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It’s not too late to make plans for Valentine’s Day here in the tiniest town (in the tiniest county, oh, you know the drill).

Grab a lovely bouquet from The Greenery on Water Street (they’ll be open til 7ish for flower pick-ups after work tomorrow) or some fine jewelry from MUSE. If you’re in the market for chocolates or other gifts, The Wooden Midshipman has your back with artisan confections from Nunu chocolatier in Brooklyn.

If you’ve waited until now to make reservations, first off, let us give you a little raised eyebrow and maybe smirk a bit. Seriously? It’s Monday! But not to fear.

Trafford Restaurant on Water Street is offering a scrumptious-looking prix fixe menu tomorrow (including a bottle of wine!); call now and you may just grab a table before they are all booked up. Or, check out the newest additions to Warren’s dining scene: grab a romantic spot at the bar at the casual new hang out The Square Peg, or be one of the first to glimpse the beautifully restored interior (and mouth watering dessert case) over at the new Simply Devine (in the former Nat Porter Inn, at 125 Water Street).

The middle of February is a great time for parties, we always supposed, because the weather is so dreary and grey and cold and everyone needs a little pick-me-up. Nothing combats winter blues like a little bubbly, a sale, some socializing, or some good music. This year, though, we have gorgeous weather… and more parties than ever. Obviously we were wrong about the causality of that relationship. And that’s just fine with us.

First off, we have a party at Blue Suede on Thursday, Feb. 9th at 6pm, a “Be Fine” Valentine’s Event with raffles, treats, vendors, and tarot card readings! And if you’re in the mood for even more culture, check out the latest show from Warren artist William Schaff and Warren favorite CW Roelle, both at the Knight Campus Art Gallery at CCRI. The opening reception for Comfort & Loss opens at 4:30 with an artist talk at 5:30, but you can catch the show there until February 29th.

Next, two Friday night soirees to kick off the weekend: Bubbles, Baubles, and Books at The Wooden Midshipman at 5pm, followed by Songs in the Key of Love at 7pm, an evening of music by Joyce Katzberg to raise funds for the George Hail Public Library. Grab a gift for your sweetie and a glass of champagne at The Wooden Midshipman (where they’ll also have discount vouchers for a bouquet from The Greenery, redeemable on Feb. 14th), and then up to Main Street to enjoy some good tunes for a good cause. 

On Saturday, Feb. 11th, the place to be is Woof! Woof! for a “Smooch Your Pooch” event, featuring a photo booth, prizes, and treats for both humans and doggies, with proceeds benefiting the Bristol Animal Shelter.

That evening, enjoy folk music by Allysen Callery and Kim Lamothe (with special guest Haunt the House) at the Church Street Coffeehouse, starting at 7:30pm. $10, with refreshments available.

Anyone aware of other events happening around town (or in our immediate vicinity)? Leave tips in the comments below!

A few fun things happening this week at local shops.

First up, Finders Keepers hosts a body + mind wellness event:

Second up, Blue Suede hosts a fabulous Renewal event with local sponsors and all kinds of awesome stuff, tomorrow! Check out the event here.

Third up, remember to buy your tickets to Brown Bird’s upcoming show at The Met. That’s January 26th. Oh, and you can buy tickets to shows at The Met by visiting Warren’s very own In Your Ear (http://www.facebook.com/InYourEarRecords). A Warren win double whammy, yes?

As always, if anyone has fantastic local events to share, please contact us at info@discoverwarren.com. We are happy to post relevant hot tips!

Looking for something to do this week?

Look no further.

Becky Chase at the Church Street Coffeehouse

Finder’s Keepers Celebration of Hope & Light

Sunday, Dec 11th from 11am to 6pm, stop by Finder’s Keepers for a little retail therapy.

Warren Artists’ Happy Hour!

The Warren Arts Initiative will host another “Artists’ Happy Hour” on Thursday December 8th, 2011 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cutler Mill Gallery space (2nd floor), room 220.

Creative people (that’s all arts, design, writers, music, dance, theatre, etc. people) who live or work in Warren are invited to attend this free event (but there’s a suggested $2 donation).

The night will include delicious food by the Preppy Pig BBQ, refreshments, music by Stevie Lightnin’, a door prize, and a brief discussion about past and upcoming art-related news and events. Discussion will include: “Art Night” — a new joint initiative in 2012 by the Warren Arts Initiative (WAI) and Bristol Independent Galleries (BIG), the Town of Warren business license status, and results of a WAI survey of Warren’s creative community.

Questions relating to this event, WAI or Art Night, should contact organizers by email: warrencreatives@yahoo.com

Santa at Luca Boutique!

Stop by Luca Boutique on Saturday, December 10th at 11am. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and take your own photos with Santa!

This Friday at 5pm: Warren Wonderland! Come support local shops and small businesses and be treated to holiday cheer, drinks and nibbles, and sales and specials!

Plus, we’re holding a Gift Card Giveaway. Every $10 you spend at a participating shop or eatery enters you to win a basket of gift certificates from Warren establishments, worth hundreds of dollars! Restaurants, gym memberships, shops and galleries… give the certificates as gifts or spend them on yourself!

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Bristol Warren Education Foundation, a great local cause we are thrilled to support.

Discover Warren shops will be open until 8pm every Friday in December, and each night will benefit a local charity. But the Gift Card Giveaway is only happening THIS Friday, December 2nd, so gather some friends, grab a few cocktails, and hit the streets!