Special to Town Crier
For those romantics, who are nonetheless ill-prepared for Valentine's Day this Sunday, here are some last-minute gift ideas.
Downtown Los Altos
If you agree that nothing exists unless it's on paper, a visit to local book stores, such as Heintzelman's Bookstore on State Street, may be helpful. Owner Conrad Heintzelman suggested lovers' classics, "Sonnets from the Portuguese" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and "101 Nights of Great Romance," by Laura Corn.
How about some red socks with red and white hearts to keep your feet warm at night? Linda Bellagio, at Calla's, suggests pajamas with a heart design.
Lynda Newlon, at Acacia C, is celebrating National Brighton Week. Newlon said customers can purchase a Brighton brand and receive a free gift.
David Stine, at A Place for Flowers, has long-stem Ecuadorian roses, dish and basket gardens.
At Earthworks, Lindsey Blackman said a diamond sapphire bracelet set in platinum would be a "marvelous" Valentine gift.
For dinner, there's plenty of fine Los Altos restaurants from which to choose. Ristorante Prima Strada on First Street offers a special dinner menu and strolling musicians to boot.
At Rancho Shopping Center
Brian Bacher, at Rancho Swiss Bakery, is making special heart-shaped sugar cookies and chocolate decadence cake in the shape of a heart.
Leonard Rodriques, the departing store manager at Andronico's Market, said the market has boxes of conversation hearts at every register.
Mark Zarzycko, at TV Associates, has a movie for stay-at-home lovers. He recommended "Dangerous Beauty," a love story featuring Jacqueline Bisset.
Paolo Pecora, co-owner of Rancho Jewelers, has heart-shaped lockets in the display case, but suggests Valentine's Day is a wonderful day for a woman to receive an engagement ring.
Editor's note: The writer selected the above stores at random. His choices do not necessarily reflect those of the Town Crier, nor are they connected with any advertising in this newspaper.