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!

Click Here to Book a Romantic Package from Marriott

   
   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.

Click Here to Book a Romantic Valley Vineyards Package 

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.

Can't Wait for the hard hitting jousting action of the Ohio Renaissance Festival to return to Harveysburg in September? Well, the History Channel has heard your calls and plans to premiere "Full Metal Jousting," a new reality competition show that pits jousting knights against one another in February.

The show will be hosted by Shane Adams, otherwise known as Sir Shanton of Falcon's Hill to his brotherhood of knights in the Knights of Valour troupe. Shane, originally from Toronto, Ontario began his endeavor in the jousting business at Medieval Times, and eventually created his own travelling show. He now makes his home at the Ohio Renaissance Festival and can be seen year after year taking on other noble knights in front of throngs of shouting fans.

The show that he and his troupe put together feels like you're really in the 1600's watching knights battle for honor and the eye of the fair maidens. They use real chainmail, real barrel helmets and it only takes one viewing to realize the hits are real as well. It's this reality that viewers of the History Channel's series will see on a weekly basis beginning Feb. 12 at 10 p.m. As one competitor puts it, "This ain't no dinner show."

For a sneak peek of the show from the History Channel click here.
For more info regarding the Ohio Renaissance Festival be sure to visit: www.renfestival.com

It's that time of year again, the time when the smell of fires burning rises through chimneys, the trees turn vibrant colors and of course jack-o-laterns line front porches welcoming visitors. This year, we've compiled a few helpful tips to make your pumpkin carving experience as simple and enjoyable as possible.

1). Choosing a Pumpkin

Choose a large pumpkin. The larger the pumpkin, the easier it is going to be for you to carve, and the easier it is to carve the more creative you can get with your designs. When selecting a pumpkin be sure to avoid any pumpkins with bruises or moldy stems as they will spoil much faster. Pumpkins with a lighter color tend to be softer and easier to carve. You can find a perfect pumpkin as well as many other fun fall activities here.

2). Make a Lid

When cutting out the top of your jack-o-lantern, place the knife at an angle so that the lid will have a place to rest when you replace it. If you don't cut at an angle the lid will slide through to the hollow interior.

3). Cleaning Out the Guts

To clean out the "guts" it's best if you use a pumpkin carving set, but if you don't have one handy you can use a large, heavy metal serving spoon or ice cream scoop to scrape the insides. If you will be lighting the pumpkin, the back wall should be scraped as smooth as possible for optimal light reflection.

4). Preserve Your Pumpkin

To keep your pumpkin looking tip-top until it's big night on October 31st try soaking the cleaned pumpkin for a couple of hours in a bleach water solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon of water. Dry thoroughly, then rub inside and out, including all cut edges, with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to prevent shriveling.

5). Picking a Pattern

Beginners should select a simple, bold pattern and once you master these, you can move on to something more difficult. There are many sites online that will allow you to print off designs, and often times the the patch where you pick your pumpkin will have designs you can use.

6).Stenciling the Pumpkin

Once your desired pattern is selected, print out or draw the pattern on a piece of paper. Cutting slits in the side of the paper will help it to conform to the round surface. Use small sharp scissors or a razor knife to cut out the areas you will be carving into the pumpkin. Tape the template onto the pumpkin and use a marker to trace the carving lines.

7). Carving

Again, tools from a pumpkin carving set are best, but if not available, a long serrated knife will also work. Use a sawing motion and take your time cutting along the outside edge of the marker lines leaving no markings showing.

8). Make Lighting Your Pumpkin Easier

Instead of reaching down inside to turn on the light or light the candle, consider cutting off the bottom of the pumpkin, as well as the top. You can then easily lift the jack-o'-lantern up and light the candle inside.

9). A Safer Choice

A small battery-operated flameless candle is a safer choice than traditional candles for lighting your jack-o'-lantern, but if you will be using a real candle, be sure to leave the lid off to avoid any fire hazard.

10). Add Some Spice

Sprinkle the bottom side of the pumpkin lid with ground cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves to give your porch and home a seasonal scent.

We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any tips of your own please feel free to join the conversation by leaving a comment below.

If you're looking for other great fall activities in Warren County check out our Fall Festival Guide: Here.

