will take place at 4 p m at 660 Community Drive, Estes Park The event
COURTESY THE
Peach Caprese Salad is a fun twist on the original recipe that uses The Bottled Olive’s Summer Peach
as a drizzle one of many fun offerings from the business
will feature Sterling talking about his book, “Argue Less Love More: 5 Communication Secrets,” and how to effectively communicate with your partner The class is open to adults age 21 and older and admission is $15
per person. For more information, or to sign up for the class, go to www.evrpd. com
13 The Avery House is hosting Valentine-themed Candlelight Tours from
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH @ 7:30 PM
Witness
ALEX MCINTYRE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER6:30 to 9 p m at 328 W Mountain Ave , Fort Collins The event will feature the history behind Valentine’s Day with a romantic tour of the historic house All ages are welcome to attend and time entry is $10 per person. For more information, or to register for a time, go to http://bit. ly/3IW235o.
14. Skip the flowers and candy and opt for a Valentine’s Day Cupcake and Drink Pairing at 11 a.m. at Sky Bear Brewery and Pub, 272 E. 5th St., Loveland. The event will feature four mini cupcakes from B Sweet Cupcakes paired with four beers or a mixed flight of beer and cocktails The event is open to adults age 21 and older and admission is $20 per person. To make a reservation, or for more information, contact Sky Bear Brewery and Pub at (970) 744-6300.
15. The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies presents Chocolate Notes at 7:30 p.m. at The Estes Park Resort, 1700 Colorado Peaks Drive, Estes Park. Opera singer and Estes Park resident Cree Carrico and pianist Aaron McCallister will perform love songs from a variety of composers, including Rodgers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim All ages are welcome to attend and tickets are $70 for singles and $130 for couples. For more information, go to http://bit. ly/3WpZgUU.
16. Join the Bottled Olive Pantry for Love is in the Air at 6 p.m. at 1550 Main St., Suite 130 in Windsor. Ladies and gentlemen of all ages are invited to come and try Rose’ toast points, fresh salad, rosemary lemon chicken with blueberry sage sauce, duchess mashed potatoes and chocolate mousse Recipes for
each item will be available to take home after the class. The class is demonstration style so no cooking skills are necessary. All ages are welcome to attend. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/3Wj1oxS.
17. Enjoy an early Valentine’s Day at The Post Chicken and Beer at 4 p m at 333-D E Wonderview Ave in Estes Park
The Post will be serving its iconic fried chicken along with oysters fried or in the shell. Try Brewmaster Nick Tedeschi’s Oyster Stout (no oysters are involved in the making of this brew). All ages are welcome to attend. The special Valentine’s Day menu will be available through Wednesday, Feb. 15. For more information, contact The Post at (970) 287-5001 or go to http://bit.ly/3IY3PCT.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
Happy Valentine’s Day from the staff at the A&E Spotlight
Pantry for Love is in the Air at 6 p.m. at 1550 Main St., Suite 130 in Windsor. Ladies and gentlemen of all ages are invited to come and try Rose’ toast points, fresh salad, rosemary lemon chicken with blueberry sage sauce, duchess mashed potatoes and chocolate mousse Recipes for each item will be available to take home after the class The class is demonstration style so no cooking skills are necessary. All ages are welcome to attend. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/3Wj1oxS.
Wednesday, Feb. 15
19 Sweet Heart Winery is hosting For the Love of Wine and Cheese Pairing at 5:30 p.m. at 5500 W. U.S. 34 in Loveland. The event will showcase a flight of three wines perfectly paired with three gourmet cheeses. The event is open to adults age 21 and older and admission is $35 per persons. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to http://bit ly/3WrfVHT
Friday, Feb. 17
20. U&ME: A Valentine’s Pajama Jam will take place at 8 p.m. at the Aggie Theatre, 204 S. College Ave. in Fort Collins. United Men of Color and INTLHAUS are celebrating Black History Month with a fun and entertaining evening of hip hop, R&B, Latin and Afrobeats music Pajamas are encouraged but not required. Guests under age 18
require a parent or guardian. Admission is $10 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, go to https://bit ly/3IY98lZ
Saturday, Feb. 25
21. Take part in the Valentine Wine and Chocolate Tasting at 5 p.m. in downtown Windsor. The Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with 29 local businesses to provide wine tastings paired with chocolates for a sweet treat for adults age 21 and older Each participant will receive a custom printed wine glass, map of participating businesses and 10 tasting tickets. Tickets are $45 per person and an additional $10 per person for the after party at Betta Gumbo in Windsor. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to http://bit ly/3kvL5jT
COURTESY GREELEY RECREATION CENTER
Dads and daughters of all ages can to attend a dance in Johnstown.
It’s a common tradition for events like rodeos, fairs and festivals to crown a young lady as the face of the event, and the Loveland Sweetheart Festival is no different.
The annual Miss Loveland Valentine program celebrated its 61st year by awarding the sash to Loveland High School senior Ellie Heiser.
As Miss Loveland Valentine, Heiser, 17, will attend a variety of presentations, events and marketing campaigns over the upcoming weeks before the 2023 Sweetheart Festival as well as at events following the festival, like the Corn Roast Parade.
“It means so much to me to have this responsibility and the privilege to be in this role It’s a blessing and great honor that I am able to represent my community and I take much pride in it,” said Heiser, who was born and raised in Loveland. “This is a great opportunity to present yourself in front of judges and go for a big opportunity. I am so excited to represent the community in the next year.”
As the face of the event, Heiser will also meet with Gov. Jared Polis and state lawmakers to present them with gifts from the state’s Sweetheart City
Heiser was chosen out of 10 nominees during the competition, which took place at an annual lun-
cheon Nov. 17 at the Rialto Theater in downtown Loveland. The event was hosted by the Thompson Valley Rotary Club and the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.
Along with Heiser, the following young ladies from the city’s high schools participated in the competition:
• Addyson Lyon
• Bailey Bianco
• Brooklyn Ewert
• Chloe Rojas.
• Mary Liakas.
• Molly Westbrooke.
• Pearl Erekson.
• Peyton Rechkemmer.
• Taryn Thompson.
Upon the announcement, Miss Loveland Valentine 2022 Olivia Friske presented Heiser with a special necklace and official sash.
Her parents, Julie and Scott Heiser, said they were both incredibly proud of their daughter
“We are excited for her to represent Loveland,” Julie Heiser said
As part of the competition, all of the candidates had to attend an information seminar detailing the ins and outs of the Miss Valentine position as well as submit a written essay on “Loveland, my community” and go through an interview process by the panel of judges.
Candidates also had to prepare a public speech based on their written essay and present it to a small group at the luncheon
“It was a really competitive group this year and
deciding on a winner was tough,” said Bill Becker, director of Advocacy for the Loveland Chamber of Commerce. “But Ellie is a great choice; she is a special young lady.”
