County Courthouse a Popular Spot on Valentine's Day

Couples flocked to Circuit Court to tie the knot on the lovers' holiday.

What Did You Get For Valentine's Day?

I got the staple fridge magnet made at school this year. I'm not complaining.

Maybe it was cute. Perhaps it was beautiful. Maybe even delicious. Was it romantic? Hopefully, it was anything but a total dud. This year, my favorite valentine came at the hands of my 5-year-old son. Though I'm sure he'd like me to point out that come Wednesday, he'll be my 6-year-old son. It's the old stand-by-a refrigerator magnet with his smiling, gap-toothed face as its centerpiece. I've been made to promise that I'll never throw it away. As if. So what did you get for Valentine's Day? Please share your story in the comments section below. If you didn't get anything that great this year, share the tale of your favorite valentine of all time. I look forward to hearing what you got, at least to steal some ideas for next year.

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John Wilfong

11:26 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Lea, ditto on the candy. I didn't mention, but that was another part of my gift—the candy from their class parties that they didn't want. So, basically anything with coconut.   more ›

Take 5: Steve Samaras, Owner of Zachary's Jewelers

Patch would like to introduce you to someone new from Annapolis with a round of five questions, helping to shed a little light on our community.

Meet Steve Samaras, owner of Zachary's Jewelers in downtown Annapolis. Patch: How long have you been in business downtown? Samaras: I've been in the jewelry business in downtown Annapolis since 1982. Zachary's has been in it's present location since 2005, after the Black Friday Main Street fire. Patch: Just how hectic—and important—is Valentine’s Day for your business? Samaras: Because of the efforts with various promotions throughout the years, we have made Valentine's Day far more important than most other fine jewelers experience. We've created a Love Letter contest, a citywide "Annapolis in Love" event, which involved close to 100 downtown businesses, and this year for every $1,000 purchase we are giving away over $1,000 in prizes from…

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Westfield Annapolis Feels the Love for Valentine's Day

This is the first year the Parole mall is getting in on the action by decorating the mall for the holiday and promoting various retailer specials.

Valentine’s Day is obviously a big day for retailers. But in the past other than individual stores promoting it, Westfield Annapolis mall had not embraced the holiday. That’s changed this year. Westfield Marketing Director Christi Wallace said many of the decorations are subtle, but after a quick walk around the mall, they’re hard to miss. There is a large Cupid balloon display hanging over the Pottery Barn court area, an oversized candy heart decorations throughout the food court and an Eiffel Tower replica in the center court area. “In the past it was really up to the retailer,” said Patrick Madden, the mall’s general manager. “We’re really trying to bring that feeling throughout the entire center.” He said the holiday promotion is a …

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Shopping Around Annapolis for Valentine's Day

Where do you go for your special Valentine's Day gifts locally? Here's some tips to help get you started.

I can’t think of many other places where it would be as hard as Annapolis to cover all the places you could shop for Valentine’s Day. Among downtown Annapolis, Maryland Avenue, West Annapolis, Parole and Westfield Annapolis Mall, if you can’t find a gift then you’re just not looking hard enough. So, consider this a starter list. I encourage you to add your favorites (or even your own store) to the comments section. Bead Bungalow—You can tap into your creative side and learn some new techniques with wire working to make your own jewelry for that special someone. The West Annapolis shop is always updating its selection and even holds classes and hosts bead parties. Evergreen Antiques—Looking for unique gift that can become a keepsake for the…

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