The day that all significant others dread, Feb. 14, is upon us once again. The perfect Valentine’s date seems unachievable, especially for a college student. Fortunately for students at the University of Scranton, the city provides many opportunities for romance and love on a budget.

On the morning of Valentine’s Day, take a visit down Mulberry Street to Mulberry Bush, a hidden gem less than half a mile from campus. Mulberry Bush is a local florist with fair prices, helpful staff and high-quality flowers available for delivery and pick up. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Flowers are the perfect way to start your significant other’s day with a surprise.

Make your way over to 715 Cedar Ave. next to see love in full bloom. A five-minute drive will take you to the Garden of Cedar, a fully functioning urban garden in the heart of Scranton. You and your significant other can absorb the love of Scranton as you walk through a garden of hearts each inscribed with their own love note.

A short distance from the Garden of Cedar is Nay Aug Park, where you can spend the next portion of your afternoon walking through beautiful nature. With sights like the David Wenzel Treehouse, the Nay Aug Gorge and the Paul Kanjorski Bridge, there are plenty of opportunities to sneak a kiss and snap corny couple photos. After burning an appetite on the two-mile Davis trail, stop in the Blackwatch Café for a sweet treat to finish your hike.

After a fun-filled day of activities, take a ride to Dickson City and get dinner at Colarusso’s Coal Fired Pizza. The pizzeria offers a heart-shaped coal oven pizza as their Valentine’s Day specialty. With delicious appetizers and tasty drinks, Colarusso’s is the place to take your significant other for an enriching dining experience.

The last stop on your perfect Valentine’s Day itinerary brings you back to campus, where you can order Crumbl Cookies in their newly branded red Valentine’s Day box. You deserve a sweet treat for planning this perfect Valentine’s Day, and what’s sweeter than cookies designed from love? Munch on these tasty treats and make sure to share with your single friends to celebrate all the love in your life.

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