After graduating from high school, Heiser has her eye set on going to college to pursue a career in the medical field
“I love helping others and being part of the community,” Heiser said “I am on student council and that is where I get all of it from Last year I got to help raise money for a kid who had a critical illness. I love to be able to help the community, be involved and help others.”
To learn more about Heiser’s upcoming appearances and events, as well as how to nominate a candidate for the 2024 Miss
Valentine Program, go to https://bit.
ly/3wgr0Rt
LovelandRemember back to your childhood and the joy that you got from receiving a balloon?
Watching this amazing colorful balloon gently glide through the air as you held tightly onto its string as you walked because you knew that one little slip or ease of the hand could send your prize sailing away to unknown lands afar?
It was a simple joy, yet one that many of us can remember
It’s that joy that fuels the passion of Allison Dunning, owner of Balloon Art by Merry Makers and the newest brick and mortar store in downtown Greeley, Balloon Boutique.
Balloon Boutique, located at 924 8th Ave. Suite A in Greeley, represents the fulfillment of Dunning’s long-time goal of opening a retail business.
“I have been wanting to do this for about ten years
I have been home-based for about 22 years, so I learned a lot about how to do a retail store This is really the retail grab something and go whereas Balloon Art by Merry Makers does installations and event decorating,” Dunning explained. “It’s all balloons ultimately but it’s two different factions of the same product.”
Like Balloon Art by Merry Makers, the store is a family affair with Dunning’s middle daughter, Rowan Dunning, stepping in to man the store alongside her 15-year old cousin, while Dunning’s husband, Brian Dunning, does repairs and remodels that
come up around the store
“I have a couple of crew members that work for me that can filter in for when we get really busy, like at Valentine’s Day,” she said. “I’ll need additional hands to build things and make things happen.”
If you’ve been to any event or gathering over the past 22 years, there’s a good chance you’ve caught a glimpse of Dunning’s work.
Her balloon creations are a staple at the annual Greeley Festival of Trees, Blarney on the Block, Trick or Treat Street and Monster Day events
In 2020 during COVID, Dunning and her crew made balloon buddies that were gifted to seniors at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Dunning also created an amazing balloon sculpture outside of her house to honor first responders working the front lines of the pandemic.
So, when you walk into Balloon Boutique, you pretty much know that you’re going to get more than just a latex balloon on
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a string much more
The store offers balloon marquees and centerpieces in a variety of themes, colors, sizes and shapes as well as balloon garlands in 6-foot and 10-foot lengths.
The store’s Personal Pop Drop and Jumbo Pop Drop are clever ways to celebrate a special occasion or holiday. Pop drops suspend from the ceiling and as the balloons float down, they are popped with a “magic popping wand” to unveil special the notes inside.
“Each balloon has a message that is either hand written or typed out on the computer that I hand roll and put inside the balloons,” Dunning said “Then when they pop that balloon, the messages come out. They are all custom and are really fun.”
Pop drops are great for gender reveals, marriage proposals, pledges of love and just about any time you want to tell someone something special in a unique and creative way.
Along with fashioning balloon bouquets, candy cups and other Valentine’s Day gifts, Balloon Boutique will make a custom stuffed balloon for your sweetie featuring gifts you bring in like flowers, candy, lingerie, jewelry, stuffed animals and other items.
“We are going to have a variety of stuffed animals here for sale that will be great for stuffing inside balloons,” Dunning said. “We can do whatever they want. It just has to fit through the hole. If it fits through there, I can pretty much put it into a balloon.”
Dunning uses a special machine to inflate the balloon so that she can add stuffing and gift items to the inside Once filled, Dunning will close the balloon and add a festive topper before placing it in a balloon
bag for transport
Dunning’s Balloon Buddies make great Valentine’s Day gifts for all ages Customers can choose an an-
imal, such as a fox, zebra, giraffe or other animal, and Dunning will make a stand-up balloon of that animal holding a heart
And of course, Dunning can compile different sizes and colors of balloons for traditional helium balloon bouquets
While shelves behind the register and counter are lined with jar after jar of every imaginable color of latex balloon, across the store candies of all kinds of flavors, varieties, sizes, shapes and themes including vintage candy sit waiting to be plucked from their display and added to a custom balloon package, candy cup or enjoyed as a sweet treat for yourself.
“We are always trying to bring in vintage candy; fun candies that we see,” she said. “And I can usually tell when people are born based on the candy that they are attracted to.”
The store’s Candy Cups allows customers to create their own blend of candy topped with a festive and fun balloon to use as decorations or party favors, or give as a gift for a birthday, anniversary, baby shower, token of thanks or any other
COURTESY BALLOON BOUTIQUE Balloon Boutique is located at 9248th Ave , Suite A in downtown Greeley GREELEY TRIBUNE FILE PHOTOquickly became the defining blues voice of his generation The 22-year-old headlined two national tours and performed with artists like Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell, and Buddy Guy With eye-popping guitar playing and vocals, Ingram performs with unmatched passion and precision
March 16 | 7 p.m.
Just because it’s winter, that doesn’t mean entertainment options are slowing down.
With a vast array of different sizes and colors of balloon, Allison Dunning and her crew at Balloon Boutique can make your vision a reality
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celebration.
Customers can choose from saltwater taffy and packets of Pop Rocks to lollipops and gummy candies, as well as all sorts of other treats, to fill their cup. Cups can be customized with the recipient’s name or favorite theme, colors or character.
“There’s no limit to the imagination here,” Dunning quipped.
Dunning suggests getting in any custom orders for Valentine’s Day “sooner rather than later,” so they can have your item prepared, bagged and ready to go when you arrive
However, if you happen to be one of those folks that wait until the last minute to pick up Valentine’s Day gifts, you’re in luck. The store will have plenty of grab-and-go bouquets, Balloon Buddies, Candy Cups and other items on Valentine’s Day and can whip up a last minute gift on the spot for customers, as well.
“We can do same-day orders. They can walk in and I will have staff here to build stuff,” Dunning said. “We are hands on and our raw product is an un-inflated balloon, and we can do magic with that. Putting them together and creating wonderful joy for people ”
Balloon Boutique is open from 11 a m to 6 p m Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a m to 2 p m on Saturday The store is closed on Sunday and Monday
Dunning’s Balloon Buddies can be created in a variety of different animals and are sturdy enough to endure cuddling and hugs.
For more information, or to inquire about a custom order, go to www balloonandcandy com or call (970) 646-1227
Loveland heats up February with the Sweetheart Festival while Fort Collins brings flavor to March with Great Plates of Downtown. For those looking for something a little more indoorsy, Loveland Performing Arts and Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley serve up some top quality entertainment this season!
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY
Saturday, Feb. 4 | 7:30 p.m.
A vibrant blend of jazz, swing, and Dixieland, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its legendary live show to a new generation. The group’s horn-infused music not only reintroduced swing at the “Super Bowl XXXIII Halftime Show,” but was at the forefront of the 90s swing revival
THE PEKING ACROBATS ft.
THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS
Saturday, Feb 11 | 7:30 p.m
Witness more than 2,000 years of tradition at a performance by The Peking Acrobats with The Shanghai Circus This Chinese acrobatic extravaganza offers more than a glimpse into the fascinating traditions of the Orient. The show consists of sensational Chinese acrobatics, comedy, balancing feats, and much more.
KINGFISH INGRAM
Saturday, March 4 | 7:30 p.m.
After the release of his Grammy-nominated debut album “Kingfish,” vocalist and songwriter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
For more than two decades, Danú has been celebrated by music fans worldwide and continues to be one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today With combinations of flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki, and vocals, Danú takes audiences on a journey to their native Ireland, offering a moving and memorable concert experience
For information or tickets to these events visit: ucstars.showare.com
DAN MILLER COWBOY MUSIC REVUE
Saturday, Feb 11 | 7 p.m.
Coming from Cody, WY, Dan will be joined by his daughter, Hannah, on fiddle and mandolin, and business manager, Wendy Corr, on bass and vocals. Their musical style ranges from cowboy and Americana, to a bit of bluegrass and gospel Performance at Thompson Valley High School’s Price Auditorium
FOREVER SIMON & GARFUNKEL
Friday, March 17 | 7 p.m
Award-winning singer-songwriters Sean Altman and Jack Skuller celebrate the best-selling duo in rock’n’roll history With humor, energy, charm, and laser-precise harmony, they lead the audience through Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s teenage roots, their early success, their global dominance as hit-makers, and the best of Paul Simon’s solo career Performance at Thompson Valley High School’s Price Auditorium
For information or tickets to these events visit: lovelandperformingarts.org/
PHOTOS BY TAMARA MARKARD STAFF REPORTERWhile most cities and towns around Colorado keep their Christmas decorations and lights up in honor of the National Western Stock Show, the city of Loveland is well into preparing for the next big holiday and some would say the biggest holiday for the Sweetheart City: Valentine’s Day.
Once the clock strikes midnight, signaling the end of the holiday season and the start of the New Year, organizers of the annual Loveland Sweetheart Festival gather up their wooden heart signs and make their way to the streetlights around the city to hang up the iconic declarations of love.
The hanging of the signs along with the release of the annual re-mailing program’s custom cachet and cancellation stamps and Valentine card is the appetizer to the city’s main course: The Loveland Sweetheart Festival.
With Valentine’s Day landing on a Tuesday this year, the annual festival is scheduled to kick off Friday, Feb 10 through Saturday, Feb 11 in downtown
Loveland
The two-day event features a variety of activities and events for all ages and welcomes families, couples, groups of friends and those going solo to come out and celebrate all things love.
The heart of the event takes place in the Foundry Plaza, situated between 2nd and 3rd streets in downtown. Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday, the plaza will feature a variety of activities and events such as games, snowball fights, food trucks, neon selfie walls, a Colorado Eagles Shoot Booth, activity
stations, face painting and more
Visitors to the Foundry will have an opportunity to purchase one of the city’s Love Locks to engrave and hang on one of two of the special sculptures the LOVE sculpture at the Visitor’s Center or the heart sculpture, located at Lake Loveland.
Admission into the Foundry is free and all ages are welcome to attend. Well-behaved dogs are allowed at the event and must remain leashed at all times.
Peruse the Valentine Flea Art Market on 3rd Street with its more than 35 booths showcasing a variety of arts, crafts and gift items from local vendors
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A new feature to the festival this year is the projection mapping light show on the Historic Feed and Grain Building, 130 W 3rd St
The 3D video projection technique uses light and color to project virtual images on irregular shapes and non-flat surfaces like buildings. The show will start at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and continue every 30 minutes until the festival closes.
Over at the Rialto Theater, the Gasoline Lollipops will be performing Songs from Stories and Stage at 8 p m at 228 E 4th St The three-time winners of Colorado Daily’s Best Local Band award and two-time
winners of Denver Westwoard’s Best Country Band Award, Gasoline Lollipops combine Americana with rock n’ roll to create unique stories of their travels
Tickets for the concert are $20 per person including fees
On Saturday, the Dan Tyminski Band along with Gaven Largent will take the stage at 8 p.m. to entertain music fans of all ages
Over his more than 30 years in the music industry, Tyminski has played guitar and mandolin for
Alison Krauss and Union Station. His musical skills and soulful voice have garnered accolades in the form of 14 Grammy Awards out of 18 nominations along with making several “best of” lists around the nation
Largent will be joining Tyminski, bringing his unmatched dobro playing skills to the stage. The much sought after studio musician is known for his unique approach to solos not only on the dobro but the banjo, guitar and mandolin. Largent’s vocals equally rival his musical playing skills.
Tickets for the Dan Tyminski Band are $25 per person including fees.
Tickets for Friday and Saturday’s concerts can be purchased online at www rialtotheatercenter org or at the box office from
12:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and from 3-5:30 p.m. Friday at 228 E. 4th St. The Arts Alive Block will feature live art demonstrations every hour throughout the festival
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and visit with Amy Joy Hosterman of Stinky Cheese Ceramics Raku Firing as well as watch the artist fire pottery in an outdoor kiln.
In addition to Hosterman, attendees can check out ice sculpting exhibitions, join in the community mural painting with artist Scott Freeman, purchase some art pieces and works to take home and pick up some Loveland Sweetheart Festival commemorative items such as pint glasses, stickers and posters
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The appreciation of art continues at the Loveland Museum, 503 N Lincoln Ave , from 5-9 p m Friday and from 1-8 p m Saturday with the John Mellencamp: Paintings and Assemblages and live music. The Thompson School District Art Show features the top artwork from each school in the district.
The museum will also feature information on the history of the Loveland Valentine’s Day and Valentine re-mailing program. Visitors can also participate in free workshops and activities on Saturday.
For more information on the Loveland Museum, go to www thelovelandmuseum org
From 5-9 p m Friday and 1-8 p.m. Saturday at the Artworks Center for Contemporary Art Venue, 310 N. Railroad Ave., will showcase live music and local libations.
Enjoy some of the best films from the Horsetooth International Film Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Cleveland Room at Deskchair, 201 E. 4th St. Once the sun sets at 6 p.m., things heat up on the rooftop with live music, cocktails, beer and wine until 9 p m
Adults age 21 and older are welcome to attend the two free events For more information, or to reserve a spot, go to http://bit. ly/3kuRmMK.
The popular Little Miss Valentine and Little Mister Cupid contest is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St.
Parents can sign their little ones up for the birth to 2-year old category or the 3-4-year old category. Children will be scored by a panel of local celebrity judges on the creativity of their costume and personality Winners will receive a fun prize package
Parents can register their little ones for the contest
prior to the start of the competition.
It’s no secret that Colorado loves its races and Loveland is no different
Get your heart pumping by participating in the Sweetheart Classic 4-Miler
Race at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at 4th Street and Railroad Avenue. The newly designed course will take runners and walkers along the River’s Edge Natural Area and back to downtown where the festivities con-
tinue throughout the day.
