For lovers of the finer things ......

For lovers of the finer things ...

Bohemians are few and far between in Huntington Beach, where the

surfer is king and mainstream music his soundtrack of choice. But

hidden beneath a layer of surf culture, you can find a smattering of

truly artistic exhibits, shops and eateries.

THE DATE

* 9 a.m.: Skip that home brew on this special day and perk up the

senses with double cappuccinos while admiring the local artwork on

the walls of La Luna, a neighborhood coffee shop on Orange Avenue and

11th Street.

* 11 a.m.: From there, cruise over to Bookman, a large used

bookstore on Beach Boulevard and Garfield Avenue. There, you’ll find

piles and piles of old books strewn across the floors and countertops

and two African gray parrots perched in cages behind the front desk.

It’s a romantic haven for the bookish sort. Grab William

Wordsworth or Pablo Neruda, available in the poetry section, where

you’ll also find a large selection of Walt Whitman and Robert

Browning. Make a quick stop at Trader Joe’s nearby for a bottle of

wine and a quick lunch to go. Maybe grab a sandwich next door at Java

City (the rosemary chicken on honey wheat is divine). Take her to a

grassy spot and serenade each other with poetry. Try e.e. cummings’

“i carry your heart with me” or T.S. Eliot’s “A Dedication to My

Wife.”

* 1 p.m.: Declare your devotion by making her (or him) a

hand-painted coffee mug at Color Me Mine. Each morning, there will be

a reminder of this special day. You can also choose from a selection

of pots, vases, platters and ceramic animals to design and paint.

Express your love in bold, primary colors or opt for the mellow hues

for a more tender expression.

* 4 p.m.: If that paint isn’t permanent enough for you, visit the

tattoo parlor for a name-branding session. If the traditional “Johnny

and Mary forever” is too cheesy for you, try something different.

Tattoo each other’s names on unseen body parts in Japanese, Sanskrit

or hieroglyphics.

* 7 p.m. Toast your lasting love with a glass of Saki at Kikuya

on Adams Avenue and dine your style, with an assortment of sushi

rolls. Watch the wasabi, it’s hot, just like your romance.

Dance the night away to Robert Kyle, a Latin Brazilian jazz

performer.