Valentine’s Day arrives this week and, if gas station roses don’t really express the depth of your love, The Ticker offers a few creative (and local) suggestions.

Sweets for the sweet. For the traditionalist, take the sugar buzz to a whole new level. Grand Traverse Pie features Cherry Ganache Pie this month, and the Underground Cheesecake Company offers a heart topped Valentine’s Cheesecake on a Stick.

There is nothing is as classic as a love letter. Put your thoughts and dreams on beautiful nature-themed cards and paper from world renowned artist Gwen Frostic.

Take your sweetie to a show. The Dennos Museum Center presents Kuniko Yamamoto on Friday, February 22 at 8 pm. In coordination with the opening of a new exhibition, this show uses traditional Japanese music, masks, movement and a touch of magic to create an artistic balance of illusion and reality.

Make a valentine video love story with Home Video Studio. Combine photos, videos and music to create your very own personalized love story.

Surprise your loved one, family or friends with a Singing Valentine from either the Grand Traverse Show Chorus or from the talented teens at Central High.

Give an unconventional (but sure to be much appreciated) gift this year from Happy Daisy Cleaning. This service uses non-toxic, earth friendly cleaning products to make your house spotless. Ticker readers will save $10 off their first cleaning.

Rejuvenate together with a couples massage offered by Living Light Massage. This side by side treatment provides therapeutic results while you spend some quality time together.

If the love of your life enjoys an occasional cigar or pipe, visit Nolan’s Tobacconist to select a cigar to fit anyone’s taste or a gift card so they can select their own.

Show your love for the earth with a compost bucket. If you live in downtown TC, junior entrepreneur Carter Schmidt will bring you a bucket and pick up your food scraps each week. Bonus benefits include fresh compost for your garden and less trash in landfills.

GT Wine Tours offers chauffeured wine tours seven days a week on either Leelanau or Old Mission Peninsula.

Seeking the hottest gift around, book a boudoir photography session from Leah Renee Photography. Each session is catered to the individual.

Give yourself or your Valentine the gift of confidence and empowerment through the beauty of movement with belly dancing lessons. Classes are available for those of all fitness levels and abilities at Crystal Bindi Studios.

And if all else fails, remember diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Local jeweler James C. Smith’s Peninsula Pendant includes a diamond to mark your favorite spot in the state, while both Federico's and Miner's North offer classic and contemporary favorites at several price ranges.