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Prince George's merchants hope couples looking to share their love will also share their wealth this Valentine's Day, despite the recession.

"All indicators from calls asking for information suggest we should be busy," said Fred Rosenthal, one of the owners of Jasper's Restaurants, headquartered in Beltsville. "This is our busiest time of the year."

Still, Rosenthal said he anticipates diners will order less expensive items and opt for two glasses of wine versus a bottle.

Other restaurant managers predict no change from last year.

"I don't think [the economy] will make much of a difference," said Ashley Robinson, an assistant manager at Ruby Tuesday in Clinton. The restaurant chain just started taking reservations, including Valentine's Day reservations, in January. Robinson said 10 couples have already booked tables.

Darlene Simmers, store manager at Kay Jewelers in Bowie, said people have not scaled back on the traditional Valentine's stone, diamonds. She said a favorite item this year has been the chain's heavily advertised Jane Seymour Open Heart Collection, sterling silver designs available with or without diamonds and also available in white gold.

"It's not as much volume as last year, but people are buying," she said.

Michael Hasnein, manager of Diamond Jewelry in Greenbelt, tells a different story, saying people are buying more $49 or $99 items rather than more expensive items as in years past.

Hotels are trotting out specials. For its first Valentine's Day, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor in Oxon Hill has three specials for couples. The one-night bookings may include champagne, chocolate and fruit fondue, free self-parking and free appetizers, depending on the package. Gaylord's Old Hickory Steakhouse Restaurant and Pienza Italian Market are also offering themed dining packages.

Gaylord spokeswoman Amie Gorrell said the hotel specials have been selling well and have exceeded expectations, with reservations for the Old Hickory dinners more than half filled.

Four Points by Sheraton in New Carrollton is running a special in conjunction with Jericho City of Praise in Landover, inviting couples to renew their wedding vows through a Marry Me Again event. The event runs from Thursday through Saturday and includes a two-night stay at Four Points.

Parvez Ahmed, general manager of Four Points, said the package is a result of management's "guerrilla sale tactics" and has garnered reservations for 38 percent of the hotel's 197 rooms, up from 30 percent last year. This is the first year Four Points is offering the Marry Me Again special. Ahmed anticipates 50 percent occupancy by Valentine's Day.

Local florists said it is too early to tell if the recession will leave much of a dent in their sales this weekend, but most remain optimistic.

"I don't think anybody will stop buying roses because of this," said Joy Thorpe, manager of Bowie Florist. "Valentine's Day is typically a last-minute thing, so hopefully it will pick up."