"Valentine's Day is certainly the biggest day in February for lovers, but not for restaurants, " he says.

WSJ: Bruce Palling on Food: Where's the Love? Chefs Dread the V Word

They crave the sense of connection, the inherently communal experience, of hearing real people breathe life into centuries-old compositions: the venerated composers, modern-day musicians and generations of music-lovers, all united in the expression of raw human emotion through art.

WHITEHOUSE: The Ambition to Inspire All

The privately held Las Vegas company (whose name comes from the Spanish word for shoe) gets raves from shoe lovers for its fast, free shipping--90% of orders arrive the next business day--and a 365-day return policy that allows footwear fans to order a bunch of shoes, try them on and return those that don't suit or fit.

FORBES: A Step Ahead

For lovers of rare books and manuscripts, the Library of Congress is an enchanting place to spend the day.

FORBES: A Library Thomas Jefferson Would Love

When eating a brownie one day, he says he realized the corner brownies were the best (middle-brownie lovers will disagree) and recruited his now-wife, in school to be a pastry chef, to brainstorm with him.

WSJ: Those With Specific Tastes Play Favorites With Food