Candy, flowers, and poetry—that’s how we traditionally think about Valentine’s Day, and it hasn’t changed much since Geoffrey Chaucer was writing about love in the 14th century.

But like all origin stories, this Hallmark holiday’s history is more complicated than it seems. The real St. Valentine, a 3rd century Roman Catholic priest, ran afoul of the pagan ruler Claudius II by conducting secret marriage ceremonies for soldiers who wished to tie the knot with their ladies. (Claudius II, in an effort to keep his soldiers focused on the martial arts rather than the marital, forbade his soldiers to marry.) Needless to say, Valentine ended up in prison, where he distinguished himself by caring for fellow inmates, before he was executed on Feb. 14, year 270. (Proving the axiom that no good deed goes unpunished.) 

Today, we honor St. Valentine in ways far less fraught, but a bit more fun than the basic chocolate box plus teddy bear combo. This week's Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, highlights 14 lovely events for couples, friends, and families to enjoy in northern Michigan over the next two weeks. The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy on newsstands at nearly 700 spots in 14 counties across northern Michigan.