PARSONS – Valentine’s Day is traditionally the day where folks show love they share with others, and usually there is an exchange of gifts of sweets, jewelry, food, flowers or other items to show those special people in our lives how much we care for them. All corners of Tucker County offer many options to give or share with others, some of them traditional, and some of them less conventional.
Debbie Stevens, owner of Gifts-to-Go in Parsons, offers many thoughtful items for Valentine’s Day.
Many fantastic, furry friends are hoping to be adopted from the Tucker County Animal Shelter, and a puppy, dog, kitten or cat may be the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day this year. Candy and flowers only last for a few weeks, but a pet gives love back to its owner every day for many years to come. The Tucker County Animal Shelter is open each day this week, including Valentine’s Day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For loves that already have everything, one may consider giving a donation to the many endowed funds through the Tucker Community Foundation. Development Director Diane Hinkle said a donation to one of their funds is a gift that continues to give.
“We frequently accommodate gifts that are made in memory or in honor of someone,” Hinkle said. “Often when folks are challenged to figure out the best gift to give another, they will give to a cause their friend or loved one supports. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. When they give a gift, it is invested forever. It’s a great gift to give – it does well in the community.”
Hinkle said gifts can be in any amount, and can be given to a specific endowed account. She said gifts can be unrestricted, and can help any cause through the Foundation. Additional information is available by calling 304-259-5008 or 304-478-2930, or online at tuckerfoundation.net.
More traditional Valentine’s Day gifts include flowers – roses of all colors, carnations and many others – which are available at local florists including Steven’s Florist. Additional information about Steven’s Florist is available by calling 304-478-2161.
Penny Ellison, owner of Mountain Mist Florist, said that Valentine’s Day starts before Christmas for her and her staff.
“I start reserving flowers and supplies back before Christmas so that I can find the best price and pass that along to my customers. I know that customers have the perception that florists make a killing at Valentine’s but the reality is our costs double, our labor costs triple, yet most of us only raise our retail prices about 15%.”
“We know customers have many gift giving options but there’s nothing quite like fresh flowers that have been well-cared for and artfully arranged by a professional florist. We go through several processing steps when our flowers arrive that not everyone, especially the big box stores do. We know that you’ve chosen us and we strive to make the flowers last as long as possible.”
“Why do we do it? We care about meeting our customers’ needs, and oh yeah, I’m a true romantic at heart (shh… don’t tell anyone), I love that we help people express what’s in their hearts, not only on Valentine’s but every day.”
Debbie Stevens, owner of Gifts-to-Go in Parsons, said her shop has many items suitable for Valentine’s Day.
“We have tons of gifts, including many jewelry items, especially those from Paparazzi,” Stevens said. “We have some beautiful 3D cards, gift baskets, W.Va. food gifts, primitives, signs and Camille Beckman products.”
Additional information about Gifts-to-Go is available by calling 304-478-2141.
Another Valentine’s Day tradition includes wonderful food. Parsons Shop n Save manager Roger Losh said the Parsons and Davis locations offer many grab and go items for those looking for Valentine’s Day gifts.
“For those who prefer eating a Valentine’s Dinner at home, we have a sale on New York strip steaks,” Losh said. “We also have huge strawberries, suitable for dipping in chocolate. We also have a table full of candy, fresh flowers, roses, arrangements, bud vases and Valentine assortments.”
Losh said Shop n Save also has heart shaped marshmallows, stuffed animals and kits for kids to make their own Valentine’s cards. Additional information is available by calling 304-478-4803. Shop n Save is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
At Blackwater Falls State Resort Lodge on Valentine’s Day, the Dining Room is serving up Prime Rib with baked potato, green beans, soup and salad, homemade rolls and a decadent dessert or bowtie pasta with chicken breast and asparagus in vodka blush sauce.
Muttley’s in Davis said they have not honed in on their specials for Valentine’s Day, but recommend reservations for dinner. Additional information is available by calling 304-259-4858. Owner Becky Columbo said diners will enjoy any of their offerings, and said the restaurant is open 4:30 to 8:30 on Valentine’s Day.
CJ’s Pizzeria, famous for their pizzas and salads, will not be offering any specific specials for Valentine’s Day. They will be offering their regular menu and will be open until 10 p.m. Information about CJ’s is available by calling 304-478-2299.
Those with a sweet tooth can find many desserts at Buttercup Bakery in Parsons. Among their Valentine’s Day specials are chocolate strawberries and heart shaped cookies. More information is available by calling 304-478-2253.
Tucker Country Inn, newly reopened in Parsons, is featuring BBQ ribs for Valentine’s Day. Partner Kim Delsignore said folks renting a room at the hotel during the weekend will receive two free meals. Details are available by calling the Tucker County Inn at 304-478-3700.
Those hankering for pizza, hoagies or pasta can head to Sirianni’s in Davis and Canaan Valley. They are not offering a Valentine’s Day special, but offer their regular menu for eat in or carry out. Information is available by calling 304-259-5454.
The Sawmill Restaurant in Davis is offering a dinner special for Valentine’s Day. It includes a New York strip steak, fresh green beans, baked potato, salad bar and dessert from 4 until 8 p.m. Additional information about the Sawmill Restaurant is available by calling 304-259-5245.
Located near Dryfork, the Golden Anchor Restaurant specializes in seafood and steak. They have not picked out their Valentine’s Day special, but said they will have specials along with chocolate covered strawberries. Additional information and reservations can be made by calling 304-866-2722.
In Parsons, Little Andi’s will be serving up a Valentine’s Day special including a 10 ounce New York strip steak with three butterfly shrimp, choice of potato, green beans and a salad. Little Andi’s special is available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additional information is available by calling 304-478-8955.
Canaan Valley Ski Resort will offer skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating and many other winter activities. Blackwater Falls will have sledding on their new sledding run.
Tucker County also has many gift shops and artist venues, offering wonderful gift ideas. Some of those include the gift shops at Canaan and Blackwater Falls, the gift shop at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Ben’s Old Loom Barn in Davis, Buxton and Langstreet Studios in Thomas, the White Room Gallery in Thomas and The WV Highlands Artisans Gallery in Davis.
No matter what you decide to give, we hope you will consider shopping locally and supporting all of the Tucker County businesses – your neighbors and friends. Hope you have a very happy Valentine’s Day!
