By Kyla Skinner
February is the month known for celebrating love! Sweet and romantic now, Valentine’s Day actually has a lurid beginning with varied thoughts on where it originally started, but it is clear it involved bloody Roman fertility rites and the beheading of St. Valentine, a Catholic priest. However, we won’t focus on that. Just give me the chocolate.
The grocery stores are packed with flowers and chocolates and little stuffed bears — so you can grab a quick gift and maybe not be in trouble for forgetting your loved one. I thought it would be fun to compile a list of meaningful and memorable things to do downtown — skip the garish overpriced flower bouquets and cheesy stuffed animals. For a genuinely beautiful bouquet, support local business and visit our local florists: We have Bee’s Blossoms, located at 6485 Palma Ave. I’ve been the lucky recipient of a few bouquets created by the new owner there, and I love her designs.
A few local events to mention before I proceed with my date ideas:
The Father and Daughter Sweetheart Dance will be held at the Lake Pavilion on February 7 and 8 for a semi-formal evening of dancing and refreshments. Check out visitatascadero.com to find out how more and how to purchase tickets.
The popular Sweetheart Stroll Sip and Shop, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, to be held on the actual date ofFebruary 14, hooray! Explore downtown businesses, (people always seem surprised at all the fun little businesses they discover on these evenings) and wine tastings poured by local winemakers. You can purchase tickets at atascaderochamber.org. They will sell out!
And now, for some date ideas or to enjoy downtown with friends, what’s a better gift than quality time?
Date idea #1: Visit the newly opened AMSTRDM Coffee at 6480 Palma Ave., grab a latte and pastry, then tour the historic City Hall. It is so beautiful and romantic, with the tall ceilings, dark rich wood, and meandering staircases. Tours are complimentary, with donations accepted, and can be scheduled by emailing a docent at atascaderocolonymuseum@gmail.com. Before you leave, take a kissing selfie on the grand staircase entrance or by one of the restored fountains from 1917.
Date idea #2: Check out A-Town Chop Shop in the La Plaza Building at 6250 El Camino Real; they have a “couple’stherapy session,” where you can get out some aggression by throwing axes, not at each other, but it really is a fun way to laugh and connect! Afterward, go have dinner at Kula Hawaiian Kitchen next door; I recommend the smoked salmon musubi or the pork tacos. Delish!
Date idea #3: Grab a bottle of wine from our newest tasting room, Marin Vineyards at 5983 Entrada Ave.; I tried the sparkling Viognier the other day and loved it! Take your bottle over to The Pottery for their Date Night, Fridays at 6 p.m. You can book a class for two at thepotteryatascadero.com/classes.
Date idea #4: Hike up Pine Mountain to see the Monolith and amazing downtown views, then head down the hill for brunch or lunch at JonnyBoys Bagelry and Jewish Deli. 5935 Estrada Ave. Yum!
Looking ahead to spring and downtown construction wrapping up! Excited to see our downtown bloom!
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