WEST MILFORD It comes around every year, but many merchants say it always seems to take half the population by surprise. Tuesday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day, a holiday that according to The History Channel has a rather murky history. The Catholic Church recognizes three different St. Valentines all martyrs and each with their own legend, any of which could have been the start of today’s romantic holiday. Whatever the true origin, the modern day celebration of cards and gifts has been going on for hundreds of years. However, many people (mostly men) tend to shop for Valentine’s Day at the last minute namely, on Valentine’s Day. Here is a brief run down of what a few of the various merchants in the area have to offer: Battinelli’s Garden Shoppe Located on Greenwood Lake Turnpike. Offers a full assortment of fresh flowers (a dozen roses start at $30), candy, handmade craft jewelry, candles, bath and body products and gifts for kids. Open until 8 p.m. on Valentine’s Day Essentials Skin and Body Spa Located on Union Valley Road. Pamper your partner with a gift certificate (available for $25 and up) good for massage, hot stone massage, facials, waxing, reflexology or professional make-up application. For more information, call 973-728-2666. Eva’s Card and Gifts Located in the A&P Plaza on Bershire Valley Road. Gifts starting at under $10. Offers custom jewelry, Lennox hand-blown glass, frogs, frames, candles, plush, candy and balloons. Open until 9 p.m. on both Valentine’s Day and the day before. Fitzula’s Gift Shop Located in the Bearfort Shopping Village. Offers Swarovski crystal and jewelry, Precious Moments collectibles, Lennox china and collectibles, Fenton art glass and Colonial At Home candles. Will be open until 8 p.m. I Love Lily’s Located on Route 23 between Oakridge and Clinton Roads. Full flower service, including many different color roses, a gourmet chocolate line (Chocoholic & Co.), custom made baskets of bath and body products, plush, Old Virginia Candle Co. soy candles, mylar balloon bouquets. A dozen long-stemmed chocolate roses is $24.99. Open late on Valentine’s Day. Kosco Harley Davidson Located on Route 23. For the really generous lover, there’s the choppers themselves, but for everyone else: motorcycle-related clothing, collectibles, jewelry, boots, helmets and special chrome and parts. Giving out roses with purchase. Open until 8 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Wagner Airways Located in the Greenwood Lake Airport. For the adventurous valentine there is an introduction to flight lessons available for $95. Call for more information. 973-728-2100. West Milford Party Store Located in Bearfort Shopping Village. Balloon bouquets complete with stuffed animal starting at $12.95. Themed decorations and tableware, etc, lots of boxed kids’ valentine sets. West Milford Animal Shelter Located on Lycosky Drive. There are plenty of cuddly cats to choose from here, but animal experts recommend that if you intend to give a live animal as a pet you bring the reciepient with you.