Charles Schulz might have said it best, "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

   With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, you might be thinking about something special you can do for or with your special Valentine. Whether it's sweet treats or a special outing, many local Warren County businesses offer tempting treats and deals that are certain to sweeten your Valentine's Day. For a complete list of upcoming events, see our events calendar, or keep reading to find a few ideas to make your Valentine's Day much sweeter including some romantic getaways in Ohio that will knock your socks off!

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   Main Street Sweets owner Vickie Larcomb says her Mason candy shop will cover just about anything in chocolate! Everything is made from scratch, including homemade flavored marshmallows dipped in chocolate, chocolate-covered strawberries and even Twinkie's dipped in chocolate! Family owned for five years, Main Street Sweets boasts all kinds of delectable creations, including a multitude of popcorn treats: caramel, chocolate, cherry flavored, etc. Main Street Sweets makes its own chocolate and is known for its heart-shaped Rice Crispy treats dipped in chocolate - perfect for Valentine's Day!

   Family owned since 1970, Valley Vineyards in Morrow offers numerous ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. If fine wine and good food fit into your Valentine's Day plans, be sure to check out Valley Vineyards' offerings. On Wednesday, February 8, take part in Grand Tastings, a popular event that features great wine, wonderful food, good company and live music. This month's featured wines will be Valley Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. For just $25 per person and up to 22 wine samplings, this event is a tremendous time at a tremendous value. Reservations required (513-899-9022).

   Join Valley Vineyards' Weekend Cookout on Saturday, February 11 for some relaxing, and romantic Valentine's Day fun with your special someone. Typically, weekend cookouts appeal to groups, but according to owner Joe Schuchter, on the Saturday before Valentine's Day, you will find mostly couples cooking their meals and sipping on wine. Reservations are requested. Price is $59 per couple with one bottle of wine (age 21 and over). Feel like staying in? Valley Vineyards re-released its popular pink-label Merlot just in time for Valentine's Day. This medium-bodied Merlot smells like cocoa and pairs wonderfully with chocolate. You can find it online or at Kroger and Remke-Biggs.

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   Nestled in the heart of historic Lebanon, the Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory is a traditional chocolatier filled with amazing chocolate creations. For Valentine's Day, you will find Valentine's boxes filled with assorted chocolates, and other treats gift wrapped in heart paper.

Known for its Texas Tortoise and Almond Toffee, Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory offers an extensive selection of assorted chocolates, creams and chocolate molds. The shop's famous Texas Tortoise is made from pecan halves covered in caramel and then dipped in both milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Joy Kossouji of Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory says that each batch of their Almond Toffee is made with 12 pounds of butter! The raw almonds are added to the chocolate mixture and cook in the batch as the toffee cools. "The entire shop smells delicious when we make that almond toffee," Kossouji says.

  Other shop specialties include caramel bars (each one weighs 4-5 ounces), snack clusters (popcorn, pecans, raisins, coconut and chocolate), chocolate molds (all kinds of shapes including turtles, trains and planes for children), and white pretzel sundaes (white chocolate, pretzels and milk chocolate on top). Stop by Golden Turtle for one-of-a-kind, delectable treats for your Valentine.

   These are all great ways to liven up your Valentine's Day in Warren County, but certainly the list is not exhaustive. For other great ideas for romantic dining check out our local favorites listings, or for more great packages see our vacation packages page.