Plan a special Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a bright light in the middle of the winter. February 14 is an opportunity for couples and friends to celebrate and express their love and affection for one another.

Greeting cards and heart-shaped chocolate boxes are traditional gifts, as are red roses. Most people know how and why Valentine’s Day is celebrated, but few may know the person behind the holiday’s name.

The name Valentine comes from the Latin “Valentinus,” which means “worthy, strong or powerful.” The name was a common moniker in days gone by. It is not known just how many Valentines were around in that era, but historians believe there were many. In fact, some believe there were about a dozen St.

Valentines.

The Catholic Church recognizes three different martyred individuals with the name Valentine, who each may hold ties to the Valentine’s Day celebration.

1. One St. Valentine was a priest and physician in Rome. He comforted the martyrs during the persecution of Emperor Claudius II. This Valentine was arrested and condemned to death for his faith.

2. Another St. Valentine was the Bishop of what is now Terni, located 60 miles from Rome. He also was arrested and put to death under Emperor Claudius II.

3. The third St. Valentine suffered martyrdom in Africa, but not much else is known about him.

In addition to being the namesake behind Valentine’s Day, St. Valentine is the patron saint of lovers, epileptics and beekeepers.

Some people think Geoffrey Chaucer may have invented Valentine’s Day. In his “Parlement of Foules,” he speaks of a tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. This association became more established after Chaucer’s poem received widespread attention.

No matter the origin, one this is for sure: folks have been commemorating their love for one another in February for quite some time. They may celebrate in their own unique ways, but it’s not uncommon to focus on a night out on the town.

Valentine’s Day is a busy holiday for many businesses, but especially so at restaurants and other romantic venues.

So it’s best to plan ahead to ensure a perfect evening. These tips can help you organize a Valentine’s experience to remember.

Tip #1: Reserve early

The closer to Valentine’s Day, the more likely popular restaurants will be all booked up. If the goal is to dine at a particularly trendy spot - or anywhere but the most obscure establishment - be sure to make a reservation well in advance. Start planning the Valentine’s Day dinner ahead of time so you won’t have to look far and wide to book a reservation. If a restaurant does not take reservations that far out, ask when they will start collecting names for Valentine’s Day and book the moment you can.

Tip #2: Secure transportation

One way to make the night more romantic is to snuggle in the back seat of a vehicle and have someone else do the driving. This also is a safer option if you plan to pop a bottle of bubbly or sip some wine while celebrating. Hiring a limousine, luxury car, horse-drawn carriage, or something similar also will require advanced reservations. However, going the extra mile can make the night memorable.

Tip #3: Emulate a scene from a favorite film

The person you love may adore a romantic movie, whether it’s a classic or more recent tear-jerker. When planning a romantic evening out, consider reenacting a movie scene with you and your special someone in the starring roles. For example, recall when Tom Hanks met Meg Ryan at the top of the Empire State Building in “Sleepless in Seattle.” Include a visit to the observation deck or roof as part of a whirlwind Valentine’s Day experience.

Tip #4: Attend a live music performance

Music can touch the heart and soul. That makes an evening watching a band play or enjoying a musical on the stage even more memorable. Select an intimate venue to add to the romantic ambiance of the night.

Tip #5: Think outside tradition

While dinner and a movie are Valentine’s Day favorites, any activity done together can be memorable and romantic. Why not book a couple’s cooking class? Or enjoy a winter sport like skiing or ice skating? Or warm up after window shopping on Main Street by sipping hot cocoa and snuggling on the sofa under a blanket at a nearby B&B?

Romantic nights out on Valentine’s Day can be made even more special with some forethought and planning.