Love is in the air

Suzie Harrison

Do an Internet search on the words “Valentine’s Day,” and in 0.11

seconds, 2.8 million results appear. Take it one step further to seek

out Valentine’s universal meaning of “love,” and in 0.12 seconds, 120

million results are at the fingertips. So one has to ponder why is it

so difficult to decide what to do on Feb. 14 when so much information

is readily available. To quell the trepidation, Laguna Beach lends

itself as a canvas of experiences to be had.

Not everyone is into the lovey-dovey type of romance, and what

gets them going is endorphins -- for couples who cherish the active

lifestyle, a day outdoors might be the thing.

Laguna Coast Wilderness is 6,500 acres of outdoor fun and is open

from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The park lies within some

of the last remaining open space coastal canyons in Southern

California and houses the only natural lakes in Orange County.

Besides enjoying the scenery, one can get active via bike, hiking

or horseback. Enjoy the Botanical Preserve and the Interpretive

Center or branch out to other parts of the South Coast Wilderness

area -- there’s 17,000 acres to explore. To park, go to 20101 Laguna

Canyon Road. For information, call (949) 923-2235.

Lifeguard Capt. Kevin Snow suggests going for a walk on the beach.

“Come enjoy the tide pools. The surf has been relatively quiet,”

Snow said. “Just remember: Don’t take or touch anything. Just look.”

Officials at the recreation department said that low tide on

Valentine’s Day is at 11:19 a.m. and 9:40 p.m.

Flowers are always popular. Yoshi Haga, owner of Laguna Flower

Co., said that about 20% of her business is for the love holiday.

The most requested are obviously red roses, Haga said. Tropical

flowers and mixed bouquets are fancied with tulips second in

popularity to roses.

She said she doesn’t buy into the theory each color of flower

having a different meaning.

“I don’t go by that at all, because when you look at every book

they’re always different other than red being love,” Haga said. “I

think that’s universal.”

The most expensive Valentine’s flower request was probably around

$500.

“We filled someone’s house with six different [arrangements of]

flowers,” Haga said. “His wife was really happy.”

She said flowers are a good gift because they are open ended and

not a big commitment. It’s a nice gesture for people to enjoy at any

stage of their relationship.

Daisy Mae Blossom has been selling flowers in Laguna Beach for 18

years and has lived here for 32. She is a staple in Downtown Laguna

with her flowers and a smile for everyone.

“I love my business. It makes people happy,” Blossom said.

She comes Downtown three days a week -- Monday, Wednesday and

Friday -- usually in the afternoon with her flowers. She always has

roses and gladiolus, but she also takes orders in advance.

Going to an art event at a gallery might be the perfect date for

those who favor the artist community aspect of the city. Fingerhut

Gallery (at 210-A Forest Ave.) will feature a Valentine’s Day “Lovers

Serenade” with an artist reception for the artist, Yuroz, from 6 to 9

p.m. Saturday. It will be a visual experience to bond with a loved

one while enjoying art, hors d’oeuvres and wine.

To find Nirvana or Zen with one’s object of desire, the Chakra

Shack offers a unique selection of gifts.

Manager Kathy Cassidy pointed out all the possibilities, including

a book called “Feng Shui Do’s and Taboo’s for Love.” The store has a

large selection of candles: red for love and passion, pink for

endearing love, white for purity.

“We have sprays. Fifth Element Flower Essences Love Karma -- it

brings in the essence of love and clears your aura,” Cassidy said.

They have statues good for love and protection and have hearts

made out of semi-precious stones.

A couple’s reading, an individual reading or a reading bringing a

loved one who has passed over is a great idea, Cassidy said.

She said a couple’s reading could demonstrate how they could move

in each other’s energy.

Judith Lukomski does the readings. “It’s the blending of energies,

helping people understand why they came together and how to grow,”

she said.

Dining out is a sure hit for any couples on this day of love.

Woody’s at the Beach, a popular gay hangout, is offering a special

Valentine’s dinner, a romantic five-course dinner for two at $60 per

person. Marketing director Alford Harrison said it’s important to

call soon because they will sell out and are taking reservations

only, no walk-ins.

“It’s romantic, a great tradition and intimate to come on

Valentine’s Day,” Harrison said. “It’s a great place to be yourself

in a friendly environment.”

Though they are sold out for this weekend, the Montage Resort and

Spa thinks everyday should be Valentine’s Day and has a special “the

art of romance” package year round.

The package is for two nights and three days: two nights with

oceanfront bungalow suite accommodations, two nights of dining, one

night in the privacy of their bungalow and one at the Loft. It also

includes daily breakfast in bed for two, a couple’s massage and other

pampering. The cost is $5,400.

“It’s not even about Valentine’s Day,” marketing manager

Marguarite Clark said. “The Montage provides a romantic backdrop for

new relationships, popping the question, celebrating an anniversary

or for any type of couples getaway.”

She also pointed out that in honor of February, being the month of

love, there is a special menu to be enjoyed by couples for $250.

And of course, the most important part of Valentine’s Day is

choosing the right person to spend it with.

“I always enjoy a walk with my partner, Jeff, through Heisler

Park, reminding myself how special Laguna Beach is and how lucky we

are to be here,” Stuart Byer said.