Entry fees are $40 per person and $65 for couples. For those wanting to participate in spirit, a virtual race is available for $40 per person and $65 per couple
Money raised from
the event will benefit the Thompson School District High and Middle School Cross Country teams
For more information, or to register, go to http://bit ly/2SiJ0WU
RICHARD HARO COURTESY PHOTOSFROM PAGE 14
Of course, it wouldn’t be a typical Sweetheart City celebration without the annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding.
This year, the ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 14 at the Budweiser Events Center, 5290 Arena Circle, prior to the Colorado Eagles game
Couples can get hitched or renew their vows right on the ice on the arena floor by officiate Todd Harding.
The romantic ceremony will include music, keepsake photos, a Love Lock, gift bags with goodies, signature wedding cupcakes and a chance to win a giant gift basket
After the ceremony, couples participating in the group wedding will be able to cheer the Eagles on to victory in a special section inside the arena. Additional discounted tickets for guests are available for purchase.
The cost to participate in the 2023 Loveland Val-
entine’s Day Group Wedding and Vow Renewals is $140 per couple Guest tickets are $19 per person. For more information, or to register for the wedding or vow renewal, go to www.valentinesdayinloveland.com.
To learn more about the 2023 Loveland Sweetheart Festival, along with a full schedule of events, go to http://bit ly/35EERHf
Love Locks can be placed on the heart sculpture at Lake Loveland or the LOVE sculpture at the Loveland Visitors Center.
GREELEY TRIBUE FILE PHOTO Scenes from the Loveland Sweetheart Festival on Feb 12, 2022
TAMARA MARKARD STAFF REPORTER
The Budweiser Events Center is the location for this year’s annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding and Vow Renewal on Feb 14
TAMARA MARKARD STAFF REPORTER
Sometimes romantic love seems to dominate the Valentine’s Day conversation, but what about love for your community and the organizations that serve it? This February, consider extending your loving spirit to a few area nonprofits There are a number of events in February that offer easy and fun ways to show your generosity and get some warm fuzzies from doing
good. Bring a special someone or show up on your own – you never know who you might meet!
On Wednesday, February 8, from 6–8 p.m., Poudre Pet & Feed Supply is hosting a mixer for dog-loving singles in partnership with Maxline Brewing. The event welcomes well-behaved and social dogs
A $20 ticket buys snacks, one beer, and a “Paw-Fect Bundle” goodie bag filled with fullsized, dog-specific products All proceeds of the event go to support Until They’re Home, a local organization dedicated to providing creative solutions, education, resources, and traditional rescue services, including fostering and adoption, to homeless pets “Supporting local animal rescues, including Until They’re Home, has been a core value of Poudre Pet & Feed Supply since our beginning in 1988,” says marketing specialist Megan Borgmeyer, “Through developing events in conjunction with other local small businesses, we can give back to the community that means everything to us. Subsequently, we believe that having a fun, light-hearted event that brings awareness and aims to improve the lives of animals is a winning combination.”
The event will feature a Puppy
Kissing Booth with adoptable puppies from Until They’re Home A $2 donation gets you a puppy kiss and $5 donation gets you a kiss and a polaroid.
Maxline Brewing is located at 2724 McClelland Drive, No. 190 in Fort Collins.Tickets are limited and can be purchased at any of the six Poudre Pet & Feed Supply locations in the region To learn more, find Poudre Pet & Feed Supply on Facebook
Every year, Billie Colson, artist owner of Independence Gallery, hosts the 65 Roses for Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser This event features a variety of miniature, rose-themed paintings and other works by artists from around the country. The smallsized pieces are perfect for Valentine’s Day gift giving, and 100
Valentine’s Day, along with Easter and Halloween, is one of the few holidays where the focus is pretty much exclusively on sweets and treats.
Valentine’s Day allows people to indulge guilt-free in their favorite chocolates, cookies, cakes, confections and other goodies all in the name of love.
Like with grandma’s
fruitcake, there are certain things specific to each holiday that you can count on seeing on store shelves or receiving in a gift bag
Sweethearts original heart candies, with their short little notes of love like “Cutie Pie,” True Love” and “Be Mine” stamped into the chalky-tasting treat often come to mind when reminiscing about Valentine’s Day Candy.
Despite kind of being a horrible candy, you knew
you were the bee’s knees if you saw this small box in your Valentines mailbox securely taped to your elementary school desk There was always a good chance the “To” and “From” on the back of the box were blank, allowing your mind to wonder who could be the Romeo or Juliet pining after your heart.
As with many things, Valentine’s Day candy has come a long way.
Now there’s options for
personalized M&M’s, meltin-your-mouth Dove chocolates and even adult-themed chocolate conversation hearts Even gummy candies have hopped aboard the Valentine’s Day train with Trolli Sour hearts While you can always opt for the good ol’ favorites like See’s Candy or heartshaped boxes of Russell Stover chocolates, why not break away from the Valentine’s Day norm by opting for something unique and
different, yet very much decadent.
Many Macarons, located at 1224 Automation Drive, Suite E, in Windsor, offers a variety of the classic French cookie and handmade chocolates that will dazzle the eyes and taste buds of all ages.
Husband and wife owners Landon and Paige Fleener took their love of baking, and working together as partners, and
turned it into the go-to place for sweet treats that you can’t find on every corner
So what’ the deal with these cookies?
Well, French macarons are actually pastries created with a meringue-based top and bottom sandwiched together by silky buttercream, sweet or savory jam or rich ganache.
“To be honest, when you call it a ‘cookie’ the experts get a little grumpy about it,” Landon Fleener said, laughing.
Macarons often come in vibrant colors and flavors and a true French macaron is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted
“The colors and flavors really set macarons apart from just getting a chocolate chip cookie or a sugar cookie that you could make at home,” Paige Fleener explained. “This is something we can provide to our community that you can’t find everywhere.”
The thing with macarons is that they are not easy to make. Even with their experience, the Fleeners say they still watch the pastries bake through the oven window, sometimes while holding their breath and crossing their fingers
“It took us making around 800 to 1,000 of them I would say before we could get them to somewhat resemble this,” Landon Fleener said, motioning to the bakery case filled with the pastries. “They were melting, exploding and doing everything but looking like a macaron. If you look at the macaron wrong, don’t say enough nice things, it could go bad.”
Flavors of the Fleener’s macarons vary from banana cream and cotton candy to classic birthday cake and strawberry chamoy and pretty much anything in between Fla-
vors rotate daily, however, you can place a custom order for a specific flavor of macarons. Flavors can also be made dairy-free upon request.
“It’s kind of a niche cookie right now and I think people are falling in love with the macaron in general I have people
who bring their kids in because their kids love macarons and have been trying to make them,” Landon Fleener said. “It takes so much time and effort to make, that when you are eating it, you are truly enjoying the experience as opposed to slamming a cookie back ”
gift cards, t-shirts and other items that are sure to put a smile on the faces of everyone in the family.
