Garden Style seasonal florist Kathy Bigansky trimming a ribbon to embellish a pot of tulips waiting to be delivered as a Valentine's gift. Ms. Bigansky has been involved in the floral world for 38 years. (Photo by Haylee Bazil/Staff Photographer)

1. Spreading love in East Texas

Feb. 12 — Valentine’s Day is a chance for couples to come together and celebrate what they love about one another, with fancy dinners, flowers and chocolates. That is if you remembered that Saturday was Valentines Day.

With reservations filled as early as the start of January for some of Palestine’s more notorious restaurants, romance seekers may be in a bit of a panic to find an activity for them and their honey.

If dinner plans aren’t panning out, homemade meals can often by just as romantic as a fine dining experience, and with Palestine’s local bakeries, the meal can end on a sweet note.

Carolyn Lingo, manager at Eilenberger’s Bakery shared that they still had chocolate and cookies as well as other goodies available for couples.

“The strawberries are a real big seller on Valentine’s day,” Lingo said. “We have been getting a lot of last minute people too.”

Lingo said that the bakery will continue to take orders and will be open Valentines day until 3 p.m.

“We’d like all the strawberry orders placed ahead,” Lingo said. “As for the rest of the items, someone can come in and purchase any last minute gifts.”

For more traditionalists, Steve Neel owner of Steve Neel Jewelers in Palestine, flowers and jewelery maybe the more appropriate way to go this holiday.

“We’ve been busy today,” Neel said. “We’ve had a steady flow of customers, Valentine’s and some bridal business. Just a combination today.”

With Valentine’s falling on a Saturday this year, couples can be more creative in dates than simply dinner and movie according to Pat Curry, owner of Flowers by Pat. The store will also be open “until the guys quit coming in,” Curry said.

Petals, another Palestine flower shop, will also be open on Valentine’s Day to last minute shoppers.

“It gets a little busy and a little crazy but its a great time and a great opportunity to get our name out there,” Amanda Singletary, assistant designer at Petals said. “A lot of people only order flowers once a year to give to their sweetie or to their loved ones.”