Celebrate Valentine's Day in Talladega - Find Talladega area shops and restaurants for gifts and dining

On February 14 sweethearts in Talladega will join millions across America in a centuries’ old tradition of exchanging valentines, but this holiday as we now understand it has come a long and mysterious way since its first beginnings.

A brief history of Valentine’s Day:

- In 500 AD, the Catholic Church installed a Saint’s Day to honor a martyr named Valentine.

- Overshadowing a Pagan festival called Lupercalia that lasted from February 13 - 15 and involved matching-making and fertility rituals may have been the actual motive.

- While no less than three Valentines have been identified, their biographies became so mixed-up and conjectural over time that the Saint’s Day was eventually discarded on all but secular calendars.

- One Valentine is remembered for defying the Roman Emperor Claudius II, who forbade young men to wed in the 3rd Century under the belief that bachelors made more effectual soldiers. Valentine, believing the command to be unjust, continued to wed young lovers in secret.

- Others say Valentine was a liberator of persecuted Christian prisoners. While awaiting execution for his crime, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. He performed a miracle by restoring the blind girl’s vision and signed his farewell letter with the very first “From Your Valentine.”

Whatever the truth behind these theories, it seems there was a need for a holiday dedicated solely to love, as Valentine’s Day has now come to be celebrated. It’s a time to let the heart speak out, whether for the first time or, just once more with emphasis. And that romantic day is approaching again.

Thankfully, signs of affection are as much welcome today by lovers as by friends, so you don’t need a sweetheart to join in. And letting someone know they’re in your thoughts is as easy as giving a valentine.

Whether you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day card that’s flirty, funny, or friendly, you can find it at one of these Talladega area card sellers:

View all Greeting Card Stores in Talladega .

Some classics never fail, like flowers. Any Talladega area florist shop is sure to be brimming with romantic roses and other cheerful blooms this time year. Here’s where to look around Talladega:

View all Florists in Talladega .

Heart-shaped or wrapped in foil, Valentine’s Day chocolates are a mainstay gift. Sort through the selection at a Talladega area sweet shop:

View all Candy and Confectionary Shops in Talladega .

Find the perfect Valentine’s Day date spot at one of these Talladega area restaurants:

View all Restaurants in Talladega .

Swapping valentines is huge among schoolmates, so if you’ve got kids but don’t feel like shopping in bulk, pick up some arts & crafts supplies at a crafts store near Talladega:

View all Arts and Crafts Shops in Talladega .