February 14

What’s Open and Closed on Valentine’s Day 2019?

February 10, 2019 By Jeffrey Strain 1 Comment

February 14, Valentine’s Day, is a day that many people celebrate, but it is not a federal holiday. What gets a bit confusing is Valentine’s Day sometimes lands on a weekend and it’s always near President’s Day weekend. Presidents’ Day (officially known as Washington’s Birthday) is a federal holiday, so many establishments close. For those who will be out and about, here’s what’s open and closed on Valentine’s Day this year.

Stores

Retail stores are open on Valentine’s Day. For all those who didn’t find the time to get their significant other a Valentine’s Day gift, you’ll be happy to know all major retailers will be open on February 14, so you can pick up a last minute gift. For those who love chocolate, it’s good to remember Valentine’s chocolate will be reduced by half or more on Sunday, and it can be a great time to pick up premium chocolate at a huge discount.

Restaurants and Eating Establishments

Restaurants and eating establishments are open on Valentine’s Day. Restaurants and other eating establishments will be open for business on February 14. In fact, some will have special Valentine’s Day menus to take advantage of all the couples celebrating the day. If you plan to eat out, it’s worthwhile to call ahead and make reservations. Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular evenings for people to eat out, so getting a seat without reservations may be difficult.

Stock Market

The stock market is open Valentine’s Day. The New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ composite both close on Saturday, and since Valentine’s Day lands on a Saturday, both will be closed this year. The stock markets are closed these days in 2019.

Libraries

Libraries are open on Valentine’s Day. Public community libraries will be open their normal hours on February 14, so you’ll be able to check out as many books as you’d like.

Public Schools

Schools are open on Valentine’s Day. Most public and private schools are open as usual.

National Parks

National Parks are open on Valentine’s Day. Take your sweetheart to a nearby National Park.

Federal Government Offices

Government offices are open on Valentine’s Day. Because Valentine’s Day isn’t a federal holiday, most government offices are open.

State and Local Government Offices

State and local government offices are open on Valentine’s Day. Much like the federal government, the majority of state and local government offices are open on Valentine’s Day.

Banking Institutions

Banking institutions are open on Valentine’s Day. While the vast majority of financial institutions, like banks and credit unions are closed on Sunday (with some exceptions), Valentine’s Day 2019 falls on a weekday, so banking institutions will be open.

Mail Delivery

You will get your mail delivered on Valentine’s Day.

For those who want gifts and cards to arrive on February 14, the post office will deliver mail on Valentine’s Day as it regularly. Both Federal Express (FedEx) and UPS will deliver packages on their typical Saturday schedules.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open on Valentine’s Day. Grocery stores will be open for business on the 14th, and they can be a great place to get last minute Valentine’s Day gifts, candy and flowers.

(Photo courtesy of Dave)

What’s Open and Closed on Valentine’s Day 2018

February 14, 2018 By Jackie Cohen 1 Comment

What’s open Valentine’s Day depends on what year it is. You’re in luck for 2018: Everything is open.

You’re wise to research whether things might be closed on V-Day because when the holiday falls closer to the weekend, it may overlap with President’s Day, or be close enough to that date for there to be closures.

Although V-Day is celebrated by a majority of the population, the government and businesses do not consider it a day to take off — or as Uncle Sam would say, President’s Day is a federal holiday but not Valentine’s Day.

What’s Open Valentine’s Day

So while everything is indeed open on Valentine’s Day, don’t expect that to be the case in 2021, when the holiday falls on a Saturday. That’s when government offices at all levels will be closed, and so will banks and the stock market — along with schools and some public libraries.

In 2022, Valentine’s Day will fall on a Sunday and then the post office will also be closed, so that will be the year to plan ahead for deliveries to arrive on February 13.

This year, it’s worth noting that stores are open for business as usual on Valentine’s Day this year so you can buy last minute gifts. If you’re a chocolate lover, you might want to hit the store on February 15 to get sweets on sale — even premium brands for up to half off.

Busy Night at Restaurants

Restaurants are open on Valentine’s Day most years, and it’s one of the busiest nights for the industry, so if you intend to take your sweetheart out for dinner, make reservations early so you don’t get locked out of your top choice.

Otherwise, you can always cook at home, especially because groceries are open on Valentine’s Day (and if your garbage is normally picked upon Wednesdays, that will happen as usual).

A variation on cooking at home: Picnic in the park if you live somewhere warm. Public parks are open on Valentine’s Day, but it’s not one of the days that national parks offer free admission in 2018.

Readers, what are you planning on Valentine’s Day?

Frugal Love

January 27, 2009 By M. Beddingfield 7 Comments

Romance doesn’t come wrapped in red foil and stuffed in a heart – shaped box. Chocolate is nice but not the best idea for someone watching their weight. And while we’re on that subject; one size does not fit all, so be careful buying clothes for your loved one. When it comes to making a woman feel special, it really is the thought that counts.

So guys listen up – women like little corny things just as much as they like big extravagant presents. You can make this a Valentine’s Day to remember and it doesn’t have to empty your wallet. I’m going to share a few frugal ideas with you, but feel free to improvise and kick things up a notch with your own personal touch.

Have your love’s car detailed or do it yourself: Make sure the inside is as clean and nice as the outside. Don’t forget to include a nice scent that you know she will enjoy. Add the ultimate guy touch and check all the fluids, tire pressure and fill the gas tank while you are at it.

Take a day off and clean the house from top to bottom: A nice, sweet, clean house is a known aphrodisiac for many women.

If there is a list of chores that she has wanted you to do for months, now would be a good time to complete that list. She doesn’t like to nag and you don’t like to hear it. Clearing away the chores makes way for other, more pleasurable pursuits.

If she has a favorite hobby or pastime but doesn’t get to indulge in it very often, show her that you care by either creating leisure time for her or purchasing a gift card that she can spend however she wants: This is a thoughtful endearing way to let her know you understand and support her interests.

Do something just for her: It has to be something that you wouldn’t normally do, like agreeing to watch that chick flick with subtitles and let her sob on your shoulder when the wimpy hero dies.

Create an evening or off day with absolutely no pressures or distractions: Turn off all phones and let her rest, even sleep if that’s what she needs. Order takeout or prepare a simple meal, draw a hot bath and lay out her comfy clothes. Don’t let her lift a finger to do anything. She will appreciate the opportunity to rest and recharge.

Treat her like you did when you were first dating: Try to remember what it was like way back when. Open doors for her and extend more than just common courtesies. Look into her eyes and tell her how pretty she is. Flip the switch on that old, boyish charm and let her have it full force.

If you feel you must succumb to commercialism and buy her flowers, at least consider something beyond roses: A potted plant is nice and it keeps on giving. If she has a favorite flower, like daisies or carnations, show that you are paying attention and buy those instead of roses. From the frugal aspect of flower buying, you’ll find that a discount store such as Wal-Mart or grocery florist will have much cheaper flowers that are just as pretty as an expensive florist. Or consider giving her one perfect rose in her favorite color – one perfect flower for your one perfect love.

Recreate a special shared memory: Be it the spot where you had your first kiss or the first time you said I love you. Every relationship has memorable moments. Show her you treasure those moments as much as she does. Women adore this kind of stuff.

Ask her what she wants: Snuggle up in a comfortable spot, turn off the TV and find out what she really wants. Look deep into her eyes and reconnect. It may be that simply spending some quality time together is all she needs. Time is a cheap commodity but sadly lacking in many busy relationships. Give her your undivided attention and reap the rewards.