Love is in the air in Downtown Berkley. Just ask Berkley Downtown Development Authority Director Jennifer Finney.
“Downtown Berkley is the first stop on Cupid’s list each Valentine’s Day, so you know you’ll find that gift that really speaks to you, the one that says, ‘That’s it! That’s perfect for her!’” Finney said. “We have an eclectic mix of more than fifty-five retailers and restaurants — many locally owned and operated. In many cases, shop owners started their hunt for one-of-a kind gifts that say ‘I love you’ last year, to help make sure this season of kindness and sharing would be much more special and items would be readily available.”
Handmade gifts, local artwork, fair-trade products and more can be found across Berkley’s downtown.
Tootie and Tallulah’s (2600 12 Mile Rd.), a fresh and lively gift, art and home consignment boutique, can help set the holiday mood with Michigan-made, clean burning soy candles from the Kalamazoo Candle Company, available in a large selection of scents. This boutique also offers shoppers a chance to cuddle up with their sweetheart over a warm beverage served in a set of whimsical ceramic, heart-adorned, oversized teacups with matching pots! https://www.tootieandtallulahs.com.
Host your own at-home Valentine’s Day party with the little ones and include a reading of beloved children’s books about this special holiday from Toadvine Books (2783 Coolidge Hwy.). Covet a book of Love Sonnets to read to your sweetheart? This is the perfect place to find it or even the new sought-after paperback book for your bibliophile Valentine.
On your way, visit Zalman’s Treasures (3875 12 Mile Rd.), to explore its custom designs, quality diamonds, and large selection of upscale sterling silver jewelry that fits everyone’s budget.
And though many couples, friends and family members may be celebrating a physically distant Valentine’s Day this year, Downtown Berkley businesses have it covered! Celebratory selections and fun ideas have evolved to accommodate those seeking to share traditional tokens of love and friendship, as well as those in search of a more virtual commemoration for Valentine’s Day.
Articipate (3833 12 Mile Rd.) champions the artist in everyone by welcoming both the beginning and practiced artist, with a range of exciting classes. Thanks to adventurous art instructors, online art learning is available, too. Offerings include the workshop “Clouds,” a 5-week online class in pastel painting, as well as an Intro to Art Class and Adventures in Art, which explores sculpture, print making, abstract art and glass fusion VALENTINES. Private lessons are available during daytime hours. Prices vary by online learning activity and information can be found at https://www.articipate.us. Giving a loved one the gift of art is a joy that can last forever.
Although things may look different this year, Cupid and his team will be stopping by one of Downtown Berkley’s restaurants, such as Republica (1999 Coolidge Hwy.), or Berkley Common (3087 12 Mile Rd.) to reserve a space in its outdoor igloos or on the patio and to explore dine-in or carry-out options. Another holiday “must” with your sweetie is the Neighborhood Shoppe (2833 12 Mile Rd.) for an extensive wine collection and Sydney Bogg’s Sweet Essentials (3233 W. 12 Mile Rd.) for handmade quality chocolates and confections made the old-fashioned way.
For more information about Downtown Berkley, including a complete list of businesses, visit https://downtownberkley.com.
