From floral shops to chocolate, Andrea Arth shares her favorite places around the community for a great Valentine’s at home.

Even without lockdowns and social distancing, Wilmington is stacked with local businesses that make staying at home dreamy. Here are some of my personal favorites:

Flowers

Check out Mother of Wild for lovely bouquets (they even have monthly subscriptions) or Castle Hayne Farms.

Chocolates

We love stopping in Kilwins downtown for something old-school like buckeyes or chocolate-covered pretzels. For something new, however, check out Mon Ame Chocolate and Wine Bar, where they are putting bourbon into chocolate among other flavors.

Hampstead and Surf City residents can pop into Burry Chocolates for a sampling of handmade chocolates, including some chocolate-covered fruits.

Ice Cream

Boombalatti’s Ice Cream is churning milk from North Carolina grass-fed cows into all sorts of flavors, and some you can buy by the pint and take home. But for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day? Might we suggest one of their ice cream pies?

The Tablescape

Our friend Heda of Heda The Table can create an entire tablescape design for your meal — and even one inspired by personality. She can meet virtually and help consult on what would be a magical, memory-making table.

Wine

Mon Ame (mentioned above) has excellent wine too. In addition, at Mon Ame, they can pair the wine with your chocolate or whatever is on the menu for dinner.

Dinner

Several local restaurants are sending you home with meal kits. So, take Floriana’s and indulge in lasagna, duck gnocchi with sweet potatoes, and more. Find Youtube videos online to assist in a take-home meal. At True Blue Butcher, grab a meal kit complete with oysters, steak, and vegetables, plus flowers, chocolates, and wine.