Growing up on the east coast, Valentine’s Day was a bright red and pink burst of cheer in a seemingly endless gray winter. Here in the land of blue skies and sunshine, you can stroll our winding streets and find no end of shops and cafes that will help you feel the love and bring joy to your heart this Valentine 2013 season.

Many of our stores touch on Valentine’s, but there are certain ones that specialize in all things red, pink, hearts and chocolate. Here’s a suggested afternoon of heart and candy fun that will surely be memorable.

Start at the Montrose Candy Co. (2317 Honolulu Ave.). Upon entering, you will experience the intoxicating aroma of chocolate and candy as well as a visual Valentine wonderland. XOXO chocolate bars with a special poem inside, Seattle Chocolate truffle bars, Hershey kisses – large & small, stuffed Valentine’s bears, chocolate roses, Sugar Daddy & Sugar Babies, Valentine cards, heart tins filled with kisses, heart-shaped lollipops, Jelly Belly Cupid corn, and a big selection of red and pink candies all await you! And if that’s not enough, watch for Delectable Chocolate premium chocolates in gourmet flavors. You can pick your selection and have them boxed up for a custom Valentine’s gift! Doesn’t that sound like fun!?

After your candy experience, head on over to Mountain Rose Gifts (3808½ Ocean View Blvd.) where they specialize in Valentine collectables. You’ll find FiFi the French poodle with her nose in the air and dressed as a pink ballerina taking center stage in the window. Fifi is just the beginning of the novelty Valentine cheer you will find inside. 2013 brings a whole new cast of Valentine characters displayed on a selection of heart shaped runners and table toppers. There’s nothing like walking out with your own heart wrapped gift bag filled with goodies.

Take a few steps around the corner to Montrose’s famous fun store, Critters (2277 Honolulu Ave.). This is the place to get your gorgeously detailed papyrus Valentine’s cards, hilarious recycled Valentine’s cards, and scratch and sniff Valentines for your children to give to friends. Yes, Valentine cards have come a long way. It’s also the place to pick up that whimsical gift.

For kids, check out TY’s Beanie Boo stuffed animals with giant adorable eyes. For men: hilarious sexy bottle openers and magic growing boxers in novelty prints. For women: Cute travel tumbler cups for coffee on the run, funny flasks for nighttime fun, adorable heart jewelry in natural stone and metal designs, and delicious smelling soy candles from Bridgewater.

The perfect end to this shopping spree is to treat yourself to a little cupcake or three from Polkatots Cupcakes. I don’t know what their secret is except to say they have the perfect blend of icing and fresh, moist cake. There are always a variety of flavors and special Valentine cupcakes are coming soon.

It’s easy to fall in love in the Montrose Shopping Park!