Settlement offers up a little decadence
Last year, Naper Settlement celebrated Valentine's Day with an event that was -- by name -- a little bittersweet.
It's all milk chocolatey goodness this year as the museum village celebrates love, romance and bon bons in its first Sweet Indulgence Weekend. The event replaces last year's Bittersweet History of Chocolate.
"It's more aligned with Valentine's Day," said Nancy Smith, the settlement's education manager. "All of the activities are centered around things that are traditional -- chocolates and candles."
The weekend starts with a lesson in pairing fine chocolates with specialty teas. A representative from the Naperville-based Serenitea Tea Cafe will talk about the history of both sensual treats at noon Saturday. Visitors will be invited to nibble and sip samples, Smith said.
The tea-and-chocolate program will be repeated at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
The latest in candle-making, soy wax candles, will be featured during a presentation by Wayfarer Candle Company owner Mike Peek at 1 p.m. Saturday and 3:15 p.m. Sunday.
"He's going to tell us what candles have been made out of through the years," Smith said.
The music of love will be celebrated with romantic ballads performed by Cloud 9, an a cappella group from Waubonsie Valley High School, from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday in Century Memorial Chapel.
In addition to scheduled events, visitors will find several attractions going on throughout the weekend, Smith said.
Hot chocolate tasting inside the log house will be presided over by Cathy Bouchard, owner of Le Chocolat Bar, a Naperville chocolate shop.
And workers in the blacksmith shop will demonstrate their skill by forging metal roses while interpreters in the print shop will offer Valentine's Day cards with historical messages.
Movie buffs who know their "Sleepless in Seattle" from their "An Affair to Remember" might score well on the romantic movie quiz being given at the Copenhagen schoolhouse.
"Students" also can challenge themselves with a quiz on famous romantic literature, Smith said.
For those curious about dating rituals popular in days gone by, Smith said a trip to the 1800s-era Martin Mitchell Mansion would be in order.
"They're going to be talking about Victorian courting practices," she said.
And for those looking for an especially sweet Valentine's Day experience, an old-fashioned tasting station will feature samples of candy historically produced in the Chicago area. These include Butterfingers, Tootsie Rolls, Atomic Fireballs, Milk Duds, Cracker Jack and Frango Mints.
"Chicago," Smith said, "has a long history in the candy industry."
If you go
What: Sweet Indulgence Weekend
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Cost: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5.50 for youth; no advance registration required
Info: (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.museum