Their eyes lock from across the table. They both reach for the bottle of champagne to fill the other’s glass, and their fingertips brush. The candle flickers and lights up their blush-covered faces. They giggle, smile, then look away. A piano sounds in the background, and it feels like the keys are striking just for them—a backdrop for their budding romance, during an evening designed for love. The waiter comes by with the check and two complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries, and just when they think the night couldn’t possibly get any better, a woman at the next table leaves her chair and drops to her knee. She pulls a small black box from her jacket pocket, looks up at her partner, and says, “Make me the happiest woman alive?”
For many, Valentine’s Day is the most exciting holiday of the year. It represents renewed hope in love and happiness—and the opportunity to make new connections. It provides a reason for lovers to show each other how much they care. Lucky for us, our culture makes it extremely convenient to do so. It’s impossible to walk into a store any time in February that doesn’t have an entire holiday display filled with red roses, chocolates, and thoughtful cards. This commercialism makes showing your love easy, and because of this, people know that even if their partners say, “Let’s not do anything special this year,” they might just end up on the couch if they don’t at least pick up a card.
Personally, I’ll take a table for one any day over this ad-driven Hallmark tradition. Who wants the same old traditional gifts anyway? Of course, chocolates from The Chocolate Fetish or French Broad Chocolate Lounge are a different story, but how about buying them for an occasion any other day of the year? Yes, roses look pretty, but the practices involved in the production process of many of them are far from romantic. Nothing says, “I love you,” like a gift harvested by the hands of children at the expense of contaminating a region’s entire water supply. Seriously, look it up.
Regardless of if you’re a big-time Valentine’s Day fan or single/anti-Cupid, if you’re like me and find yourself alone this February 14 or you’d just like to join the anti V-Day bandwagon, there are plenty of things to do around town. Perhaps you’ll feel like crafting, listening to music, or even attending a redistricting symposium. Why not take yourself out on that perfect date this year? One of the following might just pique your interest and keep you distracted long enough to avoid all of the holiday fanfare.
February 14 in Asheville
Emerald Lounge: Ramona Falls & Social Studies, $10, doors 9 p.m.
The Grey Eagle: Patterson Hood (of Drive-By Truckers), $15, doors 9 p.m.
The Asheville Art Museum has some great exhibitions right now, and it’s only $8 for adults, and $7 for students. The best part about going to a museum on your own is that there’s nobody rushing you along; you can just stand and stare for as long as you want.
Fired Up!: Paint yourself some pottery!
Symposium on redistricting reform at The Mountain View Room in UNCA’s Sherrill Center, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. RSVP to tomcoulson@aol.com or call 828.674.3046
The Orange Peel: Who’s Bad, The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, $15, doors 8 p.m.
The Fine Arts Theatre always has good movies playing. Check out the listings and enjoy a movie outing on your own. Hey, more popcorn and M&Ms for you!
Why not increase your knitting knowledge at Purl’s Yarn Emporium with its class on short row shaping at 10 a.m.? $10, register in advance by calling 828.253-.2750