Chocolate, gifts, an exchange of cards—it must be Saint Valentine’s Day. But wait—this festive holiday has some dark roots: Historians believe Valentine’s Day actually began in Ancient Rome as a pagan fertility festival called Lupercalia, with the celebration dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Roman founders Romulus and Remus. According to History.com, the day was celebrated with activities that included sacrificing animals and whipping women with animal skins until they bled, signifying their fertility. But that’s all behind us now, we even buy our pets a Valentine’s treat! For most us, we head out for a dining adventure to share with the one we love. We have assembled a small selection of our favorite places this day or any other for your consideration.