“We have cocoa bombs and Unicorn Farts which is a conversation starter on its own, we have Cupcakes, cakesicles We have a little bit of everything,” Paige Fleener said
The store also carries Robin Chocolates from Longmont.
The handmade chocolates by Robin Autorino are literal works of art and can make you think twice before popping one into your mouth.
“My favorite is the Longs Peak,” Landon Fleener said, as he carefully pulled one out of the case, offering a sample.
Longs Peak chocolates features a shell of white and dark chocolate filled four different fillings dark chocolate ganache, Tahitian vanilla bean ganache, milk chocolate ganache and, lastly, white chocolate ganache.
Biting into the chocolate, it’s amazing how you can taste each layer individually as the smooth ganache floats across your tongue.
Another popular choice is the Caramel Pecan Turtles shaped like turtles with painted shells of edible gold luster dust.
Along with macarons, customers can choose from handmade cards, cupcakes, cakesicles and more to make unique gift boxes
For Valentine’s Day, the Fleeners will be offering customized macarons as well as breakable hearts filled with goodies and a hammer to break it open.
“I think we have some of the most romantic desserts,” Paige Fleener said.
Along with macarons, the store offers cupcakes, macaron cakes, Fairy Crystals, chocolate dipped pretzels and strawberries, Crème Brule, handmade
Many Macarons can put together a gift box filled with macarons, chocolates, cocoa bombs and other items of customers’ choosing, providing a nice variety of sweets for everyone in the family.
“I have a whole variety of things that I can put into boxes,” Paige Fleener said. “Then it’s not like, ‘oh, I don’t like chocolate so you don’t have anything for me.’ We have something for everyone.”
Custom orders require a minimum of 12 macarons per flavor and a 48-hour notice
Many Macarons is open from 8 a m to 7 p m Monday through Friday, from 10
FROM PAGE 18
a m to 6 p m Saturday and closed on Sunday
For more information, or to inquire about a custom order, go to www.manymacaronsbypaige.com or call (970) 460-9812.
If cookies or candy aren’t your lover’s jam, then head on over to Loveland and pick up some small portable cakes, fondly known as cupcakes.
The Cupcake Gypsies, 415 N. Cleveland Ave. in Loveland, offers a variety of classic cupcake flavors like chocolate and red velvet to more funky options like pistachio and cola flavored cupcakes
Andrea Strick and Amber Cronin are the “gypsies” behind Cupcake Gypsies. The two sisters developed their love of baking from their parents, Richard Campbell and Marilyn Valdez-Campbell as well as from other family members.
“I’ve always liked cooking and baking since I was a little kid. We used to make pies at Thanksgiving and I used to go help my grandma make Christmas cookies,” Strick said. “Then when I got into my late 20s and early 30s, all those cake decorating shows were on and I got super excited ”
Strick decided to make
a career out of her love of cooking and baking and attended school for hospitality and food management. After taking a course on baking, Strick began gifting people with her baked goods
Her gifting turned into requests from friends for cakes and cupcakes for birthday parties, wedding, anniversaries and other events.
The family started Cupcake Gypsies with a food truck in 2015 before opening a storefront in August 2019.
While both sisters love baking, Andrea is the one in the store’s kitchen whipping up freshly baked cupcakes each day while Amber transitions her focus to her wedding planning business
“When you love what you do, it shows in what you do Andrea loves to bake and you can taste the love in her baked goods,” explained Valdez-Campbell. “We’ve actually had customers tell us they can taste the love.”
For Valentine’s Day, try the gypsies’ Heart on Fire is a chocolate cupcake topped with cinnamon candy buttercream and garnished with a cinnamon candy heart.
Bee Mine takes a honey cupcake and tops it with vanilla bean buttercream, garnishes of honey drizzle and finished off with yellow, black and white sprinkles
For a romantic twist, the Prickly Rose is a vanilla cupcake topped with lychee rose buttercream and garnished with an edible rose.
“We want to be different and unique and make things that nobody else is making,” Strick said. “My sister and I used to sit and brainstorm, ‘oh, we need more flavors,’ and talk it out with each other. A lot of it is just things we just try and see what happens.”
One of the more odd flavors Strick has experimented with was a dill pickle cupcake for National Cupcake Day
“We sold out of the dill pickle cupcakes, which shocked me,” Strick said, laughing. “It turned out way better than I expected it to.”
“People were either really intrigued by it or were like, ‘that sounds disgusting,” Cronin added.
The shop features five to six new cupcake flavors each day and customers can choose from standard sized cupcakes or mini-cupcakes.
“People can just commit to one mini and try different flavors,” Cronin said
In addition to cupcakes,
CHRISTINE KOHLER COURTESY Sweethearts, the iconic heart-shaped conversation candy, have been a staple of Valentine’s Day exchanges for years. CUPCAKE GYPSIES COURTESYThe perfect macaron is a cookie that is room temperature when you bite into it, with the exterior shell having a little crunch Soft and chewy inside, macarons have staying power they shouldn’t dissolve in your mouth
FROM PAGE 20
the store offers a catering menu with one to twotiered buttercream frosting cakes for birthdays, weddings and other events as well as pies, cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, cookies, coffee cake and different
When you have an extra special Valentine you want to celebrate them in an extra special way Chocolate and flowers are fine, but a hand-picked gift basket full of CBD products is next-level The CBD Store in Loveland carries everything from edibles to lotions and even products for your most intimate moments Pay them a visit and put together a basket of your own
14 scent choices
flavored bars.
“We are a cupcakery, so we focus on cupcakes,” Cronin said. “We have people who want sheet cakes and I tell them our sheets cakes are cupcakes.”
Custom orders require at a three-day notice and orders must be paid in full prior to pick up.
Cupcake Gypsies, located at 415 N Cleveland
Ave. in Loveland, is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
For more information, or to ask about a custom order, go to www.thecupcakegypsies.com or call (970) 702-4791
Enriched with 100% pure natural hemp seed oil, this lotion is great for soothing and moisturizing dry, irritated skin and repairing damage done by the elements ($20)
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MANY MACARONS COURTESY
When it comes to showing love and appreciation this Valentine’s Day, don’t forget the men in your life.
While Valentine’s Day is typically associated with women receiving glittery jewelry, dozens of longstem red roses and decadent candy, men also like to receive gifts from their sweetie
However just coming off Christmas, your gift list for the men in your life may be a little light right now.
A&E Spotlight has compiled a list of some great gifts ideas for your favorite guy, whether it be your husband, boyfriend, friend, brother, co-worker, crush or something else.
Believe it or not, guys do like to look put together, so treat your man to a day of pampering by taking him for a fresh haircut, beard trim or mustache makeover at a barbershop.
Friday’s Barbershop, 509 N. Cleveland Ave., Loveland, offers the old school barbershop vibe with a new school attitude.
The shop, which is walk-in and cash only, offers men the opportunity for some manly me-time without having to go to a traditional salon.
