EPHRATA — Valentine's Day is coming up tomorrow and Harrison’s Diamonds, The Glamour Garage and 1:49 Designs all have a few ideas to help locals celebrate the holiday. 

“Valentine's Day isn’t just for people in relationships. It’s a day of love, which includes self-love,” Glamour Garage owner Allison Scott said. “I try to spread a lot of awareness on self-care and self-love and building your own confidence within yourself.” 

Glamour Garage has three Valentine's Day spa packages including “whiten and brighten” one-hour teeth whitening, mini glow facial and lip treatment. The second package is “love at first glow,” which is a 90-minute custom cocktail facial, extended massage, scalp massage, collagen hand treatment and hand massage. The third package is for the men called the “gentleman’s retreat,” and includes a 60-minute facial, beard treatment, scalp treatment, deep exfoliation and optional brow grooming.  

Scott suggested looking at gifting experiences rather than items that can just take up space. Local salons and spas offer a chance to spoil loved ones. 

“We offer an experience or relaxation. We are a local business,” Scott said. 

Harrison’s Jewelry Co. also has some holiday specials going on through Saturday, and Andrea Harrison, co-owner of the store said shopping local can make a big difference for local businesses like the jewelry shop. 

“I feel like a lot of people should feel appreciation for local businesses,” Harrison said. “We support the other businesses in the area. Ephrata is a pretty small town and so I feel like we are more connected. This shop is our livelihood, our customers are our family and friends, versus if you buy from a box store, you're just another sale.”  

1:49 Designs will have custom Valentine’s Day T-shirts for the rest of the week. Owner Tina Laugen said people can come in, pick a design and she will print it and send it home with you, same day. It’s a special, custom item that adds a bespoke flare to the holiday, all while supporting a local shop. 

“We would love it if you shopped locally on this love day,” Scott said. 

    Custom T-shirts and items made on the spot for loved ones is a way to add a personal flare to Valentine's Day. Additionally, getting an experience at a day spa or other business, especially a couple's spa session, can add a bit of romance to the holiday.