Elizabeth Wood, an employee at Allo! Chocolat, 234 W. Main St., packs a gift basket at the shop Tuesday. The store is one of several downtown Waukesha businesses offering Valentine’s Day specials this week.

WAUKESHA - 
Whether it’s a hand-dipped chocolate strawberry or an overnight romantic hotel package, downtown Waukesha is gearing up to offer romance to its customers this Valentine’s Day weekend.

The Waukesha Business Improvement District helped to organize 11 downtown businesses for a special Valentine’s Day collaboration. BID Executive Director Karen Richards is encouraging people to spend a romantic weekend in downtown Waukesha.

"They can enjoy themselves and support their local economies. The local businesses are owned by local residents, so the dollars spent stay in the local economy much longer," she said.

And a variety of offerings have been scheduled by those local merchants.

"There are so many unique opportunities to express your love, everything from Valentine popcorn to luscious chocolate and an evening out," BID Executive Director Karen Richards said.

Restaurants, gift shops, a bar and a hotel are all offering some Valentine-themed specials.

Allo! Chocolat is offering fresh-dipped chocolate strawberries, melt-away chocolate hearts, special truffles that bear romantic words and molded chocolate hearts. There is also the traditional red felt Valentine boxes with chocolates.

"The strawberries and truffles are always elegant," Allo! Chocolat owner Carrie Igielski said.

She said the busiest days will be Friday and Saturday, with men tending to buy closer to Valentine’s Day. Women will also buy gummies and other fun treats for the kids, she said.

At Cuddles Hallmark, Valentine cards, jewelry and love-themed plush animals are part of the holiday gift ideas.

"We help people pick out the perfect gift for their sweetheart," Cuddles owner Sally Shoemaker said.

She said most customers shop in the few days surrounding Valentine’s Day.

"It’s a fun day," Shoemaker said. "It’s a much more compact selling period."

At Coffee ‘n Beans, business owner Debbie Kading created some romantic-themed beverages: Red Hot and She’s So Fine lattes and Chocolate-Covered Strawberry and Raspberry Delight mochas.

"We take a lot of care and a lot of pride in making our drinks," she said.

Kading said she hopes the special drinks will bring in customers who might stop at the coffee shop before a movie or dinner.

"You get some quality alone time," she said.

Generations at 5 Points is still developing some special drink mixes for the weekend that will include a hibiscus drink and a new chocolate-covered cherry martini. Musicians Mike Heinrich and John Taylor are also set to perform.