Storefronts decorated in hearts and lace. Mannequins sporting sexy red lingerie. Roses suddenly tripling in price. These signs can only mean one thing -- Cupid's coming to Happy Valley.

Flowers and chocolate may be the staples of Valentine's Day, but State College offers other romantic options for celebrating the day with loved ones.

Liz Araman (senior-communications science and disorders) said Valentine's Day is a day to share with the people she loves.

"It's my favorite holiday," Araman said. "It's so happy whether you have someone or not, it's about celebrating the people you love."

Araman said that anyone could enjoy Valentine's Day, whether they have a significant other or not.

"You can get a group of girls together and go see a show, like The Vagina Monologues, and celebrate being single," she said.

Araman believes the most important thing is to share the day with those you love.

"It's more than couple love," she said. "It's about love in all its forms."

One important part of a relationship is touch and the Central Pennsylvania School of Massage, 336 Fraser St., provides massages, facials, aromatherapy and other spa treatments.

School of Massage President Julie Wolin said the clinic is a popular destination for couples around Valentine's Day.

"Our massage clinic is popular not only for male/female couples, but for anyone and things like girls' day out and sport massages too," Wolin said. "Everybody benefits from massage. The greatest gift you can give someone is health."

The clinic also offers gift certificates if finding time right now seems impossible, Wolin said. She also said that massages start at under $30 for two people.

Since the 14th falls on a Tuesday this year, it may be hard to find time to celebrate between studying and classes.

Located about 18 miles east of State College, Penn's Cave is home to an all-water cavern and may provide a unique weekend retreat.

Jeanne Schleiden, president of Penn's Cave, said visitors can enjoy a cavern tour guided by boat.

"We get a lot of couples because it's something different and you can snuggle up closely and go for a nice ride," Schleiden said. "If it's milder out, you can also have a winter picnic in one of our shelters."

Penn's Cave is open on the weekends during February for cavern tours. Schleiden said the cavern remains at a constant 52 degrees year round, and the motorboat tour winds through the ancient caverns. The tour usually lasts about an hour and costs under $12 for one adult.

Visitors also tour the lake and can pan for gems.

If a nature-filled Valentine's Day seems like the way to go, then hiking Mount Nittany may be the perfect activity.

"I hiked Mount Nittany with my boyfriend once for an anniversary," Araman said. "If you have time and a car you could also go away someplace for a weekend. Maybe take a road trip someplace, like the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania."

If cold weather isn't an issue, packing a thermos of hot chocolate and stargazing can also make for a relaxing night. Penn State's Astronomy Club also provides stargazing on the roof of the Davey Lab, every clear Friday night.

For those who want to enjoy a nice evening of quality time out of the cold, Araman suggests cooking dinner together, instead of going out.