Read valentine poetry and make raviolis

MILFORD - Who’d ever think ravioli could make for a “lucky” Valentine’s Day evening at home? Valentine’s Day is a day for romantic cards with hearts that pop out from the center, bouquets of flowers, and boxed candies, right? Milford’s merchants will tell you that there is so much more. If you let your romantic heart search out some of the special stores on and around Broad and Harford Streets, you will be surprised by the array of possible gifts. Joe Fretta, owner of Fretta’s Italian Specialties, says Valentine’s Day is busy at his store. “We have some really special things for Valentine’s Day. Husbands and wives come in and pick up our heart-shaped or champagne-and-lobster-filled ravioli to make a romantic surprise dinner for their spouse. They buy the ravioli and our homemade Italian sauce and all they really have to do is boil water to cook dinner. “After a dinner like that and a few candles for atmosphere they hope for the best,” he added. “We also carry imported boxed candy that will tempt anyone’s heart.” Nicole Maloney, a regular customer, was listening carefully to what Fretta was saying, keeping track of a good idea or two for Valentine’s Day. Across the street at Books and Prints at Pear Alley, Hillary Anthony said, “You’d be surprised how many people find something unusual in here. This is not our busiest time but we do experience additional sales for Valentine’s Day.” Books of poetry with romantic verse, and an assortment of reasonably priced art work seem to be the most popular for Valentine’s Day. “When a man reads his love some of the sweet lines from one of the poetry books we sell, he knows her heart will just melt,” Anthony said. A few doors away from Books and Prints is The Artery on Broad Street, where owner Madeline Tully was busy giving thought to the upcoming holiday. Tully told the Courier, “We have a beautiful assortment of handmade jewelry and colorful scarves that can fit anyone’s budget,” and she showed examples of her watercolor paintings which she recommended. “Our handmade colorful vases and bowls which can be custom engraved are at the higher priced end of Valentine’s gifts,” she said. “Although the day before Valentine’s Day is not busy, the Saturday before is. We stay open till 9 p.m. on that evening because our items are not last-minute gifts. Some need to be engraved and require a few days but we make sure they are done for pick-up later in the week.” At Upriver Home on Broad Street Kevin Holley and Meghan Featherstone were having lunch behind the counter as customers shopped. “We get real busy a few days before Valentine’s Day when people come in to do last minute shopping,” Holley said, looking out over the shelves stocked with an array of small gifts and home items. “We have plenty of inexpensive Valentines gifts. Some of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts we sell are beautifully packaged soaps, scented candles, and body lotions that often set the tone for a romantic evening,” Featherstone said.