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Love is in the Air at Buckhorn Inn
February 14, St. Valentine’s Day, is a day for celebrating love. In addition to the United States, the holiday also is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Denmark, Italy and Japan.
According to a survey done by Hallmark, more than 141 million cards are sent each Valentine’s Day. http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/valentines-day-facts This number excludes the packaged Valentines that children exchange in the classroom. This same research shows that more than half of these cards are purchased in the week leading up to the holiday.
Origins of February 14 as a Day of Love
The medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer may have inspired Valentine’s Day as a day for lovers with his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules”. The poem refers to February 14 as the day when birds (and humans) search for a mate. His work links traditions of courtly love with the feast of St. Valentine.
Charles, Duke of Orleans, is credited with writing the oldest known Valentine. He wrote a poem to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. This poem currently is part of the collection of the British Library in London.
While Richard Cadbury did not patent the heart-shaped box of chocolate, experts agree he likely was the first to produce it in England in 1840. In a stroke of marketing genius, he promoted the boxes as having a dual purpose. They were so beautiful that after the chocolates were eaten they could be used to store love letters and other trinkets. The boxes grew increasingly detailed and elaborate. That is until World War II. Sugar was rationed, so the candy-giving aspect of the holiday was scaled down.
If you have not yet found the perfect token of affection for your Valentine, we can help! Our Valentine’s package includes a night in a cozy cottage or a luxurious premier room, both with fireplace. You and your sweetie will enjoy a delicious four-course dinner. The next morning you will enjoy a hearty breakfast in the dining room, or delivered to your accommodation. This $265 package is available through the end of February. Just let us know if you would like to add wine and a dozen roses to your experience.
Wishing you a special Valentine’s Day!
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