Warm Valentine’s Day draws South Bend couples out for sweets, simple dates

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A warm Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday brought couples out across South Bend, many opting for simple outings and sweet treats to mark the holiday.

At the popular South Bend Chocolate Cafe, pairs lined up for chocolate, coffee and ice cream. Nationally, Americans are expected to spend a record $29.1 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation, but some local couples said they were focused less on money and more on time together.

Dani Cruz and Leo Torres, who have been dating for four months, kept their celebration casual.

“We got spicy chips, drinks and then chocolate,” Cruz said. The pair spent the afternoon building Legos in the cafe.

Others chose low-cost activities outdoors, taking advantage of the mild weather.

Jennica Weaver and Nicholas Meyer, who have been dating for two months, planned to go fishing.

“Go to one of the rivers, see if we can get any catfish, bluegill,” Meyer said.

Dustin Fritz and Ashley Moore, married for three years, said they planned to spend the day walking around town and sightseeing after stopping for their favorite ice cream. The cafe has become a regular destination for the couple and their dog.

“I started off just being a guy that gave her a ride to work,” Fritz said of how their relationship began. “Over time there she kind of grew on me and I kind of grew on her.”

For Liam Riggs and Grace Kazmierzak, who enjoyed a lunch at the cafe, the holiday started with coffee and careful planning.

“I think this will be the best one,” Riggs said. “This is the one that we planned the most for.”

The couple said it wasn’t love at first sight. They met during a summer gym program at school, where Riggs initially turned Kazmierzak down.

“I rejected her because I thought I was too weird,” Riggs said with a laugh.

Riggs later asked her to a dance, and their relationship grew from there.

Whether sharing chocolate, casting fishing lines or strolling downtown, couples across South Bend embraced the unseasonably warm weather — and each other — on a Valentine’s Day made for getting out and celebrating together.