According to a new study from FinanceBuzz, the cost of buying a classic dozen red roses for Valentine’s Day continues to climb—and Connecticut shoppers are definitely feeling it, even if we’re not getting hit as hard as some other states. FinanceBuzz looked at flower prices across the country to give people a realistic idea of what they’ll spend on one of the most traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, and the results show that romance isn’t exactly getting cheaper.

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Red roses have long been the unofficial symbol of Valentine’s Day. They’re timeless, expected, and for many people, still the go-to move when February 14 rolls around. To figure out what that gesture actually costs in 2026, FinanceBuzz gathered pricing from florists and flower shops in every state and averaged the results. Nationwide, the average price for a dozen long-stem red roses now sits just over $93, marking another increase from last year and continuing a trend that’s been building for several years.

Here in Connecticut, the average price for a dozen roses comes in at $86.64. That puts us below the national average, which is a small win for local romantics, especially when you look at how expensive roses have become elsewhere. Some states are charging well over $100 for the same bouquet, largely due to factors like shipping costs, climate, and regional pricing differences.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know About the I-95 Morning Show After Dark Coming to Newtown 

The most expensive states to buy a dozen roses this Valentine’s Day include:

1. Hawaii
2. Kansas
3. Texas
4. Montana
5. North Dakota
6. Maine
7. New York
8. Vermont
9. Washington
10. Wyoming

FinanceBuzz also found that rose prices have increased every year since 2023, adding up to a jump of more than 16 percent nationwide. In other words, if buying flowers feels more expensive than it used to, that’s because it is.

For Connecticut shoppers, the takeaway is simple: roses are still a popular and meaningful gift, but they’re no longer a small splurge. Planning ahead, shopping local, or even thinking outside the bouquet could help keep Valentine’s Day romantic without completely wrecking your wallet.

The I-95 Morning Show After Dark Lineup is Electric

I-95 Morning Show After Dark is coming! Ethan, Lou, and Large Dave are excited to bring you a live stage show at Newtown’s Edmond Town Hall on Friday, February 27th.

Experience the Morning Show like never before in a full variety-style production.

It’s going to be an unforgettable night of comedy, music, and pure chaos. Let's take a look at some of our special guests and get ready to rage in unison. 

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Darien’s Tokeneke Neighborhood: A Look at Its Famous Residents

Everyone knows Connecticut is packed with wealth, but some towns take it to another level. Greenwich and Darien, for example, act as ultra-wealthy enclaves inside the already rich cocoon of the state. And within those towns, there are neighborhoods that feel like even bigger bubbles of money. Tokeneke, in Darien, is one of those neighborhoods. According to a 2024 Forbes report, Tokeneke is the wealthiest neighborhood in all of Connecticut. It’s the kind of place where private peninsulas and islands stretch into Long Island Sound.

This wealthy enclave has also attracted its share of celebrities over the years. Here’s a look at five notable faces connected to Tokeneke.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Top 10 Chain Restaurants with the Most Locations in Connecticut

The other day the boys and I were talking about KFC’s new “gravy flights,” and it got me wondering—do you know which fast-food chain has the most locations in Connecticut? None of us did, so I looked it up.

The top of the list is mostly what you’d expect, but there are a few surprises. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Chain Restaurants with the Most Locations in Connecticut according to Stacker

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

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