Friday’s Barbershop is designed like traditional old timey shops where men went to shoot the breeze and catch up on what’s going on around town while
waiting their turn to get a haircut, beard trim or mustache trim.
Haircuts for seniors age 65 and older are $25 while buzz cuts for seniors are $22. Men and boys haircuts are $30, buzz cuts are $25 and razor fades are $32
For those looking to take it all off, head shaves are $32 Beard and mustache trims and back shaves start at $5
and up.
For shop hours, to get a quote for services or directions to the barbershop, go to www.fridaysbarbershop. business.site.
Get your guy a different kind of bouquet from Manly Man Co ’s lineup of meat-centered products
The company specializes in a variety of uniquely packaged jerky and meat sticks as well as Scotch Whiskey caramels, a Bloody Mary mix kit and more.
Manly Man Co. even has an option to create your very own custom meat card that you can wrap in the company’s bacon-scented wrapping paper
The company’s beef jerky flower bouquet is made up of eight or 12 “stems” of meat sticks with a petal shaped top in one of four flavors original, teriyaki, hot or mixed. The bouquet is lovingly arranged in a black steel pint glass vase and shipped in a gift box ready for giving.
Beef jerky flower bouquets are $79 for the eight stems and $99 for a full dozen.
Shoppers have two choices when it comes to the company’s Bloody Mary mix kits.
The Bacon Bloody Mary Ammo Can Kit is comprised of four different flavors of thick-cut bacon, a Manly Man Co mug and coaster, Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning Mix and rim shot, Manzanilla olives, a mini Tabasco bottle and one can of tomato juice packed in an ammo can. This package retails for $99.
The Bloody Mary Kit comes with an eight or 12 meat steam bouquet, a Manly Man Co. pint glass and coaster, Demitri’s Bloody Mary Mix and bacon rim shot, Manzanilla olives, a mini Tabasco bottle and one can of tomato juice. The eight stem package is $129 and for a full dozen stems, the package runs $149.
To see more Manly Man Co. products and information, or to place an order, go to www.manlymanco.com.
While Colorado is well
known for its craft beer, craft spirits are starting to become popular, with distilleries opening across the state
Northern Colorado has quite a few craft distilleries in the area, which showcase different spins on spirits like gin, vodka and even moonshine.
Treat the mister of the house with a bottle of craft spirits from local distilleries like 477 Distilling and The Shine Shop
Greeley’s 477 Distilling, 825 9th St, Unit B, has made a name for itself across NoCo and around the state with its releases of Lemondrop, Cinnamon Barrel and Almondretto spirits in addition to its popular bourbon, gin, vodka and special releases.
In addition to selling bottles of their products, 477 Distilling offers a vast menu of drinks like the Living Legend old fashioned, classic Cranberry Gimlet and barrel aged Manhattan-ish that can make for a fun before dinner, after dinner or just-because stop for you and your partner.
For more information on 477 Distilling, where to buy bottles or to see a menu of cocktails, go to www477distilling com
The veteran owned Shine Shop & Craft Spirits, 2525 W. 10th St. in Greeley, is putting a new spin on the old tradition of moonshine.
The shop’s moonshine ranges from 50-proof up to 120-proof and offers a variety of flavors like apple pie, butterscotch and vanilla and cinnamon Bottles range from $20 up to $45 each, depending on the flavor.
Take gift giving up a notch and treat the man in your life to a distilling class with The Shine Shop.
Owner David Pennington will teach individuals the basics behind distilling, the different types of alcohol, how they are made and classified Attendees
Manly Man Co.’s Bloody Mary Mix
Kit comes with an eight or 12 “stem” bouquet of meat flowers and ingredients to make a Bloody Mary to wash it all down
Like
Cowboy Music Revue
Saturday, February y 11, 2023
DAN M MILLER and his COWBOY MUSIC REVUE have been entertaining audiences around the w world d for 17 years with h their first-class musiciianshhip and fammily-frienddly prooduction. Comming from their home range of Cody, WY, Dan will be j joined by thhis daughter, Hannah, on fiddlle and d mandolin, and buusiness manager, Wendy Corr, on basss and vocals T Their musiical style ranges from m cowboy & Americana, to a bit of bluuegrass and gospel.
PERFORMANNCE TIMME: 7:00PM
MenFROM PAGE 23
will learn how to age and flavor spirits to their specific liking
Classes include ½ barrel of whiskey or tequila with an aging kit, personalized barrel stamped with The Shine Shop & Craft Spirits logo and lunch and a tasting. For more information on classes, including prices and schedules, contact The Shine Shop at (970) 7022365.
For more information on The Shine Shop & Craft Spirits, go to www.theshineshopdistillery com
For the grillers and smokers in the family
Do you have a smoker or
grilling aficionado in the family?
Then you will want to make sure you swing by the Stoake-D-Fire BBQ Supply Super Store, located at
5971 Sky Pond Drive, Suite C-100 in Loveland, for some gift shopping Owners Frank and Amanda Dominguez are the go-to power couple
when it comes to everything smoker and grill related and can help you put together a custom gift basket for your sweetie that will knock his socks off this Valentine’s Day
The store carries a variety of locally and regionally made products as well as rubs and sauces and spice mixes from the nation’s top experts in the grilling and smoking industry.
Not sure what’s the difference between Alabama white sauce and Nashville hot? Should you get a rub or a sauce or should you buy charcoal, pellets or wood?
No worries, the Dominguez duo will guide you through what would work best for your home griller or smoker
And if you’re not exactly sure what your man
likes when it comes to the products he uses for grilling and smoking, the store offers gift cards so he can come and pick out what he prefers
For more information on Stoake-D-Fire BBQ Supply Super Store, hours of operation, upcoming events or other information, go to www.Stoakedfire.com.
For the beer guys in the family, treat them to some of Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project’s craft beer. The brewery, located at 127 E. 5th St., Loveland, features a variety of beers from light and fruity to dark barrel-aged and everything in between Beers are served in
GREELEY TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO The Shine Shop & Craft Spirits brings the tradition of moonshine to Greeley TAMARA MARKARD STAFF REPORTER16-ounce or 10-ounce drafts or 4-ounce tasters
If your guy is more of a stay-at-home type, put together a unique gift basket featuring some of Verboten’s to-go brews like Thinking Of Something Orange wheat beer, Un Poco Local Cocoa milk stout or Grow Old With You double oaked cognac along with some of Verboten’s merchandise like a tankard mug, keychain bottle opener, flannel shirt or t-shirt.
Verboten also sells gift cards which would pair nicely with one of the brewery’s growlers.
For more information on Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project, such as operation hours, upcoming events and beers on tap, go to www verbotenbrewing com.
• For guys who are gamers, the Atari 10-game couchcade laptop console is right up their alley. The bean-bag bottom control deck provides endless hours of wireless fun. The system
sells for $179.99 with free shipping. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/ 3Je4bW2
• MasterClass offers men who love to learn the ability to explore a wide variety of topics and subjects through presentations from some the world’s top experts in those fields. Author James Patterson teaches a class on writing, Ron Finley teaches gardening, Roy Choi teaches intuitive cooking and Coach K teaches viewers about values-driven leadership These classes are just a few of the hundreds of different options available to subscribers.