Looking for something a little more spooky? Check out our list of Halloween events not to be missed.

From "Roses are red, violets are blue" to something slightly more heartfelt, valentine cards are the yardstick of self worth every February.

The appeal is not a recent phenomenon, as showcased in "Be Mine Valentine," a profile of 150 years worth of valentines on display at the Warren County Historical Society Museum in Lebanon. The exhibit features more than 500 valentines from the WCHS's collection, from 1850s to present day.

"In the late 1800s, collecting valentine post cards became a passion," said museum director Victoria Tappy.

The popularization of the color lithograph, which allowed for bright hues and intricate pictures to be printed on the love letters, made the first valentines possible and started a furor over them, Tappy said.

Many early valentines were particularly ornate, and some in the collection are even hand-crafted.

The early 20th century saw manufacturers discover the merchandising possibilities inherent in valentine cards, and the museum's collection includes tie-ins for Buster Brown shoes and a Toledo-based spice company.

"Be Mine Valentine" runs through Feb. 19 at the WCHS, 105 S. Broadway.

Snowland, the annual holiday celebration at Great Wolf Lodge, is a winter wonderland offering families the perfect (and warm) alternative to winter's falling temperatures. Hats, mittens and ear muffs not required!

One step through the front door begins your ultimate holiday adventure. Inside the Grand Lobby, your family will marvel at sparkling Christmas lights, bright stars, glowing icebergs, cascading snow, decorations, trees and wreaths that create the perfect winter wonderland.

Snowland offers a variety of activities adding to the family experience. Youngsters can earn a diploma and special gift inside North Pole University, a special area where kids can complete different arts and crafts projects.

Santa's Workshop will be open for business in the Cub Club, where kids can make holiday cards, write letters to Santa, create presents to give away and even learn how to wrap them!

When your kids aren't busy inside Santa's Workshop or North Pole University, they can enjoy their winter break with 84 degree water inside the Great Wolf Lodge's mammoth indoor waterpark, one of the largest indoor waterparks in Ohio! Leave the big, bulky sled and the steep hills behind and let your kids go wild, sliding head first down one of Great Wolf Lodge's captivating water slides, including the new Triple Twist!

Back on dry land, your kids can be whisked away into a world of fantasy during a game of MagiQuest, the first live-action video game of its kind inside a family resort. Follow your little wizards as they chase down pixies and monsters through the lodge, using their special wands to collect points and special powers.

Your ultimate winter getaway at Great Wolf Lodge culminates on New Year's Eve with Snowball, a special night of activities for the entire family. Ring in the New Year with your kids with face painting, arts & crafts, games, contests, plus a DJ and live music taking you all the way to a giant balloon drop to ring in the New Year.

Your Great Wolf Lodge family experience is just one of the many great winter happenings in Warren County. Complement your stay with awesome holiday shopping, plus a wide variety of unique holiday-themed events. See you soon for a winter getaway in Ohio's Largest Playground!

Each adult participant will be given a 6 1/2 inch sleigh bell to decorate, and children will receive a 4 1/2 inch sleigh bell. Paint a scene, a face, a design, a texture, you be the creator!

Anyone wishing to enter the Sleigh Bell Contest may pick up a bell at Picture This with a $10 deposit, which will be donated to Bridge Riding for the Disabled in your behalf.

The decorated bells need to be returned by November 28th in order to be displayed. During the week of November 29th come in and submit a vote for your favorite bell.

On Friday, December 3rd there will be on Open House Party from 6:30-9:30pm. Prizes will be awarded to the artists in many different categories. A silent auction will be held to buy your favorite bell and the proceeds will be donated to the Bridge Riding for the Disabled. The high bidders will be notified on Sunday and the bells may be picked up after December 5th.

Unique events are happening all fall in Waynesville, Ohio - the Antiques Capital of the Midwest.

World-renown artist, P. Buckley Moss, will hand-sign prints for fans at Canada Goose Gallery on October 22 & 23! The Canada Goose Gallery has the largest selection of Moss's artwork in the country. Plus, on Friday night, you can have dinner with Moss at Keepin' Country Farm, featuring live musical entertainment and a silent auction. So if you are a fan, you don't want to miss this special weekend.

