KALONA

Life is like a box of chocolates, Forrest Gump’s mama said, and this Saturday in Kalona offers the opportunity to try a whole bunch of sweet treats. But unlike those mass-produced samplers, we can tell you exactly what you’re going to get.

Feb. 10 will be the town’s second annual Love Kalona day, an occasion to enjoy yourself solo, with a partner or BFFs, or with the kiddos. Sales and specials will be offered by downtown businesses, and fun activities will make the day one to remember.

“We’re encouraging a relaxing day and a little treat yourself,” Tonia Poole, director of the Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce, says of the event. “Or shop for [your] loved ones.”

You might start your day with a Valentine specialty drink at Kalona Coffee House. Then head over to the Kalona Public Library, where indoor mini-golf for all ages begins at 10 a.m. You’re not obligated to make a donation, but if you do, you’ll support the library’s Summer Reading Program and other fun activities provided for kids and teens.

If all that club-swinging leaves your muscles sore, head over to Kalona Chocolates, where massage therapists, including Tanner McClenahan from Champion Massage Therapy in Washington, will be on hand to help you work out the kinks. While you’re there, pick up that box of actual chocolates and earn double rewards.

Once you’re feeling good, you’ll be looking good, so you’ll want to drop by the photo booth at Best of Iowa and commemorate the moment. Enjoy a bit of wine tasting there before checking out the specials and treats at other downtown shops, such as Vintage Chic and Timeless Charm. If crafting is on your mind, don’t miss the opportunity to save money at shops like Stitch N Sew Cottage and Willow Creek Quilting & Gifts.

Not relaxed enough? Eden Salon and Spa is offering a 20% discount on sauna packages. Sweat out those toxins before getting ready for a romantic dinner out at Tuscan Moon, Kalona Brewing Company, or HIM Hearth -N-Home. Contact Fresh! Award Winning Floral Design and have a gorgeous bouquet waiting on your table.

And definitely don’t miss out on a free carriage ride downtown from 3- 6 p.m., thanks to the sponsorship of Hardman Painting, Lambs & Ivy Play Café, and Beatty-Peterseim Funeral & Monument Services.

Wherever you go, be sure to enter the gift basket drawing; you can enter your name at each participating location.

“The more stores you go to, the more chances to win,” Poole says. “We’ll draw a name and somebody gets the whole shebang, and there’s some pretty good stuff in there.”

Pretty good, indeed: a Tuscan Moon gift certificate, a Valentine-themed table runner, books from Iowa Family Counseling, bath salts and lotions, and a host of other gift cards to area businesses are included in the gift basket. The lucky winner even receives a gift subscription to The News.

For a complete list of activities and participating businesses, including a couple with online-only specials, visit the Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or at KalonaChamber.com.