Memberships range from individual to family plans and are billed on an annual basis For more information, go to www.masterclass.com.
• Get your man a curated flight of cigars from around the world The gift package includes six cigars, a cigar journal, matches, cigar cutter and humidifier pack for $70. For more information, go to Bespoke Post at https://bit ly/3J53ZZt
• Is your guy a fan of true crime mysteries? Then get him a membership to Hunt A Killer immersive games. Games are shipped to your home and include different
clues and physical items like autopsy reports, witness statements and more to help players solve the crime. Memberships are available on a monthly, semi-annually and annual basis and range from $34.99 to $312.60. For more information, go to www huntakiller.com.
• For the sports fan in the family, gift them with an annual subscription to ESPN+ for $99
From football and baseball to tennis and hockey and all kinds of other sports and programs, ESPN+ provides sports fans with up-to-date information and action at home or on the go The gifter chooses a delivery date and ESPN+ will email the giftee with a notice and information on how to redeem their gift. For more information, go to http:// bit.ly/3kwfpLq.
• The Big Activity Book for Couples is a great gift that will allow you and your partner to spend time together doing something fun.
The book is chock full of games, puzzles, quizzes and other features for couples who have newly got together or the long-haulers. The book is $8 49 on Amazon.
Stoake-D-Fire BBQ Super Store in Loveland has a variety of locally and regionally made products as well as rubs and sauces from the top smoking and grilling experts across the nation
TAMARA MARKARD STAFF REPORTER
By Tamara Markard tmarkard@greeleytribune.com
The spirit of Valentine’s Day is spreading love and when you’re noodling on gifts to get your sweetie, show the love to small businesses and organizations.
While some consider Valentine’s Day to be nothing but a big marketing ploy for card companies and candy makers, the holiday helps bolster earnings for small businesses during the sales drought between New Year’s and the three big spring and summer gift-giving holidays of Easter, Mother’s Day and Fa-
ther’s Day.
Plus, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get a better customer experience and find more unique items at a small business than at a large chain store.
More and more people are requesting gifts that they can use, rather than stick in a closet or stash in a drawer for eternity
Food defiantly falls into the “use” category and is a gift that is often shared amongst the family, saved for a special date night or celebration.
Two things that people
usually don’t consider when purchasing food-themed gifts is that of flavored olive oil and vinegars.
The Bottled Olive Pantry, 1550 Main St., Unit 130, Windsor, introduces cooks of all skill levels and foodies to the world of flavored olive oils and vinegars as well as unique spice blends, jams and jellies, mustards and more
The store features over 20 different flavored infused oils and vinegars that can be used to make marinades and dressings, in baked goods, for grilling meats
vegetables,
sprinkled over ice cream, drizzled over soups and even added to water for a burst of flavor
The store’s oils and vinegars run the gamut from sweet and savory to hot and classic flavors. Some of The Bottled Olive’s more unique oil and vinegar flavors include:
• Pineapple Habanero
Balsamic Vinegar
• Black Garlic Tamari
Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegar
• Prosecco Sparkling White Wine Vinegar
• Maple-Wood Smoked Bacon Olive Oil
• Blood Orange Olive Oil
• Sweet Cream Butter Olive Oil
The store also sells different herbs, spices, seasoning mixes, sugars, salts and peppers like sweet smoked chili rub and seasoning, vanilla bean infused sea salt, wild blueberry sugar and a Wild Spice Sampler.
The Bottled Olive also has pre-made gift baskets in a variety of sizes, themes and price points. Customers can also make their own gift basket designed in mind for that special someone.
Want to learn more about how to use flavored olive oils and vinegars in your cooking? Then sign yourself and your sweetie up for one of the Bottled Olives’ cooking classes
The classes are demonstration style so you don’t have to worry about getting your hands dirty just sit, watch, eat and repeat for the next course. Guests of all ages are welcome to attend the cooking classes and recipes for all items, along with a list of ingredients, are provided after the class.
Classes are $50 per person and the list of upcoming classes from now until June is available online at www thebottledolivepantry com
The Bottle Olive Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday.
For more information, go to www thebottledolivepantry com or call (970) 699-
5995.
The Spice and Tea Exchange in Fort Collins also offers a different spin on food items with various spice blends, salts, teas, sugars, honey and more as well as accessories like tea pots, mortar and pestles, grind-
ers and spice jars.
The store also features pre-made gift packages or create your own with the help from store staff or owners, Sarah Chartier and Kirstin Ruehlen.
The store, located at 2924 Council Tree Ave , Unit 100, is open from 10 a m to 5 p m Monday through Thursday, from 10 a m to 6 Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, go to http://bit.ly/3HpBu7f.
Despite having an overflowing bookshelf, book lovers are always open and excited to receiving new reads for gifts.
When searching for books for gifts, check out The Midnight Oil, 827 10th St in Greeley
Owners Pablo Guzman
and Manuel Tapia originally opened the store in 2021 in a small space along 8th Street in downtown Greeley. However, the pair quickly outgrew the small storefront and relocated to a much larger space on 10th Street in July 2022
Midnight Oil sells both used and some new selections and if you can’t find a book that you are looking for, they can usually order it or track it down for you.
The store also has a nice collection of children’s and young adult books in addition to its vast selection of fiction, non-fiction, mystery, do-it-yourself, cookbooks and books of other genres.
Don’t forget to check out the store’s vault of banned books and the towering pillars of books created by Guzman
The Midnight Oil Book-
store is open from 10 a m to 8 p m Friday through Wednesday and from 10 a m to 2 p m Thursday
For more information, or to inquire about a specific book, go to www.booksatmidnight.com or call (970) 673-8675.
Other northern Colorado bookstores include:
• Words of Windsor, 631 Birch St., Unit B, Windsor, www.wordsofwindsor.com, (970) 658-2669
• Whampus Used Books, 636 E. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, (970) 619-8238
• Book Haven, 680 E. 29th St., Loveland, (970) 667-6422
• Book Lover’s Emporium, 2925 S College Ave , Unit 8, Fort Collins, (970) 207-9453
• Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., Fort Collins, (970) 484-7898
You don’t have to look far when it comes to finding fantastic gifts for the fashion-focused members of your family. Greeley, Windsor, Loveland and Fort Collins are brimming with boutiques offering clothing, accessories, home goods and more that you won’t find on the racks and shelves of Target and Marshalls
Charley & Co Market, located at 2310 W 17th St in Greeley, features a variety of trendy clothes, handcrafted jewelry, mugs, teas and honey and other special gifts for moms, daughters, wives, girlfriends or any other lady in your life.
The store features beautiful stationery for those that enjoy the art and craft of hand-written thank you notes and other correspondence.
