Your mate bounds into the room, somersaults over the couch, and yells, “Honey, I got us tickets to the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, on February 3! Let’s spend the weekend!” From here, it can go two ways — you’re either thrilled and join in the celebratory dance or you continue flipping those pancakes with a creeping sensation about what happened the last time you attended a sporting event. It wasn’t good.

For argument’s sake, let’s assume the less-than-excited partner is a non-sporty female and she’s wondering, “Where the heck is Glendale, Arizona? It sounds terrible.” Well, it used to be there wasn’t much to do in The Glen, but that’s fast becoming ancient history. Along with an Antique Row that rivals any in the state, Glendale is the home of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and, of course, Super Bowl XLII.

Well, gentlemen, if you've got a non-football-fan romantic partner indulging you on Super Bowl weekend, why not return the favor? We’ve got just the event for you: the Glendale Chocolate Affaire, where you can experience a romantic renaissance at the lavish annual soiree. Whimsical horse-drawn carriages will tour Glendale’s quaint historic district, authors of paperback bodice-rippers will sign their books and offer free writing workshops, and you’ll be able to explore the coolest confectionery around — Cerreta Candy Company — at no charge. And let’s not forget the aphrodisiacal qualities of live entertainment, gourmet dining, fancy beverages, and — have we mentioned chocolate yet? Hey, even defensive linemen like to relax with a pound or two of the sweet stuff.