My first stop was Bartell’s where I thought I might find a box of Valentine’s for my 4 & 6 year olds. Seeing the shelves of Bartell Drugs adorned with sale signs was a stark reminder of the store’s closure that our neighborhood has been lamenting for a couple weeks now, but that was pale compared to what I learned when chatting with the owners of PETI and Cedarhouse Flowers, a women’s boutique and flower shop that cohabitate in a storefront on 45th street.
PETI’s owner, Magalí Corzo told me that about a week and a half ago, the shop fell victim to a brazen break-in, just days before the much-anticipated Valentine’s Day rush. The incident left the owner, grappling with the aftermath of stolen jewelry and the daunting task of repairing the broken door, all while trying to navigate the complexities of insurance claims.
For PETI, the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day are a popular time for the sale of jewelry, but this year, with the break in leaving her shelves bare, Magalí had to scramble to acquire more product, focusing on artists nearby who she knew could get her beautiful pieces quickly. I browsed the jewelry section and found items ranging from $20 to $200 — and lots that would be great for anyone looking for a last-minute gift!
For the Cedarhouse Flowers side of the shop, this is a VERY BUSY week! They empty most of the shop out so they can transform into creative cupids, curating the most beautiful flower arrangements for those who ordered in advance and prepare for lots of walk-ins. We will be cheering on these local businesses as they work to move forward. And if you see anyone who works here, let’s buy them a cocktail on February 15th!
If you are looking for something on the sweet side, Wallingford has several bakeries where you might secure cupcakes, macarons, and other tasty treats. I went into Grand Central Bakery for a loaf of their hearty campagnolo bread and noticed they had several items to woo the object of your affection — muffins, tarts and cookies with a bit of heart-shaped sweetness.
This is just where my morning walk took me. Where have you found goodies around the neighborhood?
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