The Museum at the Friends Home in downtown Waynesville is offering its popular Ghostly History Walking Tours again this fall to celebrate the season in hauntingly good fashion. The one-hour stroll highlights fascinating, historically-based legends from the area's unique past. Nearly all stories are first or second-hand accounts of personally experienced events that defy explanations, with the occasional local legend added in support.

As the calendar turn to November, get an early jump on decorating your home with Hearthwarming Holidays - November 5&6! The historic Village of Waynesville will be decorated with lights and the streets will be lined with luminaries. All of the wonderful specialty and antique shops in Waynesville will be fully decorated. Many will hold Open Houses with specials and refreshments. Plan to shop, eat and stroll Waynesville's charming streets till 8pm.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 17th and the Vintage & Vine event being hosted at Fort Ancient. This unique event will present this historic site in a new light full of fall color, fresh air, history and of course...wine! During this unique wine tasting (1-5pm), adults may sample more than a dozen wines and relax with live music. The $40 admission includes unlimited beverages and light hors d'oeuvres.

Wine isn't the only thing on the menu this day with two separate events also happening on the grounds. The Fall Earthworks Tour runs from noon-2pm and allows visitors to soak in the fall with a guided tour around the 2,000 year-old Hopewell Indian enclosure. And running from 2-4pm, there will be a vintage Base Ball game where players compete in vintage uniforms using original-style equipment and adhere to the old school rules! Both events are free with regular museum admisison.

About Fort Ancient

Fort Ancient is currently on the short list for inclusion to be nominated for World Heritage Status, making this unique prehistoric earthwork a global destination.

It's home to a 9,000 square-foot musuem perfect for kids with many "touchables" including a small shelter, a drum, and plenty of reproduced artifacts. There is also a pre-historic garden that depicts crops grown up to 2,000 years ago. Fort Ancient also offers over 2.5 miles of hiking trails, two scenic overlooks and a picnic area.

Shop in pink at Deerfield Towne Center on Saturday, September 11th to support breast cancer awareness month! Local radio station, Q102, will be on site from noon until 2pm with the prize wheel, and promoting store specials and Massage Envy's upcoming Massage for the Cure event on September 14th. The Susan G Komen Foundation will also be onsite taking registrations for the Race for the Cure!

Dress in pink and receive these great deals:

• Becoming Mom - 15% off retail products (up to $25)
• Cincinnati Bell - 50% off accessories
• Venetian Nails - $5 off Shellac, Gelish or Axxium gel manicure
• Wild Bird Center - 25% off any 1 item
• Yankee Candle - Buy 1, get 1 half off jars (Autumn Leaves, Autumn Wreat, & Spiced Pumpkin)

Other great weekend sales inlcude:

• Loft - Style Studio Event with up to 30% off (pick up flyer at Q102 booth)
• Coldwater Creek - $20 off purchase of $100; $30 off purchase of $150; $50 off purchase of $200
• Gymboree - Baby Sale with Denim for $20 and Graphic Tees for $10
• Lane Bryant - All pants $29.99
• White House/Black Market - 20% off entire purchase

If you love beautiful things, then Lebanon, Ohio is the place for you to be this weekend (June 26-27).

On Saturday June 26, visit the Warren County Arts Festival downtown on Mulberry Street as early as 10:00am to find a plethora of artists working in a variety of mediums and selling their creations. Its FREE and its fun and a great place to get a start on your Christmas shopping!

Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27, is the Lebanon Council of Garden Clubs annual Garden Tour. Buy your ticket for just $8.00 at the Lebanon Station on the corner of Broadway and South Street. Then tour 6 beautiful gardens throughout the area. Tours begin at 11:00 am and end at 5:00 pm.

When its time for lunch check out the new Garden Café inside the Lebanon Conference and Banquet Center (formerly the old post office). Doors open at 11:00 am. The Garden Café offers homemade salads, sandwiches and wraps plus cold drinks and dessert all for one low price. The proceeds benefit the Warren County History Center located next door. Your lunch purchase also gets you a "buy one get one free" coupon for tickets to the Historical Society's museum and Glendower historic mansion.

For more information about any of these events contact the Warren County Historical Society at 513-932-1817, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or visit www.wchsmuseum.org.