Well, the hipsters tell me that Valentine’s Day is uncool, just a big marketing hype to sell cards and roses. Personally, I prefer to make my own cards and there are other flowers available. Frankly, there are many ways to show your appreciation for your loved ones and an annual nudge of reminder, in my opinion, is not a bad thing.

I’m fond of eating, drinking and being merry with my sweetie. Downtown has many offerings, including B & L’s Pizza, Basil’s Pizza, Bittersweet Eatery, Blue Monday Coffehouse, Caribou Coffee, Chapati, China Buffet, Contented Cow, Domino’s Pizza, Eagles Club, Erbert & Gerbert’s, Fieldhouse, Froggy Bottoms, Hogan Brothers, J Grundy’s Reub-N-Stein, James Gang Hideaway, Mandarin Garden, Quality Bakery, Quarterback Club, Subway, Taco Bell, The Tavern, Tiny’s Dogs All Day and the VFW Club.

Gifts are a good idea too. Downtown has a number of options, such as Anna’s Closet, Bookfellows, Cocoa Bean, digs, Echo Used DVDs, Evenson’s Hallmark, Fashion Fair, Forget-Me-Not Florist, Glass Garden, the Historical Society Shop, Jenkins Jeweler, Kids on Division, Larson Printing, Monarch, Monkey See, Monkey Read, Northfield Arts Guild Gift Shop, Oolala, Paper Petalum, Present Perfect, Ragstock, Rare Pair, River City Books, Rocky Top, Secret Attic, Sisters Ugly, Sketchy Artist, SWAG, Sweet Pea’s Loft and Toys and Treats, Three Pine Gifts, and Willie’s Shoes.

Finally, why not go to a show? This weekend there’s theater, A New Brain at St. Olaf College, Steel Magnolias at the Art Guild Theater, and Vagina Monologues at Carleton College; there’s music, Jazz Ensemble at Carleton College, Monroe Crossing at the Grand, Karaoke at the Rueb, Todd Thompson at the Tavern Lounge, and Area 51 at the Cow, and even some dance, with the Dancing People Company performing at St. Olaf College.

So, this weekend, why not show a little affection. There’s plenty to choose from, and at least a hundred good ideas, right here in Downtown Northfield.