The Buzz is an ongoing Visit Altoona feature sponsored by Polk County. Thank you to Polk County for supporting the Altoona community and helping us promote local businesses and events!
While some have always preferred to stay home for Valentine’s Day, many more of us will be joining their ranks this year. The good news? Celebrating at home can be just as much fun as going out—or even more. There’s less stress, it’s more intimate, and planning the evening yourself is part of the fun!
The key to a good Valentine’s Day at home is to go all-out. Spread a blanket across the living room floor and enjoy an indoor picnic; transform your dining room into a candlelit restaurant; dress like you’re going out; make menus; put together a playlist of your partner’s favorite songs. Make it your own!
Right now, local businesses could really use your help. Whatever you plan for your Valentine’s Day, try to support local by purchasing food, gifts and décor at nearby shops and restaurants. With that in mind, here are five ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day at home while supporting Altoona businesses:
Grab a gift from Copper Peacock Boutique
Maybe your love is the only gift your partner needs… but they’d probably appreciate something special from a local boutique, like The Copper Peacock in Altoona. The shop has the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts, like self-care gift boxes, purses, masks and much more.
While the Copper Peacock’s brick-and-mortar store is closed, due to the pandemic, you can shop online here. Also, follow them on Facebook for live events, updates and product reveals!
Pick a bouquet from Altoona HyVee
Struggling to find the words to express your love? The right flowers can do the talking for you. Order a Valentine’s Day arrangement from HyVee in Altoona, and you won’t have to say a thing!
From cute to romantic, check out HyVee’s Valentine’s Day specials here, or visit the Altoona store and build your own!
Bring home a crowler from Brightside Aleworks
Nothing says “I love you… and local beer” like a crowler from Altoona’s craft brewery, Brightside Aleworks.
Get tasty to-go from Nomi’s
Whether you’re looking to take your relationship to the next level, win back your love or keep a good thing going, a take-out order of fried rice and General Tao’s Chicken from Nomi’s is sure to help. Oh, and if you’re planning to propose, we recommend adding some spicy edamame. That should do the trick.
Top it off with Sugarplums Cakes and Confections
“How about we skip dessert and… wait, did you say cupcakes?” End an amazing Valentine’s Day celebration with pink-frosted cupcakes, heart-shaped goodies and other tasty treats from Sugarplums Cakes and Confections.
Looking for more Valentine’s Day fun around Altoona? Take a look at what’s happening at Prairie Meadows or start planning your staycation!