Pair a cozy soft pair of socks with some herbal tea and a hand-poured candle for a gift of relaxation
Pick out a sweater and some matching earrings to
give to your sweetheart to show off at Valentine’s Day dinner.
Not sure on sizes, colors or styles? Charley & Co. Market offers gift cards so that your Valentine can choose whatever strikes her fancy Charley & Co Market is
open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, or to see some of the store’s items online, go to www charleyandcompanymarket com
While many correlate
boutiques with just clothing, handbags and jewelry, Greeley’s Warm Hugs takes things up a notch by offering gifts for guys and gals.
The store, located at 809 10th St , features Jim’s Blend barbecue rubs and saucy boxers for men and Brighton jewelry and beau-
tiful Giving Shawls for women as just a few ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts. One of the store’s items that has been especially popular is its adult paintby-numbers kit The kit includes a detailed canvas, paints, brushes and instruc-
tions to create an amazing piece of art The best part is, there is no way anyone can tell it is a paint-by-numbers piece.
Warm Hugs is also well known for its Brown Box Mixes of soups, cakes, breads, chili and more. At $7.99 each, you can purchase a soup, bread or biscuit and dessert mix for couple-time cooking or fun family night.
Despite the snow on the ground, folks in Colorado love their yard and garden décor and Warm Hugs has wind chimes, birdbaths and other items for yards and decks of all sizes
And as with Charley & Co. Market, Warm Hugs offers gift cards
Warm Hugs is open from 10 a m to 5:30 p m Monday through Friday, from 10 a m to 4 p m Saturday and closed Sunday
To learn more about Warm Hugs, go to www. warmhugsmixes.com or call (970) 353-3447.
For more Valentine’s Day shopping ideas, check out these other boutiques in and around Weld and Larimer counties:
• Blush Boutique Co., 805 8th St., Greeley and 115 E. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins, www.Blushboutiqueco.com, (970) 888-3279
• Vintage Willows, 202 E 4th St , Loveland, wwwvintagewillows com, (970) 6992510
• Cloz to Home, 120 E. 4th St., Loveland, www. cloztohome com, (970) 2039992
• Hannah Rachel Boutique, 423 Main St , Windsor, www hannahrachelboutique com, (970) 388-2901
• Lilah Blue Boutique, 605 Main St., Windsor, www.lilablueboutique.com, (970) 692-9368
• Country Glitz Boutique, 1357 Water Valley Parkway, Unit 200, Windsor, www. countryglitzboutique.com, (303) 827-8506
• Lemons & Lace Boutique, 3519 E. Harmony Road, Suite 140, Fort Collins, www.shoplemonsandlace com, (970) 226-3854
• Roots Boutique, 115 Linden St , Fort Collins, www shoprootsboutique com, (970) 484-2119
Dressing up and hitting the town for a special Valentine’s Day dinner is fun. However, fighting the crowds of couples doing the same thing isn’t.
With Valentine’s Day landing on a Tuesday this year, staying in and celebrating the occasion might be what most folks opt for. And spending time together at home can be just as fun and entertaining as going out.
Make the most of the celebration by watching a classic Valentine’s Day movie, reading a romantic pageturner or listening to an entertaining love-themed podcast together.
Let the A&E Spotlight take the stress of trying to figure out the perfect movie, book or podcast off your plate with this list of suggestions for couples, friends and singles.
Of course, “Valentine’s Day” makes the top of the list. The 2010 romantic comedy stars a bevy of Hollywood actors including Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Bradley Cooper and Taylor Swift Set on Feb 14, the movie follows different stories of couples, would-becouples and no-longer couples. The movie is rated PG-13 for adult themes and language.
“The Half of It” by Alice Wu puts a 2020 spin on the classic “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Set in a small Massachusetts town, Ellie agrees to help her classmate, Paul, write love letters to his crush. The problem is, Paul’s crush is also Ellie’s crush The movie explores different relationships between friends, romantic partners and fam-
ily. “The Half of It” is rated PG-13.
Kick it old school with “Dirty Dancing.” The 1987 hit stars the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey and tells the story of two people from the opposite sides of the tracks who find a love connection through dancing. With its iconic dance scenes and “nobody puts Baby in the corner” line, “Dirty Dancing” is a fun and lighthearted movie that adults and teens will enjoy. The movie is rated PG-13.
“The Princess Bride” is another classic romantic movie that everyone should see at least once. Made in 1987 and starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, the sci-fi love story is anything but your typical romantic comedy Rated PG, the movie is a great flick choice for families
If you’re looking for a dramatic romance, then “If Beale Street Could Talk,” may be something you’re interested in. The 2018 movie is based on the book by the same name by James Baldwin The story follows Fonny and Tish through a wrongful arrest, a pregnancy, family reactions of all kinds and more. The movie is rated R for adult themes and language.
For Galentine’s celebrations, “Waiting to Exhale” is the perfect movie. The 1995 flick stars Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon as four friends dealing with the ups and downs of love. Women of all ages and backgrounds can relate the valuable lessons about life, love and themselves the characters eventually learn The movie is rated R for adult content and lan-
bration, then choose a romantic novel and take turns reading it or just spend some quality “me-time” relaxing in the story of someone else’s life.
Some suggestions include:
• “The Duke and I” by Julia Quinn
• “Love Your Life” by Sophie Kinsella
• “Paris: A Love Story” by Kati Marton
• “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
• “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger
• “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks
• “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
guage.
Check out “The Big Sick” for a meet-cute comedy based on the true story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V Gordon While Nanjiani and Gordon are attracted to each other, their cultures, and families, clash The story follows how the two navigate the challenges to fight for true love. The movie is rated R for adult content and language.
“The Spectacular Now” is a sweet story of first love. Released in 2013 and starring Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller, the movie follows high schoolers Aimee and Sutter as they try to navigate the present and plan for the future. The film is rated R for adult themes and language
If you want to extend your Valentine’s Day cele-
Not really interested in sitting down and concentrating on a movie or book? Then you might want to check out a podcast. Podcasts are great to listen to while cooking, driving or even laying in bed before catching some z’s.
Podcasts can be downloaded to your phone or tablet through a variety of platforms such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible and Podbean
Some fun and educational podcasts that center on love, relationships, marriage, dating and just life are:
• The Endless Honeymoon
• Modern Love
• I Do Podcast
• Love Letters
• A Fight Worth Fighting: A Marriage and Family Podcast
• Date/Able
• The Self Love Effect
• Multiamory
• Dating After Divorce
• Talking It Out with Mike & Bryan
MARCH 3-5 // ISLAND GROVE EVENT CENTER, GREELEY DON’T MISS THE 40TH ANNUAL HOME + GARDEN SHOW!
FRIDAY NOON TO 5 P.M.
SATURDAY 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
SUNDAY 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M.
It's our 40th season and we’re more excited than ever to present the 2023 Northern Colorado Home & Garden Show!
It's the perfect place for inspiration and education for any and all of your home improvement needs. Join us as local experts in home renovation, landscaping and design will showcase their expertise at this annual event.
