FEBRUARY 12, 2010FEBRUARY 12, 2010

Every year couples debate how to spend their Valentine’s Day. The guy frets about how much money he may have to spend, while the girl hopes for a romantic night. Luckily, Des Moines has plenty of options at pretty reasonable prices.

am going on a date with my boyfriend. We’re going out to eat and probably to a movie, it will be a nice romantic night out,” Jessica Mitchell, nursing sophomore said.

The Des Moines Botanical Center is hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner on February 13, and 14, offering a romantic and elegant evening, surrounded by the beautiful plants and flowers according to http://www.botanicalcenter.com/. The charge is $60 per person but is all-inclusive. The menu consists of variety of food with different choices for entrees and sides. Also included is complimentary beer, and wines. The seating for this event is limited and reservations can be made by calling 323-6289. Doors for the dinner open at 6 p.m. and food will be served at 7 p.m.

For a less expensive dinner, both locations of Gateway Market are offering take-home

dinners for two for the occasion. February 12-14, dinners can be ordered ranging

from $19.99 to $32.99 that can include steak, chicken, and crab. Each dinner

would include two twice baked potatoes, two garden salads, and one-half pound of sauted broccolini, so people can enjoy a fancy meal for a reasonable price from the comfort of their own home.

“In the past my boyfriend has gotten me flowers, but we normally don’t go out to eat or anything,” Alex Olson, nursing junior, said. “This year we have

been invited to go out to dinner with a group of

people.” If you find yourself

looking for something to do outside despite the bitter cold on Valentines Day, you can cuddle with your date during a sleigh ride. Jester Park Equestrian Center offers h o r s e - d r a w n

sleigh rides including

h o t

chocolate and a flower according to their website at www.jesterparkec.com. The sleighs can accommodate up to four people but reservations are required and can be made by calling 515-999-2818. The price of a sleigh ride is $50 but would be a great way to get outside in the winter.

For dinner and some music try the Fourth Street Theatre. The theatre is hosting a Sweetheart Dance with a 50’s themed buffet dinner at 6 p.m. Then at 8 p.m the Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50’s Band will play. The price is $30 per person and is held both Feb. 12 and 14. This event has also been chosen as the Datebook and Metromix Editor’s Choice.

For couples willing to get up early on the Feb. 13, a Sweetheart Pancake Breakfast will be served by Maple Grove United Methodist Church in West Des Moines. This event is has a free admission, but offerings will be accepted. It begins at 8 a.m and ends at 11 a.m. For a free breakfast waking up earlier may be worth it.

If you are willing to travel, the town of Perry is hosting a “Chocolate Walk.” Participants pay $5 for one or $8 for two and are able to sample delectable chocolates at participating stores in the Perry area. These stores will be offering everything from chocolate cheesecake, hot chocolate, chocolate covered strawberries and much more. The walk begins at 10 a.m on Feb. 13 and concludes at 4 p.m that day.

Interested in just seeing a play, six shorts by Anton Chekhov, will be performed at the Des Moines Social Club titled “Love and Other Matters.” The shorts include, “The Ninny,” “A Reluctant Tragic Hero” and “The Proposal.” Admission is $30 for two adults and show times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 14.

However, Grand View’s Viking Theatre will have a performance of the “Vagina Monologues” Feb.13 at 7:30 p.m. for those looking for a bit of entertainment on campus.

“On Saturday I have the Vagina Monologues, and then Sunday Dustin is taking me to Ohana’s Steakhouse,” Keyla Spahr, theatre arts and music sophomore, said.

Some students are going the traditional route of dinner and a movie while others are spending their time differently.

Jamie Gillman, criminal justice sophomore, said she will be going out to dinner and a movie with her boyfriend.

“Well I’m going to Tim McGraw concert that night with my boyfriend and friends for Valentine’s Day I believe,” Ashten Vonnahme,pre-

nursing freshman, said. Also going to the Tim McGraw concert,

is Kelsey Sheeks,sports management sophomore and her boyfriend Chase

Williams, sports management junior. “Then on Sunday we’re going to

Olive Garden and if the weather holds up ice skating too,” Sheeks said.

Ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza downtown is another outside option for less than a sleigh ride. If you go

before 8 p.m. admission is $3 otherwise it is $4.50 and renting a pair of skates costs $2.50.

Americans consume 27 pounds of candy per person, per year.

Total value of shipments in 2007 for firms producing chocolate and cocoa products is $14.4 billion.

U.S. chocolate manufacturers use about 3.5 million pounds of whole milk every day to make chocolate.

U.S. chocolate manufacturers use about 3.5 million pounds of whole milk every day to make chocolate.

Chocolate is America’s favorite flavor. A recent survey revealed that 52 percent of U.S. adults said they like chocolate best.

U.S. chocolate manufacturers currently use 40 percent of the almonds produced in the United States and 25 percent of domestic peanuts.

Sixty-five percent of American chocolate eat-ers prefer milk chocolate.

The melting point of cocoa butter is just below the human body temperature (98.6 degrees)— which is why it literally melts in your mouth.

1,233 locations produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2007. These establishments employed 38,794 people.

Older children are significantly more likely to prefer chocolate than younger children.