It’s the season of romance and what better way to show your affection, appreciation, and love to your sweetheart than shopping local this Valentine’s season gifting a slice of the Finger Lakes.
Whether you’re a classic romantic who buys flowers and chocolates or you’re looking for something a little more personalized or unique, we’ve recommended some ideas for gift giving this sweet time of year.
Sweet Treats
There’s no sweeter gift than a sugary confections for your significant other whether you’re looking for a classic box of chocolates, favorite old fashioned candies, or a beautiful cake. Our region and small towns are full of bakeries and candy shops where you can find the perfect sweet treat.
In Corning, Dimitiri’s Confectionery Treats on Market Street offers homemade Ghirardelli dipped goodies, gift baskets, nostalgic candy, bulk candy, and sugary themed gifts perfect for giving to someone special. Across the street, visit Laurabelle’s Cupcakery to find scratch-made baked goods that are as pretty as they are delicious.
In Penn Yan you can find over 100 varieties of old fashioned candies and treats at the Keuka Candy Emporium as well as gourmet fudge, flavored sodas, and candy gift baskets.
For locally based sweets, stop by Fuddy Duddy’s Fudge & More in Owego’s charming downtown. Fuddy Duddy’s specializes in delicious, sweet treats sourced from regional ingredients and suppliers such as fresh fudge, chocolate covered goodies, and even gift baskets along with a unique candy selection.
For everything sweet from gorgeous custom cakes in a variety of flavors to freshly made gourmet chocolates also located in Owego is Sweet Valley Chocolates & Bakery.
Local Florists
A timeless classic and gift fit for anytime of year is always a fresh bouquet of beautiful flowers. Personalize your bouquet of flowers by picking out a custom floral arrangement in your beau or belle favorite color or flower or choose from an already made bouquet at one of our local florists in the region.
In Elmira, Chamberlain Acres Garden Center & Florist offers not only beautiful floral arrangements, but also an entire nursery and garden store where you can find the perfect gift for anyone with a green thumb.
House of Flowers in Corning is a family operated florist offering a daily assortment of fresh flowers and creative floral designs and arrangements.
In Hammondsport, Magnolia Barn Florist creates gorgeous fresh or silk flower arrangements along with customized gift baskets.
Plan the Perfect Date Night
A romantic gesture doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy fancy gifts, you can create a memorable date and experience at home together. Plan to watch your favorite movie alongside a homemade wine and cheese pairing spread using local ingredients or order take out and make some fun cocktails at home together using some of our region’s local products like these delicious red wine cocktail recipes or fortified wine cocktail recipes that are a great addition for a cozy and romantic night in.
Small Gifts & Treasures
If you’re looking for something a little more personalized to your partner’s personality or options other than the traditional chocolates and roses, there are several wonderful independently owned gift shops and boutiques in all of our small towns throughout the region where you can find that special something for that special someone.
The Starving Artist in Penn Yan designs one of a kind woodwork gifts and home furnishings made from wine barrels from signs, tables, to serving trays plus an array of home goods in their storefront. If there is anything that you’ve always dreamed of bringing to your home or you want something with a personalized message, they can create custom gifts and furnishings as well.
Hector Handmade along Seneca Lake offers a lovely curated collection of artisan wares by local artists and craft makers that are perfect for gift giving. During the winter months their roadside gift shop and gallery are open on the weekends, or you can always visit them at their online store.
The Shops at the Corning Museum of Glass sells beautifully crafted glassware and pieces of art that are made inhouse by artists and professional glass makers as well as a large collection of home decor items, handmade jewelry, and educational materials all about glass making available for sale.
The Goat Boy Gift Shop in Owego offers a variety of women’s clothing and accessories including hand bags and jewelry as well as home decor items and luxury bath and body products that always make great gifts!
Plan a Romantic Getaway
Give the romantic gift that keeps on giving by planning a romantic trip for you and your sweetheart in Finger Lakes Wine Country. The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars offers guests a cozy stay at their 30-room inn where every room overlooks their vineyards and beautiful Seneca Lake. Enjoy a meal at Veraisons Restaurant or enjoy a tasting experience at Glenora Wine Cellars, all on the same campus.
Take advantage of savings and book the Wine Weekday Package at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. This package offers complimentary tastings at many wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and overnight accommodations at the beautiful Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.
See some of the charming B&Bs in the region that offer a chance for a romantic staycation together.
Many of the accommodation options in the region are currently only available at limited capacity for guests' health and safety. If this is something you’re interested in, we recommend booking in advance and calling the property directly to learn about their health and safety protocols in place. Another option would always be to get a voucher for future use!
