What's Happening
Chocolate, wine and free samples. These are a few of my favorite things. Black Dinah Chocolatiers offers samples of their excellent chocolate and Browne Trading brings the rare ports for pairing.
5 to 7 p.m. Thursday | Free | Browne Trading Market, Portland
The three-day La Fete d'Hiver includes art and live music, a crepe breakfast, poutine and pork pie at local restaurants, and an ice bar at Run of the Mill. Snow is being trucked in so people can sled down Maine Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Plus snow volleyball, snow shoeing and "Angry Birds Live."
Friday, Saturday & Sunday | Most activities free | Downtown Biddeford
Watch two-person, three-person, four-person and experimental categories during the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. The three-day schedule includes a bonfire, food vendors, music, a chowder challenge, fireworks over Camden Harbor, children's activities, mechanical bull rides and a pancake breakfast.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday | Free to spectate | Camden Snow Bowl
Pray for snow. The Snowman Adventure Race is a two-person relay that starts and ends with a sled ride down the East End hill. One person bikes Back Cove before passing the baton to her teammate who runs 2.25 miles. They both sled to the finish. Costumes, awards, after party at Bull Feeneys.
11 a.m. Saturday | $50 | East End hill, Portland
Portland Polar Dip
Noon Saturday | $100 in pledges | East End beach, Portland
 The Great Chili and Chowder Challenge will please even the most serious of chili aficionados. Attendees sample over 30 chilis and chowders from Maine chefs, then vote on their favorite. Proceeds benefit Altrusa International.
12:20 to 3 p.m. Sunday | $20/$17.50 in advace | Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland
There's love in the air - or is that just a ghostly presence? Seek out the paranormal during the Midnight Explore Valentine's Ghost Hunt. Bring a date or pick one up from beyond the grave. Dinner included.
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday | $45 | Rufus Flye House, Damariscotta
 Express yourself through paint...on a mug or large serving platter during Paint by Candlelight. You can also bring your own beer, wine and snacks.
5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday | $5 plus cost of whatever you paint | Color Me Mine, Portland
Want more VALENTINE'S DAY ideas?
>> A Dozen Valentine's Day Diversions
Movies
Safe House
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The Vow
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This Means War
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| A young CIA agent is tasked with looking after a fugitive in a safe house. |
A woman suffers a severe loss of memory and her husband endeavors to win her heart again.
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Two friends & covert agents fall for the same woman, they launch an epic battle to win her heart.
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News Pile
10 Things You Should Know About Wine for Valentine's Day
Chipotle dos: Chipotle to open second Maine restaurant February 21 in Westbrook
Maine Historical Society Programs to Celebrate Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 205th Birthday
James Taylor coming to Cumberland County Civic Center June 24, tickets on sale Feb. 10
Goodwill to open buy the pound warehouse outlet in Gorham Feb. 16
more >>
Blogs
 POORtland Picks
Fashion from Africa, toboggan time and a Sunday for the ladies
This week, unwind during your lunch hour on Thursday by attending the Portland Conservatory of Music's Noonday Concert.
more >
 Out loud voice
Say what you mean, get something very different
If you text, you have been auto-corrected.
more >
 Pans on fire
What's the French word for "alien brains"? Roasted Brussels sprouts
Inspiration comes from choux de bruxelles.
more >
 Maine through my lens
Juggling in Monument Square
I came across David Bruenjes, 22, and Abbeth Russell, 24, juggling in Monument Square.
more >
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Valentine's Day inspires such thoughtful flower-sending, feeling-sharing and chocolate-eating. And bitterness. Whether a lover or a love hater, you have to spend V-Day somehow.
>> A Dozen Valentine's Day Diversions
MAMM SLAM, a high school battle of the bands, is looking for hard-rocking young bands from across the state to compete this spring.
>> MAMM SLAM 2012
GO
Thursday, February 9
Portland Press Herald
Dining Guide
Terra Cotta Pasta, South Portland
First, let me warn you not to be too hungry when you go to Terra Cotta Pasta in South Portland. The aroma that slams your senses when you walk in might just make you swoon.
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Styxx, Portland
Disco lights were already flashing and the DJ had music playing loud, but no one was quite ready to dance. The crowd huddled around the bar or played beer pong in the back room.
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Seen
Some of the best Cajun cooks in Portland showed off their skills, and crowds of hungry people showed up and voted for their favorite eats during the WMPG Fat Tuesday Cajun Cookin' Challenge. [Photos by Karen Beaudoin]
Photos: Fat Tuesday Cajun Cookin' Challenge
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