The holiday most associated with professions of love has fallen on State College and the weekend, and turnout for couples at local businesses is expected to be high.
Local restaurants are preparing for the normal crowd for Valentine's Day, but many establishments said they may be looking at bigger crowds.
"I think [the turnout] will be a little better than last year because it falls on a Friday," said Wes Shively, manager of The Corner Room, 100 W. College Ave. "Not only are we expecting the couples, but also different sporting events that bring people here on the weekends."
The Corner Room does not offer reservations, he said.
The Nittany Lion Inn, 200 W. Park Ave., however, has more than 330 reservations for today's festivities. Most of the reservations are for pairs rather than large parties.
"More couples have made reservations," said Steve Truong-Cao, a dining room employee. "Valentine's Day lands on a Friday, and we also have our seafood specialty buffet -- maybe that is why there is a large couple turnout."
Both restaurants said they aren't doing anything out of the ordinary for Valentine's Day, except for dinner specials. The Nittany Lion Inn, however, will have a live pianist instead of recorded music playing during dinner.
While restaurants are expecting larger turnouts, employees at Matthew's Hallmark, in Nittany Mall and Woodring's Floral Gardens, 145 S. Allen St., said sales have been lower this year compared to other years for Valentine's Day.
"Maybe it is because of the nationwide security alert, but the cold weather had a bearing on our selling situation too," said Stephanie Woodring, manager at Woodring's Floral Garden.
She also said flowers are still a popular gift for Valentine's Day.
"So far, spring flowers like lilies and irises are popular," Woodring said. "But Valentine's Day is a traditional red rose holiday, and that is what we have sold the most."
Matthew's Hallmark, like Woodring's, said the weather has contributed to lower sales this Valentine's Day.
"But this past week, the sales are back up to where they should be," said Becca Mann, assistant manager at Matthew's Hallmark.
Some students plan on going home instead of staying in State College with their significant others to celebrate the holiday.
"My boyfriend and I are going into New York City for dinner -- where I am from -- for the weekend," said April Seroda (senior-telecommunications). "I think it is more important to spend quality time together. ... I don't need flowers or jewelry to show that he loves me."
